For over 90 years, Springbrook has been a place where barriers are overcome. Founded in 1925 as the Upstate Baptist Home for Children, our heritage and principles have guided our growth to an organization that today offers educational, residential, therapeutic habilitation, and community support options to more than 1,000 individuals with developmental disabilities through all phases of life.

Springbrook now has over 1,300 employees from across Central New York. Each of these highly-qualified, compassionate staff members embodies our heartfelt commitment to providing high-quality services and making the difference for people with developmental disabilities for a lifetime. Springbrook is a place where learning never ends, challenges are opportunities, and dependence transforms into independence. 

PROGRAMS For Children and Youth 

Early Intervention Services: Springbrook’s multidisciplinary team of therapists offers evaluation services for children from birth to age five to determine eligibility for services. 

Kids Unlimited Preschool: Based at Springbrook’s Oneonta Campus, this is the only integrated preschool program in Otsego County for children with disabilities and typical children. 

The School at Springbrook:  All of Springbrook’s school and residential programs accept individuals classified as “difficult to place” due to challenging behaviors and/or multiple needs. Located at the heart of Springbrook’s main campus in Portlandville, the school operates two distinct programs for children ages 5 through 21. Both follow a year-round academic schedule: 

• The GEMS Program (Generating Enthusiasm, Motivation and Skills for Learning) provides a full-time NY State Education Department certified residential and day school for 76 students with a wide range of developmental disabilities. 

• The Tom Golisano Center for Autism is a residential school for 27 children with a primary diagnosis of autism and severe behavior challenges. This holistic program uses Applied Behavior Analysis to address challenging behaviors and improve communication between the child and those around him or her.

PROGRAMS For Adults 

Springbrook provides lifelong support and learning opportunities for people with developmental disabilities through various programs. Our programs help our adult clients achieve their goals, increase their independence, and reach their full potential in the least restrictive environments possible.

Community Homes: Springbrook operates 25 community residences regulated by the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), providing support and care for 164 adults. Well-trained, compassionate direct care staffers in each residence provide a setting rich with support and choices for each individual. Nursing care is available around the clock for those with medical needs.

Site-based habilitation: Springbrook offers two site-based day habilitation programs – The Capstone program at the Oneonta campus is a new model for adult day habilitation that’s organized as an educational program. Springbrook’s day habilitation program in Norwich also emphasizes independence, activities of daily living, socialization, and volunteerism. 

Employment Services:Employment Specialists work with individuals with disabilities to develop the skills necessary to work independently in a competitive job market. Community Pre-Vocational, Pathways to Employment, and Supported Employment (SEMP) at Springbrook provide an opportunity to gain experience in real employment settings throughout the community.

Alternative Living Services: Springbrook is working creatively with individuals and families to create new options for community living that allow for greater independence and self-direction. Recent examples include a multi-unit apartment partnership with Regan Development in Johnson City, NY. 

PROGRAMS FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS 

Supports for those who live with families or independently in the community

There are several opportunities available to individuals and families to keep their loved one at home. Goal-oriented programs provide assistance and guidance in such things as personal care, cooking, cleaning, money management, socialization, and community access.Springbrook currently serves over 500 families through community supports, including Respite, Community-Based Habilitation,Recreation, and Family-Centered Behavioral Support Services.  

Springbrook has been a statewide leader in implementing Self-Directed Services (SDS), an option for people who wish to direct their own services.  

Please visit our website for more information:
www.springbrookny.org