Understanding the process & who’s involved

Your journey will begin by reaching out to a Care Coordination Organization in your community then working with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to determine the type(s) of services that are available and your eligibility for them.

What is the Office for People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD)?

In New York State, the agency that oversees programs and services for people intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Through OPWDD, you or a family member may be eligible to access an array of supports and services primarily through a network of nonprofit service agencies.  Support and services, include but are not limited to employment, community and day habilitation, clinical, residential supports and services and respite services.

What Is a CCO?

A Care Coordination Organization (CCO) is a specialized “Health Home” that works with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to coordinate health AND developmental disability services.  CCOs were formed by developmental disability service providers.  They  are staffed by Care Managers with training and experience in the field of developmental disabilities.  Care Managers work with CCO members and families to create a detailed and personalized care plan (known as a “Life Plan”).

There are seven Care Coordination Organizations operating across New York State:

ACA logo New York City, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley
LifePlan logo Hudson Valley, Capital region, North Country, Central and Southern tier
Person Centered Services logo Western New York
CareDesign New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital region and the North Country
Prime Care Coordination North Country, Central and Southern tier and Western New York
Southern Tier Connect Central and Southern tier
Tri-County Care New York City, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital region

Stay Up To Date

MyCompass is your resource for the latest valuable information and insights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who care for them. The best way to make sure you have immediate access to it is by signing up for the MyCompass news feed. Just submit your email address here and we'll make sure you're among the first to know about all the current news and developments.

Have Questions? Need help?