Administered through NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD)

Services for People with Mental Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities in New York State

Are there services other than Special Education that my child with special needs may be eligible for? Some children with exceptional needs may be eligible to receive services through the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

What is 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 disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome and other neurological impairments. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 500 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.

What kind of supports and services are available through OPWDD?

A WIDE VARIETY OF SUPPORT AND SERVICE OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE

As a family member, you can get help to support your loved one in the family home with the assistance of respite and other family support services.

If you are a person with developmental disabilities who wants to live independently in your community, you can find employment training and support, volunteer opportunities and other types of community engagement.

If you or your loved one has higher needs that require more intensive supports,  residential and day services may also be available.

Who provides these services? Services for eligible persons in NYS are provided through a network of public and nonprofit service providers, all of whom work collaboratively to assure that high quality care is provided.

Parent Tip: Contact your regional office of Parent to Parent of NYS or local DDSO (listed in Appendix) for assistance in locating service providers in your area.

How can I learn more about OPWDD? For more information on OPWDD, visit their website at www.https://opwdd.ny.gov/.

Download the Guide  to Services for People with Mental Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities in New York State