What are the benefits to getting OPWDD services ?

OPWDD SERVICES include : 

• Independent Living
• Housing – rent subsidies
• Community Habilitation – Provides an individual who works with client on independent living goals (navigating transportation systems, basic living skills, shopping, time management etc)
• Day-Hab – client attends a community facility for group activities and outings to promote independence)
• Self Direction
• Employment – Training, Job Coach, Resume assistance, etc
• Family Support Services
• Intensive Residential and Day services
• Respite Care
• Assistive Technology 
• Housing navigation systems – for all levels of housing 

What are the requirements for someone to be eligible for these services ? 

REQUIREMENTS  for ELIGIBILITY

• Must have a Developmental Disability from birth or that occurred prior to age 22
• Intellectual Disability, Neurological Disability as defined by IQ (ranging from 60 – 70 with some exceptions)
• Disability is expected to continue indefinitely / permanently
• Disability causes significant handicap to functioning independently in society 
• Must provide necessary documentation listed below

No age limit to apply for OPWDD services, however, the person must have VERIFICATION that their disability was present before age 22 (school records, medical records etc). Any report that can state your case as to the need for services.

What documentation do I need to apply ?

DISABILITY DOCUMENTATION – REQUIRED 

• A physical exam that was completed within 1 year prior to the application
• School records (IEP, supporting assessments/testing done by school district (Wechsler, Stanford Binet , Kaufman, Full Scale IQ test) TESTS DONE WITHIN 3 YEARS OF APPLICATION
• Current Adaptive Behavior Measurement (Vineland II or ABAS II) DONE WITHIN 1 YEAR with some exceptions. (Parent and Teacher evaluations / assessments) 
• Current Social History (Must contain birth and developmental history and show onset before age 22)
• Reports can be done by Psychologist , Social Worker, or qualified school district employee, or through one of the agencies that assist with OPWDD applications (ex: “Tri-County” does social histories)
• Social History must be done WITHIN 1 YEAR of application 

MEDICAL / PSYCHOLOGICAL 

• A written diagnosis of a qualifying condition 
• An intellectual or developmental disability diagnosis established through cognitive / psychological testing 

OPWDD prefers testing / documentation from both school district and private professionals

How do I apply ?

STEPS FOR ELIGIBILITY

• Schedule a phone meeting with WIHD (Westchester Institute for Human Development) for

Eligibility process overview and INTAKE

• OR – Contact one of the agencies on the last page of this document to help with process

• Proceed with documentation collection / inventory

• Schedule appointments with clinicians or school if needed

• Attend OPWDD “Front Door” session

• WIHD submits all scanned documents provided

Once deemed “ELIGIBLE” then :

• Enroll in HCBS Medicaid Waiver 
• Apply for SSI (Social Security Income)
• Assignment of Care Manager 
• Selection of Services 
• Determine if you will use “Traditional Services” (where the care manager and the agency provide all services) OR “Self Directed Services” (where you are approved for a budget and the client decides what activities / services they want / hire your own staff (ie; art, gym, vocational etc). The client / family must pay for these services and will be reimbursed by NY State within the assigned and approved budget for the client. The client must be approved for  “Self Directed Services” 

Who can help me with the application process ?

AGENCIES THAT WILL ASSIST WITH APPLICATION PROCESS :

Advanced Care Alliance : 833-692-2269

Care Design – 518-235-1888

Life Plan – 315-565-2612

Tri County Care – 844-504-8400

OPWDD has a FREE clinic that offers Psychological and IQ testing as well as the Autism test. This clinic also provides Social Histories. They have locations in both Westchester and Rockland. Contact OPWDD or WIHD for locations. 

Rockland OPWDD : 845-947-6000

WIHD : Janet Belfast (jbelfast@wihd.org) 914-493-8150