Business Details
42 Years
experience
Disability Advocacy and Support Services in Yonkers, NY
Established in 1984, we are a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through comprehensive advocacy and community support. Our mission focuses on promoting independence, equal rights, and barrier-free living through specialized programs in health insurance counseling, housing advocacy, and long-term care services. As part of a national network of Independent Living Centers, we uniquely combine lived experience with professional expertise, operating under the leadership of individuals with disabilities. Our free services include Medicaid enrollment assistance, disability awareness education, and transition programs helping people move from institutional settings to community living.With decades of experience navigating complex healthcare systems, our team provides personalized advocacy while maintaining strict non-discrimination policies across all services. We collaborate with state agencies and community partners to ensure accessible housing solutions and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Our organization receives funding from both public and private sources while maintaining 501(c)(3) status for tax-exempt operations.
Services
Health Insurance Counseling
Disability Awareness Program
Housing Advocacy
Long-Term Care Advocacy
Transition Services
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of experience advocating for disability rights and community integration
- All services are provided free of charge to consumers with disabilities
- Organization is governed primarily by individuals with disabilities
- Specialized Medicaid enrollment and healthcare navigation expertise
- Proven success transitioning individuals from institutional to community living
Services
Health Insurance Counseling
Our health insurance counseling program provides comprehensive Medicaid enrollment assistance and healthcare navigation services. We help clients maintain coverage through public programs like Medicaid and Medicare while advocating for improved access to care. Our certified counselors specialize in resolving billing disputes and explaining complex insurance options.
Housing Advocacy
This program connects clients with affordable, accessible housing resources through personalized advocacy. We assist with eviction prevention, landlord negotiations, and housing subsidy applications while conducting regular workshops on housing rights and responsibilities. Our specialists provide one-on-one guidance for finding community-based living solutions.
Transition Services
Our transition services help individuals move from nursing homes to independent community living. The program includes housing placement assistance, home modification support, and long-term care coordination. We provide welcome home kits with essential supplies and technology to reduce social isolation during the transition process.
Disability Awareness Program
This educational initiative delivers disability awareness presentations to schools and businesses through lived experience. Our presenters with disabilities conduct workshops that challenge misconceptions and promote inclusive practices. The program includes resource referrals for transportation, legal services, and community support networks.
Long-Term Care Advocacy
We advocate for improved long-term care services through Medicaid managed care plan support. Our advocates help clients understand coverage options, resolve insurance disputes, and appeal denied healthcare decisions. The program specifically assists with home care services and medical equipment access for Medicaid beneficiaries.
People
Maria Samuels
Executive Director
Maria Samuels leads our organization with over 25 years of disability advocacy experience. She develops strategic initiatives promoting independent living while representing our mission in community partnerships and policy discussions.
Sandra Hehetror
Health Advocate
Sandra Hehetror provides expert health insurance counseling with a Master's in Public Health. She specializes in Medicaid enrollment and long-term care advocacy, helping clients navigate complex healthcare systems.
Rev. Mary Ann Watkins
Housing Advocate
Rev. Mary Ann Watkins leads our housing advocacy program with a BA in Social Work. She conducts housing workshops and provides personalized guidance to help clients secure accessible, affordable living arrangements.
Jackie Forbes
Certified Insurance Counselor
Jackie Forbes serves as our ACA Health Care Navigator with expertise in NY State of Health marketplace enrollments. She assists clients with insurance applications and explains financial assistance options for affordable coverage.
Yael Kortsarz
Housing Specialist
Yael Kortsarz manages the Olmstead Housing Subsidy program with a Master's in Music Education. She helps clients access rental subsidies and community living resources through specialized housing initiatives.
Questions
What services does WDOM offer for Medicaid recipients?
We provide Medicaid enrollment assistance, coverage maintenance support, and long-term care advocacy for Medicaid managed care beneficiaries.
Do you help with accessible housing solutions?
Yes, our housing advocacy program offers resources for finding accessible housing, resolving landlord disputes, and accessing housing subsidies.
Are services available in languages other than English?
We provide Spanish language materials and culturally competent services through our bilingual staff members.
How can I get help transitioning from a nursing home?
Our transition services assist with moving to community living through housing placement, home modifications, and welcome home kits with essential supplies.
Do you offer disability awareness training for businesses?
Yes, we conduct disability awareness presentations for commercial entities led by presenters with lived disability experience.
What are your office hours for in-person appointments?
Our Yonkers office is open for appointments Monday-Friday 9am-4pm with evening and weekend assistance available through our Navigator program.