Michael S. Porter
Eric C. Nordby
CP Unlimited, founded in 1946 by parents of children with cerebral palsy, is one of New York City’s largest organizations serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With nearly 80 years of experience and over 2,000 staff members, the organization provides residential services, day programs, clinical therapy, and specialized supports across all five NYC boroughs and the Hudson Valley region.
While CP Unlimited has deep historical roots in the cerebral palsy community, it’s important to understand that the organization now primarily serves adults with developmental disabilities. If you’re a parent of an infant or young child with a birth injury, this organization likely won’t meet your immediate needs. CP Unlimited does not currently offer Early Intervention, preschool services, or comprehensive pediatric programming.
Best For: Parents planning for their adult child’s future after aging out of school services, or families seeking residential placement, day programs, and therapy services for adults (18+) with cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities in the NYC metro area.
Strengths & Limitations
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive adult services – Offers an integrated continuum including 120+ residential homes, day programs in all five boroughs, Article 16 clinical services, and dedicated transportation under one umbrella | Adults only – Does not provide Early Intervention, preschool, or comprehensive children’s services; families with infants or young children need to look elsewhere |
| Nearly 80 years of expertise – Founded in 1946 with deep roots in the cerebral palsy community and extensive experience supporting individuals with complex physical and developmental needs | OPWDD eligibility required – Most services require enrollment in the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities system, which has its own eligibility determination process |
| Unique M.O.V.E. program – The only organization offering Mobility Opportunities via Education/Experience in Day Hab settings in Metro NYC, helping individuals develop motor skills for sitting, standing, and walking | Not a parent support network – This is a service delivery organization, not a peer support group or parent mentoring program |
| Free wheelchair services – Offers free wheelchair repair and cleaning clinics funded by Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, serving persons with I/DD, veterans, and seniors | Employee satisfaction concerns – Indeed reviews indicate low work wellbeing scores for staff, which may impact service quality and retention |
| Wide geographic coverage – Services available throughout all five NYC boroughs plus Dutchess and Putnam Counties in the Hudson Valley |
Services & Support
Clinical & Therapy Services (Article 16 Clinics)
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
- Psychotherapy and counseling services
- Wheelchair clinic and orthotics clinic
- Durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, communication devices, orthotics)
- Psychological evaluations and psychosocial assessments
- Telehealth services available
Residential Services
- Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) – community-based homes for adults 18+
- Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) – 24-hour homes with treatment services and on-site nursing
- Independent Living Support Services (ISS) – supports for adults living in their own apartments
- Shelter Exit Services – supports for persons with I/DD transitioning from homelessness
Day Programs & Vocational Services
- Day Habilitation programs offering music, reading, movement, therapies, and community activities
- Pre-Vocational Program with work skills training and volunteer opportunities
- Community Habilitation for goal-oriented supports including money management and socialization
- M.O.V.E. (Mobility Opportunities via Education/Experience) – activity-based program helping individuals acquire motor skills
Specialized Programs
- Free wheelchair repair and cleaning clinics (monthly appointments available)
- CP Transport – wheelchair-accessible transportation completing over 10,000 trips yearly
- Adult Education Series workshops
- After-school program at Hungerford (Staten Island only)
Advocacy & Resources
- Active disability rights advocacy including policy involvement and legislative work
- Staten Island Disability News online publication
- Partnership with Metro Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
Locations & Contact
Administrative Headquarters:
40 Rector Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 947-5770
Email: CPUnlimitedInquiries@cpofnys.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Article 16 Clinic Locations:
Staten Island Clinic
2324 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10303
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Services: Psychotherapy, OT, PT, Speech, Psych Testing, Wheelchair Clinic, Orthotics Clinic
Brooklyn Clinic
842A Lefferts Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Services: Psychotherapy, OT, PT, Speech
Bronx Clinic
1880 Bryant Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Services: Psychotherapy, OT, PT, Speech, Wheelchair Clinic
Hudson Valley Division
300 Westage Business Center Drive, Suite 225, Fishkill, NY 12524
Phone: (929) 403-6076
Email: aperricone-saumell@cpofnys.org
Serving Dutchess and Putnam Counties
Day Habilitation Centers: Located in all five NYC boroughs plus Hudson Valley (contact main office for specific addresses)
Website: www.cpunlimited.org
Who Can Access Services
Age Range: Primarily adults 18 and older (limited after-school programming for children on Staten Island only)
Geographic Area: All five NYC boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island), Yonkers, and Hudson Valley (Dutchess and Putnam Counties)
Eligibility Requirements: Most services require enrollment with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Article 16 clinic services require OPWDD eligibility, referral form with medical examination, current medication list, and care management Life Plan if applicable. Medicare participants need a physician script for therapy services.
Cost: Services are primarily government-funded through OPWDD and Medicaid. Wheelchair repair and cleaning clinics are completely free for persons with I/DD, veterans, and seniors. No income requirements or membership fees.
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with specialized services for individuals with physical disabilities. Communication devices available through clinics. Website and materials available in multiple languages. Telehealth appointments offered for clinical services.
How to Get Started
- Contact CP Unlimited at (212) 947-5770 or email CPUnlimitedInquiries@cpofnys.org to discuss your needs and determine which services may be appropriate.
- Determine OPWDD eligibility by contacting OPWDD’s Front Door at 1-866-946-9733 or your regional office. This eligibility determination process may take several weeks to months.
- For Article 16 clinic services, complete the referral form available on the website and submit it with a medical examination, medication list, and care management Life Plan (if applicable). Email completed referrals to igrullon@cpofnys.org.
- For residential or day services, contact the appropriate program coordinator for your borough and work with your OPWDD Care Manager to identify appropriate placement.
- For free wheelchair repair clinics, book an appointment through the website or contact the rehabilitation team directly. No eligibility requirements for this service.
Bottom Line
CP Unlimited is best suited for families with adult children (18+) who have cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities and need residential placement, day programming, vocational supports, or ongoing therapy services in the NYC metro area. The organization’s nearly 80 years of experience, comprehensive service model, and unique offerings like the M.O.V.E. program and free wheelchair clinics make it a strong resource for adults with complex physical and developmental needs.
However, if you’re a parent of a young child with a birth injury seeking Early Intervention services, therapy for infants or toddlers, or school-age support programs, you’ll need to look elsewhere as CP Unlimited does not provide pediatric services. Consider this organization when you’re planning for your child’s transition to adulthood or if your adult child needs comprehensive supports including housing, meaningful daytime activities, and access to specialized therapies in a setting with deep expertise in cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities.