The People’s Arc of Suffolk official Guardianship Director is Wendy Tigchelaar. For questions and information please contact Wendy at 631-585-0100 x. 1022 or email: wtigchelaar@suffahrc.org

Did you know? In New York every person is considered to be a legally emancipated adult at age 18, regardless of disability status.

Establishing a guardianship is a complex issue, because guardianship removes an individual’s legal rights and is considered a highly restrictive course of action. Less restrictive ways to support a person in making major life decisions should be considered first. There are currently several advocacy groups in the state who are working to make legal changes to guardianship.

Find resources here:

1. Aim Services Supportive Decision-Making
2. NY Courts Guardianship Alternatives
3. American Bar Association Guardianship Law Practical Tool

If guardianship is appropriate for an individual, it must be obtained through the Surrogate Court, in that person’s county of residence. Guardianship is not an automatic process conferred on parents, family members, or caretakers. When guardianship is pursued, two medical providers must attest that the person subject to a guardianship is legally incapable of making decisions and managing his or her affairs in such areas as finances, medical/healthcare issues, choice of program services, areas of daily living, and more.

People’s Arc Suffolk encourages families to seek the advice of an attorney/eldercare provider as a means to navigate these issues in a thoughtful manner. When a person residing in Suffolk County meets the criteria for guardianship and has no one to fulfill this role, The Arc New York may be willing to come on as the legal guardian. Families must apply through the People’s Arc of Suffolk Chapter and be approved by The Arc New York.

Supported Decision Making Resources:

We are pleased to announce that AIM Services, a provider organization in Saratoga, NY has become the statewide provider of Supported Decision Making (SDM) in New York State. Below you’ll find links to information about AIM Services, SDM and where to seek additional information about this decision-making model for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

1. AIM Services is now the statewide provider of Supported Decision-Making (SDM) facilitation! – SDMNY
2. AIM Supported Decision-Making Brochure – updated Feb 2026