OPWDD

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.
  • Advanced Care Alliance (ACA)
  • Care Design NY
  • Tri-County Care
• 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)