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OPWDD

Published
October 14, 2022
Topics
Adult Life, Work

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is a state agency that supports people who have:

  • Developmental disabilities
  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Some traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Autism
  • Down Syndrome
  • Other disabilities with specific testing scores on IQ/adaptive skills tests

Services Available

  • Care Coordination
  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Independent living
  • Socialization services
  • Residential care
  • Self-direction services
  • Day programs
  • Respite

Certain services, such as supported employment and day habilitation, have been affected by COVID related closures, and may still be operating remotely or at partial capacity.

Application Process

  • Begin looking into Care Coordination Organization (CCO) providers.
  • Contact eligibility officer at local Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO). There is one in each borough.
  • Sign up for a Front Door orientation session online. Certifications for completing front Door session are no longer being provided. OPWDD will keep a running record for all those that attend a session.
  • Gather all required documents. Save all copies of all documents you submit and all documents you receive from OPWDD.

*Note: Certifications for completing Front Door session are no longer being provided. OPWDD will keep a running record for all those that attend a session.

Documents Needed to Apply

  • A psychological evaluation, within three years, that includes IQ testing and Vineland Adaptive. Behavior Scales (69 or below; however for individuals with autism, this number can vary)
  • Psycho-social and/or social history report, dated within last 365 days.
  • Social evaluation, dated within last 365 days, that is completed by an approved provider (see guide linked below).
  • Medical physical (the same type of physical you would send to a school) dated within last 365 days.

For more information about eligibility, please refer to the Front Door: Access to Services Guide.

Developmental Disabilities Regional Offices (DDROs)

Bronx

2400 Halsey Street

Bronx, NY 10461

(718) 430-0757

Brooklyn

888 Fountain Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11208

(718) 642-8576

Manhattan

25 Beaver Street, 4th Floor

New York, NY 10004

(646) 766-3220

Queens

80-45 Winchester Blvd.

Queens Village, NY 11427

(718) 217-6485

Staten Island

1150 Forest Hill Road

Staten Island, NY 10314

(718) 982-1913