OPWDD Resources and Support Services
Introduction
Welcome to your comprehensive guide for accessing resources, support services, and essential documents related to the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Whether you're navigating eligibility, seeking housing options, or connecting with a Care Manager, this page will help you find what you need.
Link to print How Does OPWDD support people with developmental disabilities: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FkEBZq7Tz14VfTxs8gbmpfUROTWU99WY/view?usp=sharing
Personal Resource Account (PRA)
People choose to spend their OPWDD-approved, individualized budget to fund the supports and services that meet their needs and preferences. Choice, Flexibility, and Community.
↓↓↓↓
| Where and with whom they live | Who supports them at home, at work, and in the community | How they spend their day, at home, at work and in the community | Self-selected Traditional provider services |
|---|---|---|---|
| ↓ | ↓ | ↓ | ↓ |
| Examples: Housing subsidy; live-in caregiver; utilities; goods & services to increase independence, health & safety. | Examples: Self-hired community habilitation staff; job coach; paid neighbor; staff expense and activity fees. | Examples: Community classes/coaching; gym and community organization memberships; clinical supports for staff, family. | Examples: Day-habilitation; supported employment; residential options. |
Link to print PRA Utilization Examples: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_mNwBn7ggHIcnA-A2k671i31Ds_WvrMa/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107453898032451600132&rtpof=true&sd=true
1. Getting Started with OPWDD
- What is OPWDD?
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Learn more at the OPWDD Front Door Overview. - Eligibility Requirements
To access services, individuals must meet eligibility criteria. Start by reviewing the OPWDD Eligibility Overview. - How to Apply
Begin your application process through the Front Door and contact your regional office to get started. - Multilingual Resources
OPWDD created short, plain-language Front Door Videos in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Watch: Multilingual Video on Drive - Find a Provider
Use the OPWDD Provider Directory to search for agencies or types of services available in your area.
2. Eligibility
Eligibility for OPWDD services and supports includes assessments to help identify individual strengths, needs, and available natural or community supports. Assessments are required for all new service planning.
The Coordinated Assessment Survey (CAS) is another assessment tool which OPWDD has indicated will replace the DDP2 as an aid to determining the type, level and amount of services an adult with IDD will receive
- CAS Informational Video & Notes
3. Care Coordination Organizations provide Care Managers
- What is Care Management?
Care Managers help you navigate and coordinate services. Learn more about the Care Manager’s role. - Finding a Care Manager
Use this tool to find a Care Manager near you.
4. Self-Directed Services
- Self-Direction Services
Self-Direction allows individuals to control their support plans. Read the overview from OPWDD.
Also see: Self-Direction Provider Manual (March 2022) - Administrative Guidelines
Stay up to date on the latest OPWDD Self-Direction directives covering brokers, budgets, and FIs. - LI DDRO offers Self Direction Info Sessions 2025 - attendance at an OPWDD Self-Direction Info sessions is the first step in the process (after OPWDD eligibility)
5. Agency Search
The NYS Office For People With Developmental Disabilities and its associated voluntary agencies offer many services to individuals and their families. Click on the Link to search for an agency or a type of service: https://providerdirectory.opwdd.ny.gov/
Services Include:
- Day & Community Habilitation
- Family Support Services
- Housing Subsidies
- Respite Care
- Assistive Technology
- Employment & Vocational Support
- Behavioral & Clinic Services
6. Housing & Residential Options
- Housing Overview
Talk to your Care Manager and Self-Direction Broker to determine the best fit for your family member learn more. - Housing Resource Center
The NY Housing Resource Center (HRC) is a central hub for housing information for individuals with I/DD.
7. Community Habilitation Supports
Community Habilitation is a support for people with I/DD that is authorized through the Home & Community Based Waiver. DSP or Com Hab Staff deliver the support in many ways. Get the full details in this HCBS waiver excerpt PDF.
8. Planning for the Unexpected
The “All About Me” one-page form from Advance Care Alliance helps capture key info for emergency situations.
9. Need Help? Contact Us
- Direct Support from SOYAN
Our team can guide you through the OPWDD process and answer your questions. - Contact Information: Email: info@soyan.org
