The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairment, autism, familial dysautonomia and Prader-Willi Syndrome.  It provides services directly and through a network of not-for-profit provider agencies.

OPWDD supports and services include:
• Help to live independently in the community with rent subsidies, community habilitation and other services
• Help for your family to support you in the family home with respite and family support services
• Help with employment training and support, volunteer opportunities and other types of community activities you choose, and
• Intensive residential and day services, if needed

These supports and services are provided in community settings across the state. Individuals and their families can also choose to manage their own services and manage their own staff by “self-directing” any or all of their services. OPWDD also provides employment supports, including ongoing job coaching, job matching and vocational training.  In addition, OPWDD offers family support services designed to help families provide care for their loved ones who live full-time in their family home.

Five Developmental Disabilities Regional Offices (DDROs) coordinate and oversee not-for-profit provider services, and manage the Front Door process. Most of your interaction with OPWDD will be through your local DDRO. You may also interact with not-for-profit agencies funded by OPWDD.

Here’s a snapshot of the reginal offices, the countries served by each and the contact phone number for the office: