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: