Executive Summary
In March of 2014, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued regulations requiring all Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) under the Medicaid Program to be delivered in settings that are integrated and support full access to the greater community. This move toward community inclusion by providing supports and services in the most integrated setting is consistent with, and a core component of OPWDD’s mission, vision, and values and is required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and U.S. Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision. These values were reinforced in 2014 when Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 136 creating an Employment First Policy for New York, which makes competitive, integrated employment the first option when considering supports and services for people with disabilities.
New York State began a system-wide transformation of services for individuals with developmental disabilities several years ago. The goal has been to provide supports that are fully integrated into every person’s community, are person-centered, and are focused on each individual’s needs and preferences. Offering more opportunities for community living, employment and self-direction are at the heart of what the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is doing to accomplish those goals.
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