Abilities First announced today that Abilibee, a free mobile application designed to help families navigate New York State’s developmental disability services, is now available on both the App Store and Google Play. This milestone expands access to Abilibee, transforming how individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers navigate the complex state support systems, putting advocacy, support and resources right at their fingertips.
Initially launched as a web application in Fall 2024, Abilibee has already attracted over 600 active users statewide through word of mouth alone. The app provides comprehensive guidance from early childhood through adulthood, helping families navigate critical system changes and life-stage transitions.
“When the transition from school-age to adult services is commonly referred to as ‘the cliff,’ it signals how overwhelming the current experience is for parents and caregivers,” said Marcy Handler, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Abilities First and Abilibee’s Project Lead. “Abilibee was created by people who understand the daily challenges of caring for an individual with disabilities and provides a step-by-step guide through each transition annotated with useful resources and planning tools for support.”
“At Abilities First, our mission has always been to empower people facing developmental disabilities,” said Dr. Jeffery Fox, President and CEO of Abilities First. “Families throughout New York State have long struggled with a patchwork of services that are difficult to navigate, often missing crucial opportunities as a result. Abilibee represents our commitment to bridging these gaps by giving families a clear roadmap through each life stage. This app puts the power of knowledge directly in their hands, transforming how they connect with services and ultimately improving lives. It’s about turning confusion into confidence and frustration into forward momentum.”
The Abilibee app features:
- Transition Navigation: Step-by-step guidance through critical life stages
- Resource Library: Curated bank of resources
- Planning Tools: Templates to help families better advocate for their needs
- Communication Log: A system to organize notes from interactions with providers
- Daily Check-in: Tools to track and celebrate milestones
- Multi-language Support: Expanding accessibility to diverse populations.
Initial funding for Abilibee came from the Council for Developmental Disabilities (CDD), with additional support from Abilities First and a grant from New York State Assemblymember Christopher Eachus. Early user data indicates the complexity of the state’s disability service delivery, highlighting the demand for clear navigation tools even among professionals. Currently, Abilibee users self-identify as 57% advocates (parents, guardians, and caregivers), 8% self-advocates (persons with individual developmental disabilities), and 35% agency members (care managers and provider professionals). The significant percentage of professional users highlights the need for better tools.
“When my husband and I were walking to the car after getting our son’s diagnosis, we just looked at each other and said, ‘now what?'” shared one parent user. “You must have been reading my mind when you created this app.”
The Abilibee app is now available for free download on both the App Store and Google Play. For more information, visit abilibee.org or contact busybee@abilibee.org.
