How to Get Services

Ability Beyond > Programs & Services > How to Get Services

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At Ability Beyond we understand that finding the supports that you or your loved ones need can be challenging and we are here to help in any way we can. Based on the unique requirements and expectations of each person we work with, we will tailor our services to best fulfill all individual goals. True to our service philosophy of person-centered planning, each person will be provided with a comprehensive assessment and customized recommendation that will ensure the most beneficial service placement.

Step 1.

First, let’s determine your funding status

Yes, I have funding
If you have funding, let’s start your application.

No, I do not have funding

What do you mean by funding sources?

A cost is attached to all programs and services. Although private pay is an option this commitment is often expensive and short term. With many conditions requiring long-term treatment and various treatments, federal and state departments have pockets of funding in place for the long term. This is known as your “funding source” or “funder”.

Who do I call for funding?

Connecticut

At age 18 an individual with a disability should apply to the Department of Social Services (DSS), for Medicaid/Title 19 and Social Security Entitlements. Visit website
It is imperative that your son/daughter be eligible for Medicaid in order to receive Department of Developmental (DDS) Vocational or Day Program funding upon high school graduation.
Visit website

New York

Services for people with developmental disabilities are available through the New York state Office for People with Developmental Services (OPWDD). Visit website

If you do not have funding yet, here are some additional information that will help you find the funding you need:

Funding sources in Connecticut
Funding sources in New York

National Program Affiliation: What is Ticket to Work?

Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program. Visit website

Step 2.

Evaluation Process

Once your inquiry has been received, we will conduct an evaluation to determine our ability to provide you with the services you need. We will contact you for your evaluation in approximately 3-5 days.

Step 3.

Service Placement

Once Information and Referral receives your on-line inquiry or a referral packet from a case manager, service coordinator or school district, our staff reviews the information at hand and determines which services are the right fit for you. Once this review has taken place one of our staff members will contact you to discuss the next steps. Because of the high volume of inquiries, please allow up to 3-5 business days for a response to your inquiry.

What is a Service Coordinator?

Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) is a Medicaid State Plan service provided by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) which assists persons with developmental disabilities in gaining access to necessary services and supports appropriate to the needs of the individual. MSC is provided by qualified service coordinators and uses a person-centered planning process in developing, implementing, and maintaining an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) with and for a person with developmental disabilities. MSC promotes the concepts of choice, individualized services and supports, and consumer satisfaction.

Through the Department of Health (DOH), Service Coordination is an individually designed intervention which provides primary assistance to the waiver applicant/participant in gaining access to needed waiver and Medicaid State Plan services, as well as other local, state and federally funded educational, vocational, social, medical and any other services. These interventions are expected to result in assuring the waiver participant’s health and welfare and increasing independence, integration and productivity. The Service Coordinator (SC) will assist the applicants/participants in obtaining and coordinating the services that are necessary to return to or remain in the community.

MSC or SC are a New York Requirement only.

Apply Now

For the services you need

Need further assistance?

Feel free to contact us!
Phone: (203) 826-3072
Email: Beth.Molinaro@abilitybeyond.org

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Did You Know

Ability Beyond helps people with varying disabilities, including but not limited to: Developmental Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Traumatic/Acquired Brain Injury, Physical Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Alzheimer's Disease, Learning Disabilities and Mental Illness (CT only).

Funding sources are varied and we can provide assistance during the application process.

Private pay is also accepted.

Ability Beyond provides services throughout Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven and Hartford Counties in CT and Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties in NY.

Still Have Questions?

What are the wait times for services?

Wait times for services vary based on the availability of services requested, program staffing and agency growth.

At what age does Ability Beyond begin helping those in need?

The age of population Ability Beyond serves depends on the program the individual is requesting.

What is an entitlement?

An entitlement is the right to guaranteed financial benefits under a government program, such as Social Security.

What type of funding is available for me?

Although governmental programs have established entitlement amounts, many variables are factored in based on individual diagnosis, requested services and personal finances.

Is funding eligibility the same in all states?

While federal programs are similar, state and local resources and requirements vary state-by-state.

Is in-state residency required to receive services from Ability Beyond?

Yes, Ability Beyond operates in Connecticut and New York. The funding a person receives is strictly based on their diagnosis and state residency; yes, they must be a resident of a particular state before they can even apply for funding from that state Services are provided by our agency in the state from which the funding is distributed Connecticut or New York.

Does Ability Beyond have financial counselors?

No, Ability Beyond doesn’t have financial counselors. Ability Beyond has an Information & Referral Department. I&R is responsible for the verification of all funding. I&R directs families to funding sources and provides general information regarding possible eligibility.