Dear Friends and Colleagues:
This week I am pleased to announce closures—and openings.
The Western New York DDSO has officially closed its West Seneca Developmental Center and the last person moved off campus May 4. The first of eight new homes opened on April 5, and right on schedule, two homes opened each week thereafter. For many of these individuals the hope of having a home in the community had been a long-awaited dream; they have worked hard to adjust to this momentous change and deserve much recognition.
It’s impossible to list the countless employees who worked to ensure that the closure effort was successful. Voluntary providers have done a terrific job collaborating with Western NY DDSO and Central Office staff members by communicating and working together to ensure a successful outcome for the people in our care. Thank you.
This is a time of transformation for all health and long-term care systems, and individuals with developmental disabilities and their families need a system that supports People First. We will continue to support services for individuals that result in successful placement in community-based care and lessen the need for services delivered in institutional settings.
My goal as commissioner is to move toward a transformed system that promotes person-centered planning, quality care, and allows people more self direction. As I’ve said before, I can’t do this alone. I need you—in cooperation and collaboration with all OPWDD’s stakeholders—to work with me in all aspects of creating this new system, from planning to implementation to outcome evaluation.
I am looking forward to creating a nationally recognized system of care for people with developmental disabilities that we can all be proud to say we had a hand in crafting—one that will result in people with developmental disabilities living even richer lives.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Burke