Aspire of Western New York offers services for children and adults with special needs. Serving all of Buffalo and WNY, Aspire offers community support, habilitation, and living services for all individuals with developmental disabilities.
Our History in Western New York
Aspire of Western New York has been serving special needs individuals for years, starting out back in the 1950’s as the Cerebral Palsy Association of Western New York. In 2003, recognizing the changes in developmental disabilities, the Assn became known as Aspire of WNY. In addition to Erie County, Aspire serves those with special needs in Niagara County, Chautauqua County, Allegany County, and Cattaraugus County.
Services for Special Needs Individuals
Aspire of WNY offers a wide range of special needs services and programs to support individuals with developmental disabilities as well as their families and loved ones.
Vocational Services
Aspire of WNY helps to create opportunities for employment and transition services for individuals with developmental disabilities. They aim to help those with special needs to develop skills to be more independent, create personal relationships, and develop self-expression skills. Special needs vocational services are available to individuals who have graduated high school and are over the age of 18. Aspire’s vocational services for special needs individuals include community based pre-vocational services, supported employment, and employment training programs.
Healthcare
For individuals with complex disabilities, Aspire provides comprehensive special needs healthcare services at the Aspire of WNY Health Center. This is where individuals with significant special needs in WNY can go for wellness, medical evaluations, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral health. Aspire’s special needs health center accepts all major forms of insurance and offers same-day appointments.
Education
Aspire Center for Learning provides special needs educational services to students across Western New York. Educational programs that offer individualized service include early intervention, preschool, school age, and summer work skills. Aspire also offers evaluations for special needs children in areas such as education, psychology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and more.
Community & Independent Living
Aspire offers a variety of special needs community & independent living opportunities throughout WNY. Our Individual Residential Alternatives offer opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to live in an environment consistent with their need for support. The Residential Opportunities division at Aspire strives to offer our residents the ability to live in gorgeous settings, enjoy independence, and develop life-long friendships.
Housing
Aspire of WNY offers special needs housing opportunities throughout Erie and Chautauqua County. Our Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) certified living arrangements are available in settings such as apartments, small homes, and large homes in rural and suburban communities. Residents will be supported with a person-centered approach in order to meet health and safety needs.
Respite & Recreation
Aspire offers a number of special needs recreational programs to both children and adults with developmental disabilities. After-school respite provides young adults aged 3 to 18 with fun activities such as baking, arts and crafts, and outdoor games. Hourly respite care allows families to take a break or run errands by having a member of Aspire’s staff come to their home.
Call Aspire of WNY for Assistance
If you live in Buffalo or Western New York and have a loved one with special needs, please don’t hesitate to call or contact Aspire. We have a multitude of services that can help you, your loved one, and your family and friends live a happy and healthy daily life.