What is the Family Empowerment Project?
The Family Empowerment Project (FEP) is a community-based program established to provide support and assistance to individuals who have developmental disabilities, as well as their families, who are living at home in Orange County.
It is the aim of FEP to develop a genuine partnership between families and professionals. A FEP Council has been established to meet these objectives. Funding is provided through Family Support Services of the Letchworth DDSO, New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Who is on the Council?
There are thirteen volunteer members on the FEP Council. Ten are consumers or family members of a person with a developmental disability living at home. Three members are professionals working in the field of developmental disabilities. The FEP Council has many associate members who volunteer their time to serve on committees to provide support for the people who are developmentally disabled living at home in Orange County, New York.
Who can apply for assistance?
Applications for assistance are accepted from consumers or families who have an individual with a developmental disability living at home in Orange County and who need goods or services which are not available through existing programs. There are no age or financial restrictions for program eligibility.
Developmental disabilities include but are not limited to, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, neurological impairments, and severe learning disabilities.
What happens when a family requests goods/services?
The FEP Coordinator will request information from the family/consumer. If all existing resources have been exhausted, the coordinator will present the consumer/family's request to the FEP Council for consideration. The consumer/family may attend the FEP Council meeting with the coordinator if they wish. The FEP Council will link the consumer/family with free or low cost goods/services or assist by purchasing needed items.
What goods/services may be requested from the project?
Any goods or services not otherwise available which the consumer/family identifies as being needed to maintain or improve their quality of life and allow the family to remain intact may be requested. These goods/services include but are not limited to:
- referrals
- advocacy
- items not covered by insurances
- transportation
- recreation
- respite services
- home modifications
- adaptive equipment
- special dietary needs
- counseling
- baby sitting
- homemaker services
- personal care aid services
- nursing services
- technology aides
- adaptive toys
- automobile repair
- utility bills (emergency)
FEP is a program of Family Empowerment Council, Inc.
