Community Habilitation (Com Hab)

One-on-one support to help develop independent living skills within the community

Every hour is full of teachable moments

Daily life is a gold mine of valuable learning opportunities, and your resourceful DSP will make the most of each moment. Watch your loved one master skills such as grocery shopping, cooking, personal care, and money management, and see how they’re filled with a sense of purpose and confidence.

As family dynamics shift and evolve, it’s reassuring to know that your loved one is as independent as possible, ready to embrace a future filled with possibilities.

Your coordinator will work out a plan with you that makes the best use of your Com Hab hours and the resources in your community.

Who is eligible?

Participants must meet these criteria to apply for this service via Hamaspik of Kings County.

You’ll be glad to know:

  • You may choose someone who already knows and loves your child to provide Com Hab services — even a relative. That can be ideal!
  • When you prefer we match you with a perfect provider, we’ll put our unparalleled recruitment team to work for you. Using creative outreach methods, exclusive matching software, and person-to-person networking, they accommodate your needs as precisely as possible.
  • Once you begin receiving Com Hab services, you may also receive funding for supplies and incentives to help you reach your goals. The rate is calculated per hour of Com Hab services you receive. The harder you work to achieve your goals, the more help you get!

Why Pinchas loves his job

Pinchas Yakobov, DSP

I knew Eli* from around the neighborhood, so when his parents signed up to receive services through Hamaspik two years ago, and they asked me to be his worker — I agreed with the greatest of pleasure!

I always say that as much as I do for Eli, Eli does for me. He loves construction, fixing, and putting together complicated things like bicycles and motorcycles. Creative handiwork is where he excels, and it keeps me on my toes. I need to be ready and willing to try new things.

I’ve had the opportunity to communicate with several Hamaspik coordinators since I began working with Hamaspik. It’s incredible how they’re always looking to push the envelope, to do more and give more. You can tell they’re on a mission and that everything they do is truly from the heart.

Being a DSP is not an easy job — it takes a lot of patience and compassion. Not everyone can do it. But within Hamaspik, anyone I speak to makes it clear they’re in the field out of love for the people they service. No matter who I speak to, I feel the same level of dedication. I’ve never seen another organization like this!

The hearts behind the service

Joel Lefkovits

Department Director
Director of OPWDD-HCBS Services

“When I speak to the clients, many insist that they have the ‘best, most dedicated’ coordinator. Once, a mother even mentioned that she feels like the only client — that’s how much care and individual attention she receives from her coordinator.”

  • Simon GluckBoro Park Regional Manager
  • Chaya RubinWilliamsburg Regional Manager
  • Sari GottliebCrown Heights Regional Manager
  • Chava LauferFive Towns Regional Manager
  • Moshe BrandsdorferFlatbush Regional Manager

Interested in Community
Habilitation services?

If you are already OPWDD-approved, reach out and find out if this program is a fit for you. If you don't yet have an OPWDD approval, let us know — our efficient intake team will help you get started.

Note: You can begin to benefit right away, while you wait for approval! Once you start the intake process, Hamaspik can start you off with specific support programs for temporary relief.

Siblings of children with special needs have special needs, too!

Dr. Sora Yaraslowitz offers wise guidance on dealing with the emotional and practical challenges many sibs face. It’s advice you'll refer to time and again.

Thank you!

Please check your emails to find your Guide to Raising Special Siblings
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