Your Vote Counts Voting Rights OPWDD is committed to ensuring that voting rights are upheld for the people we serve and that every person is given the opportunity to register to vote. Every effort should be made to discuss with…
Continue ReadingThe 5.07 Planning Process Section 5.07 of New York State Mental Hygiene Law requires OPWDD to make a five-year plan for providing services. This plan sets goals for improving supports and services. OPWDD’s 5.07 Plan names the following goals- 1.…
Continue ReadingStatement from the Statewide CCO Family & Member Advisory Collaborative on the New York State FY 2022-2023 Budget The Statewide CCO Family and Member Advisory Collaborative stated, We thank Governor Hochul, her administration, and the State Legislature for the inclusion of…
Continue ReadingSupport this Bill! Did you know there is a scarcity of housing options in New York State for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities? This fact has parents and family members of adults with I/DD worried about the future – asking,…
Continue ReadingAdvocacy Continues in 2022 As we enter the New Year, disability advocates find ourselves in a very different place than last January. We have a new Governor, a new Commissioner at the Department of Health as well as an Acting…
Continue ReadingTake Action As most are aware, the workforce crisis in New York State is still negatively impacting OPWDD supports and services. At the October 7th CCO Collaborative Council meeting, representatives of all 7 CCO Member and Family Councils were present. Discussion was specific…
Continue ReadingWorkforce Shortage for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities The month of October is nationally recognized as Disability Employment Awareness Month. On September 30, 2021, President Biden issued a Proclamation that recognized both the ADA and the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor, which…
Continue ReadingCreate Your Own DSP Handbook New York State is in the midst of a workforce crisis. The number one concern of LIFEPlan MFA Council members and Care Managers is the lack of available direct care professionals. There are several reasons…
Continue ReadingRound Table Discussion This month the Member & Family Advisory Council Round Table Discussion will focus on creative ways to find DSP staff. It’s no surprise to anyone that New York State is in the midst of a major workforce…
Continue ReadingWe need your help to advocate! We have an urgent need for your participation in an unprecedented advocacy opportunity. As you may know, the American Rescue Plan FMAP funding guidance from CMS (Medicaid) and a request from OPWDD for testimonials regarding their Five-Year State Plan were both recently made public. While…
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