BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES

February 4, 2024

 

Front Door Sessions

The NY Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce that new Front Door Information Session videos are now available for viewing at www.opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/front-door  

The Front Door Information Session outlines the process of how a person can become eligible for OPWDD supports and services, the types of supports and services available and where they can get assistance. These short videos provide easy-to-understand information about OPWDD services and how to get started receiving services. The videos are separated into segments that provide an overview of important steps in the process and will replace the practice of requiring Front Door Information Sessions in person or online: 

  • Getting Started with OPWDD
  • The Front Door Process
  • Eligibility
  • Services
  • OPWDD Residential and Housing Supports
  • OPWDD Employment Services
  • Self-Direction
  • OPWDD Care Management
  • Assessment
  • Funding

These videos are currently available in English, Spanish and Simplified Chinese and will be translated into other languages over the next several months.  Until those translated videos are available, OPWDD is providing translation services for anyone who needs a different language.

 

ABLE Account Limits Increase

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families which allow recipients of public benefits to remain financially eligible to receive them while saving up to $100,000. Due to inflation, the maximum yearly contribution limit has been increased to $18,000. Eligible individuals with disabilities are free to enroll in any state ABLE program provided that the program is accepting out-of-state residents. To enroll in New York, visit www.mynyable.org

 

IdeaSpark Program

IdeaSpark is a program that aims to provide individuals with disabilities a fully accessible introduction to entrepreneurship as a first step for those interested in business ownership as a viable employment pathway to financial independence. Sessions will run by Zoom May 14 through June 27, 2004 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Application deadline is April 5, 2024. For more information see www.viscardicenter.org/ideaspark