Multi-faceted services and supports for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A COMMITMENT FOR LIFE & TO INDEPENDENCE
Since we opened our first group home in 1977, we have been focused on empowering people with autism and other developmental disabilities to reach their full potential through education, vocational training, the arts, housing, family support, and long-term therapy services.
When someone enters the world of Heartshare Developmental Disability Services, they receive our commitment: to champion and support them, to create pathways to health and stability, to help them achieve their personal definition of independence.
UNWAVERING SUPPORT & COMMUNITY
We meet New Yorkers — those we directly support, as well as their families — where they are, leading with acceptance, empathy, belief, and community.
The agency has stepped in during moments when society has too often looked away. We have continued to build trust and deliver on our mission. As a result, we continue to grow and expand to meet the needs of New York City.
Average number of children and adults with I/DD who receive support from Developmental Disability Services each year.
Adults expressed themselves creatively through Artshare, accessing voice through both paint brushes and the stage.
Preschool children with special needs who were educated at one of our five schools.
A MISSION-DRIVEN APPROACH
Everything we do is designed to remove obstacles, foster the development of skills, and allow for greater self-belief, self-advocacy, and independence.
We begin with promoting health and well-being — mental, physical and medical — through clinics, clinicians and managed care. We create stability for both children and adults via a wide range of housing solutions and community-based day programming. And we unlock futures through vocational training, job placement and access to the arts.
Congratulations to our 2025 Caring Champions.
This year, we introduced a new award at our Spring Gala. An honor focused on family members who have gone above and beyond in supporting not only their own, but others within the program. Thank you Kiara, Linda and Julia!
An Interconnected Ecosystem
We strive to connect all that we do. In order to provide the best-in-class care, our programs all flow into one another. As people with intellectual and developmental disabilities age, their needs change: this can mean additional supplemental medical intervention, or a less hands-on approach to housing.
We flex and connect to reflect the needs of the person we are supporting. Explore our programs and how they work (both individually and collectively) below.
Programs & Services
A range of supports built around the support one requires.
Grace is a kind, loving kid with a big heart. While she has struggles, she also has many strengths and a lot to give. She and I both have loved Heartshare. It was the perfect school for her.
Linda, parent of Grace, a student at the Heartshare School