Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
Next Meeting
Tuesday, February 20th, 2024
10:00 A.M.
Virtual Zoom meeting
Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council Minutes
January 16, 2024
I. Introductions
The June minutes are posted on the Council website. If you would like to refer to past minutes, they are always available on the DD Council website: (www.manhattanddcouncil.org).
III. Announcements
ManhattanDDcouncil@gmail.com. Please send all information and flyers to the email address. All non-fundraiser events can be posted on the website.
We will continue our meetings via Zoom and we appreciate everyone who participates
ADAPT Community Network – formerly UCP of New York City
ADAPT Community Network has funds available in all boroughs for Family Reimbursement. We also offer Housing Advocacy, Home Modifications, Clinical Services, Day Habilitation, Community Habilitation, Overnight Respite, Supported Employment and more. Please call our information line, Project Connect at 877-827-2666 or email projectconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org.
ADAPT Community Network’s services include Family Reimbursement, Home Modifications, Housing Assistance Services, Day Hab, Comm Hab, Clinical Services, Overnight Respite, and more. Please contact our information and referral line, Project Connect, at 877-827-2666 or projectconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org for more information.
ADAPT Community Network will have a webinar on the Roadmap to OPWDD Eligibility and Supports and Services on November 30, 10-11:30. Please register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gBHQR9LwQCKL8ls69zzt6Q#/registration
Good morning! Adapt Community Network has openings in it’s two Manhattan day programs, in Harlem and in Inwood. Contact Karen Liebman kliebman@adaptcommunitynetwork.org
Lifespire
Family support, behavior management – available in person or remote, parent training service
Email Jay Kleinman, Jkleinman@lifespire.org or call 646-338-5632 for more info or to refer.
AHRC
Vacancies in all Manhattan day habilitation programs
Accepting applications for Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program – Deadline 12/21/23 for Fall 2024 semester: https://www.ahrcnyc.org/services/school/college/apply/
Contact: David Summers, david.summers@ahrcnyc.org
Extended Home Care
Services for children and adults: home care, OT, PT, speech therapy
Rachel Plakstis, Vice President of IDD Services
Rplakstis@extendedhc.net CELL: 917-202-0123, OFFICE: 212-356-4200 ext 3404
Sinergia
Family support case management for non-Medicaid families residing in Manhattan
Free psychological & psychosocial evaluations for OPWDD families (non-Medicaid)
Education advocacy for OPWDD eligible families age 3-21
We are Sinergia Inc, a non-profit organization that works with individuals diagnosed with intellectual/Developmental disability residing in All five boroughs, we provide non-Medicaid case management for families looking to apply for OPWDD, Medicaid Waiver enrollment, free Psychological and psychosocial evaluations for non-Medicaid individuals of all ages residing in Manhattan who are seeking OPWDD services.
In addition, Sinergia Inc provides education Advocacy services for families in Manhattan with children and/or Young Adults from ages 3 to 21 year old, who are OPWDD eligible, and who have a developmental or intellectual disability. As well as training presented on a variety of topics related to special education, ranging from one-time workshops on topics of current interest to an intensive advocacy series designed to develop the knowledge and skills of parents to advocate for their own children and assist other parents, from our Metropolitan Parent Center.
For more information, please reach us at
Intake Team (DE)
Sinergia Inc.
2082 Lexington Ave. – 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10035
Tel:(212)643-2840 EXT 602
Please follow us on our new Instagram!
YAI
YAI LINK: 212-273-6164
Openings for behavior management in Manhattan
Free Evaluations: For a free Evaluation Grant, a person must be ineligible for Medicaid and they must have documentation of a previous diagnosis of a developmental disability (i.e., intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder).
Transition To Independence: The Transition to Independence Program is available to people, ages 17-21, who have a diagnosis of autism and live at home with family in Manhattan. Limited spots are available for Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island residents. The program is open to people who are not currently receiving OPWDD HCBS waiver services (ex: Self Direction, respite, NYSTART/CSIDD, community habilitation, day habilitation, supported employment, etc.) and those who do not have OPWDD eligibility.
For more information or a referral please email LINK@YAI.ORG or call 212-273-6182.
YAI Crisis Intervention is accepting referrals for Queens and Manhattan. We currently support with behavior management, counseling and connecting to other services and support.
Crisis Intervention
Manhattan Crisis Intervention: 212-273-6200 English ext. 4630 Spanish ext. 4629 manhattancrisisintervention@yai.org
Queens Crisis Intervention: 718-793-2182 English ext. 8540 Spanish ext. 8541 queenscrisisintervention@yai.org
Open The Lid
We offer web-based technology classes for any age, label or location.
-Want to Use Technology Independently?
-Surf the Web Safely?
-Learn Online Productivity Tools?
-Socialize Safely Online?
Click This Link for a Free Trial Week of Open the Lid, Web-Based Technology Classes —> https://www.openthelid.com/offers/hvFMmTt4
EMAIL support@openthelid.com
CALL/TEXT 607-339-8092
Broker, Care Manager, or FI?
Join Open the Lid’s FREE Virtual, Effective Communication Training for Different Individuals & Family styles on Thursday,21st September 2023 at 12 pm EST
Spend More Time Changing Lives & Less Time Chasing Emails!
-Sign Up Here—> https://www.openthelid.com/pl/234321
-Learn 6 Communication Challenges & Strategies
-Understand Personal Communication Barriers
-Identify Coping Strategies You Can Use NOW
Sign Up Now–> https://www.openthelid.com/pl/234321
NYC FAIR Town Hall on HCBS waiver settings rules changes on January 26th – OPWDD and NYCLU representatives sharing info. Registration required. Questions being solicited ahead of meeting.
Advance Care Alliance
Please contact Frida Valdez, the Outreach Coordinator at ACA/NY. directly at frida.valdez@myacany.org/ 646-633-6842 to discuss the unique support provided for families in our pre-enrollment process into ACA/NY CCO (Care Coordination Organization).
We can assist with applying for OPWDD eligibility, scheduling/completing Psych/ Social/Telehealth Medical evals/ADOS assessments when applicable, and obtaining Medicaid for enrollment into our CCO for Care Management services. We also have:
•Specialized Admissions Coordinator who can help navigate more complex enrollment cases.
•Cultural Liaisons who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and other languages.
•The Linkage Admissions Coordinator will assist with linking people with healthcare needs before enrolling.
Let us know if you have any questions, as we are here to support you! Thank you.
Unique Care Community Services
We have openings in our Group Day Hab, Com-Hab and Respite program. We are accepting individuals. Please email me at ajames@uniquecarenyc.org I can also be reached at 347-784-4622
Goodwill NYNJ
We have openings in our Day Habilitation without walls focusing on employment, Respite, and Advance services located in East Harlem If you have any questions please call or email at lstilson@goodwillny.org or (347)906-2556, thank you!
Ohel Bais Ezra
Family reimbursement funds available Manhattan Brooklyn and Queens
Call 718-686-3451 or email Communityservices@ohelfamily.org
NY START(CSIDD)
212-273-6300
Accepting referrals. Provide help with conflict and behavior needs.
Crisis intervention. Coordinators on call 24/7. Crisis line available
February 21st on line training.
NYLPI – Looking for services for immigrants with disabilities that do not require Medicaid. NYPLI has free services and trainings available on future planning, guardianship, and special education rights; call 212-244-4664 for information or by requesting assistance online www.nylpi.org/get-help. We also provide a resource guide every Friday https://nylpi.org/resource/special-education-remote-learning-information-contacts-resources-links/
10/18 Paola Martinez-Boone-NY Lawyers-Special Education Training-Know Your Rights: The Disability Justice Program of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) is offering FREE special education training.
Spanish on Thursday, October 19, 2023, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
YI-Please check NYLPI’s report: A crisis in Special Education-New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI) and our two private sector partners, Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP and Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP, are pleased to announce our new report, “A CRISIS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION: New York City’s Failure to Educate Students Classified with ‘Emotional Disability.’” The full report can be found here. The report is a result of several years of research by the authors and multiple years of work on special education cases, as well as consultations with experts in the field.
Esperanza has a day hab program in Washington Heights, and funds available for transportation reimbursement for Manhattan only. 212-928-5810
GHO– GHO has openings:
FSS services(Family Reimbursement and Case Management, Medicaid is not required)
Medicaid Waiver services (Employment program, including SEMP, ETP/Pathway, community based pre-voc., Day Hab w/o walls, site-based Day Hab, Com-Hab and respite. Bilingual staff speaking in Chinese, Korean and ASL available
Info/questions:
call: 718-307–6563/ 6564/6570.
Email: pat@ghoinc.org
GHO has contract with CDNY continue to assist Chinese and Korean speaking families enrolling into Care Design’s care management regardless of language barrier. Speak to Joe Tan 718-2616552 ext. 2054. Workshop on April 7 at 11:00AM
The Center for Discovery. We are an OPWDD run residential facility, as well as DOE run school. We are currently accepting applications for residential placement. Please have anyone interested have their school district send the child’s referral packet to us directly. Call me with any questions 845-649-5104 or slivanos@tcfd.org. Website: www.tcfd.org. We are also working on a brand new DDPC partnership grant for restraint and seclusion reduction analysis for all of NYS. If you would like to participate please reach out to help! Opening children’s hospital in 2021.
Health Care Advocate ICAN. Please contact Lynn Decker, ldecker@cidny.org, 646-442-4188. I am the designated participant advocate for enrollees in the FIDA-IDD plan with Partners Health Plan, and can assist others enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care plans.
Elmys Silvia Navas from family reimbursement we have opening for Queen and Brooklyn we are accepting applications. Please feel free and contact me at 917-324-6825 or 718-789-7539
Goodwill- opening in Harlem Dayhab without walls
Summertime Gallery – an art studio + gallery for artists with and without disabilities pushing towards a more inclusive art world. We currently have two exciting groups we have during the week.
Studio Hours is a virtual group where we use different prompts, materials, and mediums to create art together. This is less of a step by step class but more of an art family/community where artists encourage and support each other.
Our second group is Art Walks + Talks. This hybrid group consists of visiting art museums or galleries in person every other week, and the opposing week we are virtual and create art using inspiration from the week prior. This group is great for those who want to immerse themselves in the NYC art world.
These groups accept Self-Direction and fee-for-service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to anna@summertimegallery.org or check out our website at Summertimegallery.org
CARES Article 16 and Article 31 clinics– FSS Grant in Brooklyn and are able to provide free evaluations for individuals looking to obtain OPWDD eligibility. Please contact me at pratz@caresnyc.org or 212-420-1970 ext. 123
MTA Accessibility Coming Soon OMNY Reduce Fare Training Please Contact Sara Bahri Systemwide Accessibility sara.bahri@nyct.com set up date time on zoom Please Update Reduced-Fare Metro Cards Information no photo need https://new.mta.info/fares/how-to-apply-reduced-fare-metrocard need print out page only address phone and email address mail Mail to MTA Reduce Fare 130 Livingston St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
reduce fare OMNY go on https://reducefare.mta.info/omny-registration
if need to Presentation Disability systemwide email accessibility@mtahq.org seniors Call MTA Government 646-252-2660 link omny.info Baby stroll my mtainfo/accessibility
Please visit the MTA website for the redesign of the new buses from the Bronx into Manhattan. New elevator in Times square.
Please make sure to read the instructions regarding congestion pricing and disability.
NY foundation for seniors– Home care program is looking to talk to people who are interested in housing
Metro community health centers-4 centers available in Staten Island, Manhattan, Bronx and Manhattan dental
Anchor Health – Independent from OPWDD. We service both children and adults(contact info in chat) At Anchor Health, we provide compassionate, skilled, person centered home care services to individuals and families.
Anchor’s home health aids are trained in crisis intervention, IDD and mental/medical health and are supervised by a licensed clinical social worker. Our home health aids make it possible for people to live more satisfying lives in their homes. We are Medicaid funded and are independent from OPWDD. I can be reached at 347-709-9181 or psych1325@gmail.com for assistance or inquiry.
Gateway Counseling Center– We currently have openings for Group Day Hab site-based and Without Walls, Supplemental Group Day Hab, Pre Vocational (Pilot program), and Community Habilitation for Manhattan. To make a referral, I can be reached at (929) 237-7222 or via email mary.tejada@gccnyc.org
NYSID
New York State Institute on Disability, Inc. provides the following support services:
• Evaluations for Non Medicaid individuals
Contact: Elizabeth Sunshine at 917-699-0578 or email esunshine@nysidinc.org
• Behavior Crisis Management Services
Contact: Juliet Hawkins at 917-524-4856 or email jhawkins@nysidinc.org
• Reimbursement for goods, services, and camp
Contact: Jackie Tripodi at 929-202-1115 or email jtripodi@nysidinc.org
•Recreation Outings for individuals and their family members
Contact: Sarah Alton at 718-494-9424 or email salton@nysidinc.org
• Transportation for medical appointments and recreation activities
Contact: John O’Grady at 917-747-9424 or email Titus School
Located in Manhattan. We support a wide range of children with special needs. In addition, we support children with mental health issues as well. We have an 8:4 ratio.
Unique Care Community Services- We have opening in our Manhattan Day Hab, Com-Hab and Respite please feel free to reach out ajames@uniquecarenyc.org
STEPS2 Health Coordinator
Want to learn more about your health?
Opportunity to participate
in a research study
Are you….
16-27 years old with an intellectual or developmental
disability
If so….
You may be eligible to participate in a study about health education
If you decide to participate….
You will be interviewed about your health
Participate in six online health education classes
Complete 3 more interviews within a year
Participants will….
Receive free health education classes
Get four $25 gift cards (totaling $100)
Interested?
Call
(914) 365-8959
or
Participating is completely voluntary and will not affect your other services.
III. State News – Samwitt Tadesse
- Guide house report to looking into managed care. Since January 2023 they have had monthly meeting. In November 2023 a survey went out in regards to care and issues. The final report will be done by guidehouse and OPWDD
- Ammendment update
- HCBS renewal application will be sent to CMS by April 2024 for a 5 year renewal effective October 1, 2024..
- HCBS setting rules compliance. Full compliance was required on March17th 2023. October 30th CMS gave NY state final approval in the Sate wide transition plan however New York State and OPWDD requested a corrective action plan on standards related to community integration and employment required subsequent engagement with CMS to establish details and finalized timeline with regard to the correction action plan OPWDD is asking for additional time until July 1st 2024 to come into compliance specifically related to:
- The COVID-19 pandemic impacted New York State’s developmental disabilities service system, worsening the shortage of direct support professionals to provide services. In 2022, OPWDD worked with the New York State Department of Health to request that the federal government allow more time for service providers in the OPWDD service system to meet two parts of the HCBS Settings Rule:
- Helping people get out into the community as they want
- Helping people have a job
- Policy updates
- 12/28/2023 with feedback from services providers OPWDD gave further information on telehealth services
- OPWDD adopted an amendment in relation to employment . This clarifies purpose of semp ……….
- 12/20/2023 OPWDD gave notice to use eligibility transmittal form which went into effect June 2023. Inclusion to discuss gender, preferred communication. From can only be filled out by CCO’s. update on
- 11/9/2023 4 ADM regarding Appendix K
- Appendix K has expired as November 11,2023. OPWDD has given guidance to agencies as for the future after the unwinding of the federal public health emergency. OPWDD guidance regarding the unwinding of COVID pandemic related policies can be found on the OPWDD website. https://opwdd.ny.gov/coronavirus-guidance/covid-19-public-health-emergency-unwinding-guidance
- Employability- New program to assist business in training and teaching businesses how to work with businesses how to work with people with IDD to date 144 businesses attending the training. There will be an online component so that other businesses can join and complete the training at their own timeline
- New ADM-11/1/2023 final regulations regarding HCBS waiver.
- Com hab R services will be able to given in certified residence or outside the residence based on needs of the individual.
- ADM 2103 R- Remote delivery of waiver services. This is about using technology to deliver services remotely, which includes Day Hab, Com Hab, prevocational services, pathways to employment support broker and respite services.
- ADM 2308 community hab. Includes where the comm hab may be delivered and how to document the service delivery for reimbursement
- 0601R related to group service documentation as of 11/11/203. Day hab services can no longer be in residential programs. The CCO’s were working with the families to make sure individuals are receiving the information they need.
- 8/24/2023-new ADM Guidline for positive relations to implement promote. Provides agencies to use the promote curriculum instead of ACIP. ADM will take place on 1/1/2024.
V. City News –
- The 5 borough chairs have begun to meet with city representatives to talk about the city planning.
VI. IAC Report – Richard Bosch
- IAC will have a briefing on the budget for the DD councils. We are looking for a 3.2% trend and a $4000.00 enhancement for DSP’s. In includes 6 billion for the 1115 waiver. We are not sure if OPWDD is included at this time
- Education the overall budget briefing is what NY state board of regents issued in December. Residentials schools for school age children they have not been able to fill the beds. They will continue to fund them for those seats. They are asking state agencies to work on creating residential opportunities from State schools. The time line methodology is approximately 3-4 years, which is long.
- City board of ed we are still in crisis of transition funds. Unfortunately, all the money was covid money and after June 30th it will not longer be there. The cut is over 5million. They will eliminate vacant position, however we do not have details. IAC has been surveying schools to see what would happen if they lost the money. All the schools said they would not be able to continue giving the increase and not be able to provide the extended hours.
- Many parents didn’t know what to do when their child graduates’ school. Many parents didn’t know what to do. It’s important for the CCO’s and the districts to be aware of what is out there. It should start at age 15 and become more involved as the child gets older and ready to graduate.
- Iacny.org has a lot of information on the different trainings. Go to the events page which will list all the trainings.
The Family Support Advisory cancel sent out the survey. We want the survey out to as many people as possible. The survey was not translated into other languages which was a huge hit to NYC.
- Thoughts on Supportive setting: When an individual is being moved from 24 hour to supportive the need for extra care when the person first moves she be acknowledged and looked at. This will set them up for success. In addition when a person gets older they should have the ability to move to a more supportive setting if needed
- Advocacy/Lobby Days –We are asking everyone to reach out to the governor to support our DSP’s. The letter that Wini sent should go out before the end of the year so that it will go into the executive budget. We are asking for $4,000,00 and 3,25% COLA
- We are asking people to visit local legislators in their local offices to they remember and see you.
- February 12th rally in the war room. You do not need to sign up-Just come! Information to follow.
- 5 borough are planning a breakfast for March1st 2023
- New York city’s day in Albany will be March 4th and 5th.
- Hudson Valley Feb 27
- Westchester March
- Long Island March 19
- March 25th a major rally with many associations.
- They Mayor announced a 5% cut across the board with another round in January and April.
- Education Chris Treiber has joined theemergency collation to save the education. This was originally a COVID fund for preschool. Currently the money has run out. This coalition to help fund that program. There are 150 different organizations that have signed on. They are meeting with elected officials and the Mayors’ office. We will keep you up to date on that advocacy effort.
- There has been some confusion on if a child can stay in school if they turn 22 the day before school starts.
- State Ed is looking for finding for the instates residential schools. They are not being permitted to fill the beds with people who are over the age of the 22, however there are kids over the age of 22 still there as they do not have alternative placement.
- Invest in ME! Is the theme . $4,00.00 wage enhancement and 3.25% COLA is our main focus.
- More Rallies will be in February and March. In addition to regional rally days.
- December 18th was the commoners meeting with agencies: The commissioner spoke about advocacy season and encouraged the agencies to keep advocation
- The rate determination will be from the 2022-22 year.
- DQI has been checking who has locks on their doors. OPWDD will be provided $280.18 per lock on changing the locks.
- Family reimbursement surveys comments; timeliness of reimbursement , CC knowing what to do. Clinical justification , complaint about allowable or excluded items. Diapers, mobility, mattresses tracking devices and replacement of non Medicaid items.
VII. Committee Reports:
Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co-Chairs: Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Please join us for our first multi-borough
FSSAC Information Meeting :
Adapt Community Network & Sinergia present:
Housing Assistance
Thursday, January 25th
10:00 am -11:30 am
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
https://zoom.us/meeting/
Please spread the word as it will be a lot of information on home modification, home assistance and residential information
Family Support Services (FSS) Are Designed to Help People Keep Their Loved Ones at Home
After School Programs, Behavioral Support, Family Reimbursement, Respite, Transportation for example: https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/
$3.5 Million Dollars for FSS is on The Table!
Click To Start The Survey!
Family & Provider Information Committee: Co-chairs: Wendy De Leon & Luisa Eusse-Roché
Meeting was on 1/10/24. The meeting was about getting authorized for services. What happens when you get stuck after eligibility. Tips and tricks for getting approved at different stages! The meeting was well attended. Some information was known and some information was new!
We are looking to update our directory. Please keep an eye out for an email requesting updates.
- Legislative Committee: Co-Chairs:
Expanding work to ongoing advocacy with local legislators for I/DD issues & needs
If you are interested in being more involved please reach out to Kathy Kelly.
Transition Committee: Co-Chairs: Andrew Harris and David Summers
Manhattan Adult Services Meet & Greet 2024
Wednesday February 14, 2024
10:00am-12:00pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
December 13th meeting was with a guest presentation on Supported Decision Making NY as an alternative to guardianship
Learn about programs & services for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities living in Manhattan.
What’s next after high school?
A variety of organizations will be sharing about their programs and services:
Adult Day Programs | Employment Services | & More!
Participating Agencies
ADAPT Community Network • Advance Care Alliance • AHRC NYC • Braverhood • Care Design NY • Center for Family Support • Esperanza Center • Gateway Counseling Center • General Human Outreach • Goodwill NYNJ • Lifespire • NY Foundling • Open the Lid • The Shield • Sinergia • Tri-County Care • Unique Care • YAI
Sponsored by Manhattan DD Council Transition Committee
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/94585070116
Meeting ID: 945 8507 0116
One tap mobile: +16469313860,,94585070116#
We meet 2nd Wednesdays every other month (even numbered months)
- Updated directory of adult services for Manhattan residents with I/DD also available on manhattanddcouncil.org, and email aharris27@schools.nyc.gov if you’d like to have your organization’s info included in this directory.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us:
Andrew Harris, P138M, aharris27@schools.nyc.gov
New Business
5 borough councils are joining to do a virtual legislative event on Friday March 1, 2023.
The in-person Family support fair will be in May. Please let us know what topics you would be interested in hearing.