WHITE PLAINS, NY – March 5, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, today announced that the Neighborhood Network of New York (NNNY) will receive $1,083,233 from the New York State Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to start anewcommunity living programfor Westchester adults with autism. The money is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Balancing Incentive Program.
“The right support can make a world of difference,” said Lowey. “This money will help autistic adults in Westchester lead productive, healthy lives. I’m immensely proud of the work NNNY will undertake, and I will continue to support initiatives that help improve the quality of life for individuals in the Lower Hudson Valley.”
NNNY will promote a new living paradigm for adults with autism by creating neighborhood support networks that lead to productive, enriched lives with greater independence. Individuals will have the opportunity to live in an apartment alone, with a roommate, or with a trained family. Apartments will be equipped with remote technology tailored to the medical needs of each person. The program will start in Westchester as a prototype for the rest of the state. Locations are currently being chosen.
“We are excited to see the program come to fruition as it will offer a unique opportunity for Westchester residents with autism to remain active and engaged in community activities, and live productive lives, just like everyone else,” said Ilene Lainer, President of New York Collaborates for Autism. “A longtime supporter of New York Collaborates for Autism and The New York-Presbyterian Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Congresswoman Nita Lowey was instrumental in making this possible, and we are grateful for her efforts.”
NNNY is a collaboration of New York Collaborates for Autism and Community Living Opportunities. The New York State Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) awarded NNNY the money as part of the HHS Balancing Incentive Program, which was created under the Affordable Care Act to improve home and community-based long-term services.
