(631) 853-8333 (VOICE)
OPD acts as a one-stop information source for people with disabilities. Appropriate referrals will be made to public and private agencies. OPD answers questions on jobs, housing, education, transportation, health services, social services, rehabilitation, etc.
DISABILITITY ID CARD PROGRAM
(631) 853-8333 (VOICE)
OPD has established the Suffolk County Disability Identification Card Program. Eligible disabled county residents may apply for an ID card which, when used with the Parks Department Green Key card gives free “weekday” admission to county parks at reduced rates for some recreational activities. It also provides reduced fares on County bus routes. For bus route schedule information, phone 631-852- 5200 on weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
ADVOCACY PROGRAMS
(631) 853-8333 (VOICE)
OPD has an advocacy program to foster positive change in areas where problems exist for people with disabilities.
OMBUDSMAN SERVICE
(631) 853-8333 (VOICE)
OPD contacts both public and private agencies for the client to troubleshoot and cut red tape.
ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM
631-853-6397 (VOICE)
Working in conjunction with other County departments, OPD fosters the removal of architectural barriers and provides technical assistance with assistive technology.
DEAF TELEPHONE & VIDEO ACCESS
(631) 853-8333 (VOICE)
Speech-impaired individuals who have their own TTY’s can call Suffolk County Disabilities Government directly by telephone to conduct business. Video Relay Sign language interpreters and a 24-Hour Statewide TTY Relay Service is also available (Information below).
In emergencies, persons with TTY’s may call 911 or 631-924-8811 for dispatch of an ambulance, police or fire department anywhere within Suffolk County, 24 hours a day.
24-hour statewide TTY relay service is provided through the cooperation of local telephone companies for calls within New York State phone
TTY users: 1-800-662-1220
Hearing Persons: 1-800-421-1220
EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
(631) 853-8333 (VOICE)
OPD coordinates the Section 55A employment program for people with disabilities under the State Civil Services Law. Suffolk County leads other New York State Counties in employing people with disabilities for this program.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
631-853-6397 (VOICE)
OPD, in conjunction with Local Police Departments, has implemented an accessible Parking Education Enforcement Program. Volunteer agents and Auxiliary Police patrol parking lots to ticket violators. Parking areas are also checked for compliance with the handicapped parking requirements of the State Vehicle and Traffic Law.
PARATRANSIT ELGIBILITY ID CARD PROGRAM
(631) 853-8333 (VOICE)
Under strict accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act Regulations, OPD certifies paratransit eligibility and issues Suffolk County Accessible Transit (SCAT) ID cards. Under federal regulations, curb-to-curb paratransit services are only for those who cannot use the regular public bus system due to their disability. All regular Suffolk County Transit buses are wheelchair lift-equipped. OFPWD reviews applications and issues SCAT paratransit ID cards.
PARATRANSIT TRIP RESERVATIONS – Rides are on a first-come, first serve basis. Once you have a SCAT paratransit ID card, to arrange for a ride call:
Suffolk Paratransit Dispatcher:
631-738-1150 (VOICE)
631-981-0104 (TTY)