AHRC Nassau

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are happy to inform you that we have received guidelines and approval to move forward with a reopening plan for day program.

Over the past few months, AHRC Nassau administrators and staff have worked diligently on preparations for reopening, when safe to do so. We’ve modified environments, adopted required safety measures, procured necessary equipment, and created policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of the people we support.

New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has set requirements for this reopening, and we will share a brief overview. One standard addresses social distancing, requiring 6 feet of physical space between people supported and staff for the time being. In practical terms, this means we must limit the number of people on site to roughly 50% of our certified capacity. Currently, we are planning for a phase-in approach to resuming day services, beginning with the return of people who are living home with their families and have not received services since the program’s closure.

People living in an AHRC-certified residence will continue to receive day services from their residence, with one significant update. Community outings are no longer restricted. Our service will include outings to low-risk areas such as beaches and parks as part of available activities. In addition, people supported may visit with friends from their hub site in an outdoor setting, following proper social distance protocols.

This phased-in approach to site-based day program services will meet OPWDD requirements and provide everyone with the opportunity to participate in services. We will share all new guidance relating to day program as it becomes available. It is our utmost goal to ensure that everyone can return to program sites and safely resume their normal routines.

Sincerely,