About HCBS

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

At Chemlu Developmental Disabilities Center, we are proud to provide Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) under the New York State Children’s Waiver for youth ages 0–21.

Our mission

  • Help individuals with developmental, emotional, or medical challenges.

  • Supporting their growth, independence, and overall well-being.

Family support program helping children build independence through play
Services We Provide

HCBS Programs at Chemlu

Respite Services

Our Respite program offers structured, goal-oriented support for children and teens—while giving families a break from caregiving responsibilities.

  • Respite staff are carefully trained and vetted to provide consistent, culturally aware, and engaging care.

  • They help clients work on targeted goals through meaningful activities while building a trusted, supportive connection.

Parent helping child develop motor and learning skills through play

Pre-Vocational Services

We support youth in identifying career goals, developing job-readiness skills, and preparing for future employment.

  • We help you with writing resumes.

  • We help you completing job applications.

  • We help you practicing interview techniques

  • We help you learning the soft skills necessary to succeed and grow in the workplace.

Support coordinators collaborating during a care planning meeting for disability services

Caregiver/Family Advocacy and Support (CFASS)

Through CFASS, our experienced staff partner with families to better understand their loved one’s needs, develop practical strategies, and strengthen communication and advocacy skills.

  • We provide guidance.

  • We provide emotional support

  • We Provide education to help families manage day-to-day challenges and build resilience.

Family counseling session supporting individuals with developmental disabilities

Community Habilitation (Com Hab)

Com Hab services promote independence by helping individuals build skills in areas they choose. Our team works alongside each client to set meaningful goals and make steady progress in their personal growth.

  • Daily living routines skills.

  • Self-care skills

  • Safety awareness skills

  • Social interaction skills.

Caregivers teaching children cooking and life skills for independent living

Crisis Respite

Crisis Respite provides short-term, immediate support for individuals experiencing emotional or behavioral crises.

  • Stabilize the situation

  • Prevent hospitalizations

  • Support families during high-stress periods in a safe, compassionate, and structured environment.

Family counseling session supporting individuals with developmental disabilities

Supportive Environmental Programming & Activities (SEMP)

We offer group-based programming that fosters socialization, skill-building, and community engagement through structured, therapeutic activities.

  • Skill-building

  • Community engagement through structured

  • Therapeutic activities

Children participating in inclusive classroom activities for developmental disability support
Child developing fine motor skills through creative art activity
Your Journey With Us

What to Expect

From the very first contact, our HCBS coordinators work closely with families to determine which services are appropriate and how often they should occur. We provide consistent communication throughout the duration of services and are always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and adjust care as needs evolve.

We also understand the importance of culturally competent care. Whenever possible, we assign staff who are familiar with the community and speak the preferred language of the individual and family, ensuring comfort, trust, and understanding in everyinteraction.

Need help with referrals, eligibility, or service planning?

Let’s discuss your family’s needs or submit a referral today.

Inclusive playtime activity helping children build social interaction skillsChild building motor skills using educational toys and therapy activitiesDecorative design element used in Chemlu website branding