OFFICE FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (OPWDD)

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is a New York State agency that provides supports and services to people who have developmental disabilities. Examples of developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and neurological impairments such as from an injury or illness.

OPWDD services are free, available starting at age 3, and are meant to help people with disabilities live more independent and meaningful lives. Many OPWDD services are funded through Medicaid. Your child may qualify for a Medicaid waiver that allows them to receive these services regardless of family income and other health insurance.

Some services available:

Care Coordination: Assistance from a care manager in finding and accessing health and behavioral health services, community and social supports, and other services.

Community Habilitation: One-to-one skill building services to help build independence and promote inclusion in the community. A Direct Support Professional (DSP) providing this service will work with your child on goals that can include acquiring daily living skills, completing household chores, traveling safely in the community, and interacting appropriately with others.

Respite: Support to provide families relief from caregiving, which can be provided in home, out of the home, overnight, and on weekends.

Behavior Management: Assessment of individual behavior needs and training in managing difficult behaviors.

Recreation & Socialization: Recreation and social skill building programs offered after-school, on the weekends, and during school breaks.

Supported Employment: Programs and services to help adults work after finishing high school.

Day Habilitation: Programs to help adults, after finishing high school, build independent living and socialization skills in the community. Traditional Day Habilitation services are provided through certified sites with outings in the community. Day Hab Without Walls programs do not have central sites and instead provide all programming in the community.

Family Reimbursement: Reimbursement for a variety of goods and services for your child, up to $500 per year. Examples of reimbursed items may include clothing, therapeutic items, medical/adaptive equipment, recreational classes, or air conditioners. In most cases, you will need to provide supporting documentation from a provider when submitting your applications. Check with the agency for the specific requirements.

Residential Services & Supports: A variety of housing options and supports to help adults live at home and/or in the community with the greatest amount of independence possible.