The Group Day Habilitation Without Walls (WOW) Program is designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who want to develop practical life skills while actively participating in their local communities. Serving individuals throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and the other boroughs of New York City, the program takes place entirely in community settings where participants volunteer, use local amenities, and practice everyday skills in real-life environments rather than in a traditional center-based setting. The program helps individuals acquire, improve, and retain the essential life skills needed to participate successfully in their communities while promoting greater independence through a person-centered approach that recognizes each individual’s unique strengths, preferences, and personal goals.
The Core Areas of Focus
The Group Day Habilitation Without Walls (WOW) Program uses a person-centered approach to provide individualized support in the following areas:
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Hands-on instruction in everyday tasks such as cooking, personal hygiene, financial literacy, and household safety to strengthen independent living skills.
Socialization & Communication
Group interactions, communication development, social skills training, and conflict resolution activities that encourage participants to build friendships and interact confidently with others.
Functional Behavior Support
Individualized behavioral support that addresses maladaptive behaviors that may interfere with successful participation in community activities and daily routines.
Community Travel Skills
Instruction in navigating local neighborhoods and using public transportation, including buses and trains, to increase confidence when traveling within the community.
Community Integration
Supervised community outings, volunteer opportunities, and instruction in accessing public places such as libraries, parks, grocery stores, museums, and other neighborhood resources.
Door-to-Door Transportation
Transportation is provided to and from the program for each participant. Accommodations for early or late pick-up and drop-off may be available to help families maintain their daily work and personal schedules.
The Program
The program combines community participation with structured skill development to help individuals strengthen the abilities needed for greater independence and active involvement in everyday life.
The Program Provides
Participants have opportunities to develop practical skills through:
Job skills training
Volunteer opportunities within the community
Individualized skills training
Computer training
Money management instruction
Community travel training
Health education
Interpersonal skills development
Counseling support
Behavioral management support
Services and Activities
Services and activities are provided in a person-centered environment and may include:
Socialization
Participants engage in community outings and social activities such as:
- Movies
- Museums
- Dining experiences
- Theme parks
Recreation
Participants may also participate in recreational activities, including:
- Bowling
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Computer games
- Creative arts
Additional program features include:
- Door-to-door transportation
- Breakfast provided during the program
- Daily participant stipends
Program Participation Requirements
Individuals who are interested in attending the Group Day Habilitation Without Walls (WOW) Program or are seeking services for a family member should meet the following minimum participation requirements:
- OPWDD eligibility
- Age 18 years or older
- Health Home Care Coordination selection/enrollment
- HCBS Waiver eligibility and enrollment
- OPWDD Front Door attendance
What to Expect
Participants attend the program on weekdays throughout the year, except on major holidays, and spend their day participating in structured activities within community settings rather than a traditional facility. Each individual receives support through a person-centered approach that focuses on personal goals, strengths, and preferences while providing opportunities to develop practical life skills, build relationships, volunteer, and participate in community activities. Transportation is provided to and from the program, allowing participants to access services across the five boroughs of New York City while families benefit from scheduling accommodations when available.
Discover Available Community Programs
Contact us to learn more about available programs and discuss the support that best fits your needs. Our team can provide information about program options, eligibility, and the next steps for getting started.