Support with a New Diagnosis

When your child is diagnosed with a disability, it is normal to have questions about what that means and what supports are out there for your child and for you. Disability services exist but it can take time to get connected to what is right for you. So what do you do during that gap between diagnosis and service?

Starbridge can help!

Mind the Gap offers FREE coaching for families of children with a new diagnosis

Each family is paired with a peer navigator for up to 12 coaching sessions. The curriculum is flexible and focused on your goals. Topics can include:

  • understanding a child’s diagnosis or delay
  • navigating the service system (Early Intervention, schools, regional center)
  • accessing social support
  • managing stress
  • talking to family and friends about delays
  • supporting communication development
  • and addressing challenging behaviors

Our peer navigators are all parents of children with disabilities. Any families who have a child with a developmental disability are welcome to participate. The information in Mind the Gap is mostly geared toward families of younger children (below age 8), but some components of the program may be helpful for families of older children.

Get started by calling our Intake at 585-224-7359 or using our Contact Us form and asking about Mind the Gap.

Want to share the flyer with a friend? 


Mind the Gap was created by a team of universities as part of The Autism Intervention Research Network on Behavioral Health: UCLA, UC Davis, University of Washington, University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, University of Kansas, and the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Support with Transportation

School meetings, doctor’s appointments, even just going out as a family for fun…

All these things can be tough to do when you don’t have reliable transportation.

GO MONROE can help! We provide bus passes, accessible transportation via providers like Salas and Uber, and mileage reimbursement. We can also talk about available options if you

What are the eligibility requirements?

  • Family has young or adult children with developmental disabilities living at home in Monroe County, NY
  • AND OPWDD eligibility*
  • AND household income that does not exceed federal poverty guidelines.

Contact us today to learn more! Call Maritza Cubi at 585-224-7327 or email mcubi@starbridgeinc.org

*If you aren’t sure whether you are eligible through OPWDD, let us know when you call.

go monroe w tagline square

Speak with an Advocate

We support every person’s right to choose the living situation that works best for them. We partner with people to identify options, navigate systems, know your rights, and connect to resources.

In some cases, a Starbridge Advocate may provide more intensive support as an individual or family works to address specific issues or concerns.

How do you get started?

Please use the Contact Us form or call us at 585-224-7359 and leave a message. Our Intake Coordinator will call you back to ask for information about you or the person you are calling about (if you are phoning for someone else) and can connect you with further resources or staff.


How to use Self Direction AND Family Support Services?

If you or your family member have a self-directed budget, OPWDD requires your budget to cover the cost of any Family Support Services. Contact your support broker or contact us if you have questions about using your budget for these purposes.  

To learn more about Self Direction at Starbridge, visit our Self Directed Services page.

Margaret Eileen Kathy laughing

Family Support Programs at Starbridge are funded through the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).