Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
Next Meeting
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
10:00 A.M.
Virtual Zoom meeting
https://zoom.us/j/92502943960?pwd=RDJwWHo4bUJBS09qWHNVWUNKZGxaZz09
Meeting ID: 925 0294 3960
Passcode: 927238
Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council Minutes
March 19, 2024
I. Introductions
The February 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
Openings in all programs: family reimbursement, housing advocacy, home modifications & repairs, RESTORE grant, Access to Home grant, clinical services, adult & children’s services
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.
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
Celebrating 75th anniversary this year! https://www.ahrcnyc.org/75th-anniversary/
Vacancies in all Manhattan day habilitation programs
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
Calvin Fraser
Director of IDD services at EHC
914.338.9990
Cfraser@extendedhc.net
Any families interested in Home Care services, occupational, physical and speech therapy for kids and adults feel free to contact me.
Sinergia
Openings in family support, family reimbursement, education advocacy, Non-Medicaid case management, free evaluations for OPWDD eligibility (non-Medicaid families residing in Manhattan)
Jercaury Lara Nivar from Sinergia Inc.
We provide family support services, non-Medicaid case management, free evaluation for Manhattan residents, as well as Education Advocacy for participant ages 3-21 who are OPWDD eligible and reside In Manhattan.
If you are interested in these services or would like more information, please contact the following.
212-643-2840 Ext. 367
212-643-2840 Ext. 602
intake@sinergiany.org
website: https://www.sinergiany.org/
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
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. Register here link to register/Spanish-https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vduyppj4jHtQtXA9ai5TnsJPiS7IbpF6C?_x_zm_rtaid=rSFf2duvSYCmpB9nBMuzHg.1697547122452.8506596d719fb93379beaad490e12696&_x_zm_rhtaid=118#/registration
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:
亞美GHO (www.ghoinc.org) has openings on sit-based, day Hab without Walls, and employment programs.
Family Support services including non-Medicaid free psychological/psychosocial evaluation (Queens families only), Family Reimbursement, and case management to assist families who are new to OPWDD and seeking services. Bilingual speaking staff available in Chinese and Korean, and staffs do ASL.
Info/Question/Referral?
Call Pat Liu @ 718-307-6563 or Pat@ghoinc.org
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CCO/CDNY Intake assistance for Chinese or Korean speaking families.
718-307-6564 (Chinese)
718-307-6570 (Korean)
Family Reimbursement for Manhattan families through GHO. Contact Pat Liu 718-307-6563 or Pat@ghoinc.org
Quality Services for the Autism Community (QSAC)
QSAC has openings for In Home Behavior Management, Family Reimbursement and Non Medicaid Service Coordination. Email: serena.windett@qsac.com Phone: 212-244-5560 ext 2091
The Center for Family Support (CFS)
Vacancies for NMSC services in the Manhattan and Queens area, we also have Family Reimbursement in the listed areas above. Please contact Natasha Salazar at 516-292-3000 ext. 401 or nsalazar@cfsny.org
Offers waivered Community Habilitation, Day Hab without Walls, Supported Employment, & Respite/Home Care in the 5 boroughs. Inquiries and referrals for all services can be made through our website: New York Programs and Services – The Center for Family Support (cfsny.org)
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.
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
has openings for Camp Reimbursement. Contact Jackie Tripodi at 929-202-1115 or email her at jtripodi@nysidinc.org for more information.
T care support
Home care based services. Support children with P3 . Supporting children who are not getting their full IEP services. Arianne Saxton, T Care Support
347-774-1660 and a.saxton@tcaresupport.com
We specialize is staffing, HCBS services and P3/SETTS
HCBS- Home and community based services (HCBS) provide opportunities for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive services in their own home or community for individuals age 0-21 with intellectual or developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and/or mental illnesses.
P3- P3/SETTS is a program designed to provide academic support to students who require individualized attention due to a variety of reasons. We also offer Related Services that include Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Speech Therapy, Health Paras, Mental Health Counselors, and more. These services are crucial for students who require extra assistance to meet their academic potential. P3/SETTS can help students improve their academic performance by providing individualized attention that is tailored to their unique needs. The Related Services we offer can help students with physical or cognitive disabilities to access their education and develop the skills they need to succeed.
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
BHRAGS Home Care Corp
Robean Morris, Case Manager
347-676-0849
rmorris@bhrags.org
2005 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210
- Guest Presentation: NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
IPC Needs Assessment for Staff of Group Homes for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in NYC
Project Overview
Target Population: Staff of Group Homes for I/DD in NYC
Goal to study and inform Infection Protection Control practices
Next Steps
Full report on survey and listening session data
III. State News – Samrawitt Tadesse
March is National Disabilities Awareness Month
- OPWDD released videos focusing on empowerment & self-advocacy
- Public encouraged to share photos and videos with “I AM” messages to communications.office@opwdd.ny.gov and tag on social media with #…..
Solar Eclipse
- Expected 4/8/24
- Visible from parts of upstate NY
- Travel delays expected
- Keep vehicles fueled and essential devices charged with backup batteries
New Front Door Information Videos
- Available on OPWDD website in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese (more languages coming soon, interpretation services available now as needed)
- https://opwdd.ny.gov/access-supports/front-door-videos
- Videos informed by input from OPWDD stakeholders
- Information available on services and process for connecting with services
Cost of Living Adjustment
- 5.4% increase incorporated into provider rates & fees
- PRAs and FI fees also increased by 5.4%
ARPA
- System capacity and improvement self-assessment study
- Partnership with Georgetown University
Care Coordination Program Evaluation
- Providers will receive survey via email, participation encouraged
HCBS Settings Rule Compliance
- OPWDD & CMS meeting regularly to review and improve compliance
- Look beyond anti stigma is full speed ahead. All forms of social media and print will be used to inform the public about people with Developmental disabilities. The campaign will run throughout t the spring
- 2023 annual Strategic plan report should be out shortly
- 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.
- The survey provided by guide house is available on the OPWDD website. We encourage everyone to participate in the survey.
- 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
- Supported certified housing grants. The first supportive IRA is going to be opening soon on Long Island. 2 people will be moving from a supervised IRA to a supportive IRA
V. City News –
- The 5 borough chairs have begun to meet with city representatives to talk about the city planning.
VI. IAC Report – Winifred Schiff
State Budget
- Governor’s proposal and one-house budget proposal responses have been released
- IAC members involved in advocating for inclusion of I/DD funding throughout budget process
- Services costs to providers have risen, rates need to rise to match
- Direct support wage enhancement proposed, included in governor’s proposal, included in Senate proposal but not in Assembly proposal
- Governor’s proposal included language to hold schools harmless based on enrollment changes
- Early intervention rate increases included in proposals
- [More info in recording/transcript]
VII. Committee Reports:
Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co-Chairs: Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Mary and Jackie continue providing families with opportunities for advocacy.
This meeting will be for all the 5 boroughs as every borough has the same contract
manhattanfamilyadvisory@gmail.com
Thursday 3/21 @ 10am Stephanie Baran from AHRC will be presenting on guardianship and alternatives, Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Supported Decision Making part one
Click Below to Register
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArfumgrjIrHd232XFiGKZx4EaQKky7OBCf
Following meeting: 4/4, (part two) live assistance with guardianship petition paperwork
Guardianship and Future Care Planning Where do we begin? …..a two part series
With Stephanie Baran, Esq. AHRC NYC
Family & Provider Information Committee: Co-chairs: Wendy De Leon & Luisa Eusse-Roché
Last Meeting:
March 13th – Home Modifications
Recording available now
Next Meeting:
May 8th – Crisis Services & Supports
Legislative Committee
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
Last Meeting:
Manhattan Adult Services Meet & Greet 2024 (5th Annual!)
Wednesday, February 14th, 10:00am
18 organizations presented about services available for adults with I/DD living in Manhattan, including day habilitation programs, employment services, community classes & more
Meeting recording available now: https://youtu.be/zHsYNpKR8SY?si=KX8ZXX8rAyMKdH4K
Next Meeting:
April 17th @ 10:00am
Guest presentation on STEPS2 research study from CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy
Zoom Info Coming Soon!
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
David Summers, AHRC NYC, david.summers@ahrcnyc.org
New Business
Manhattan Family & Professional Resource Fair 2024
Tuesday, May 21st, 9:00am-2:00pm @ CUNY Graduate Center
More info coming soon!
5 Borough DD Council Virtual Legislative Breakfast
March 1st @ 10:00am
Good turnout – ~400 participants
Presented to legislators on concerns and this year’s state budget
Thank you to all who attended! Meeting recording coming soon
5 Borough DD Council Virtual Legislative Breakfast
March 1st @ 10:00am
Good turnout – ~400 participants
Presented to legislators on concerns and this year’s state budget
Thank you to all who attended! Meeting recording coming soon