Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
Next Meeting
Tuesday, October 17th, 2023
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
September 19, 2023
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
July 18th: 5 borough symposium on ageing held
Queens Family Support Fair 10/27 @ Flushing Sheraton Hotel
ADAPT Community Network – formerly UCP of New York City
Family Connect Summit – 10/5 10am-4pm
ADAPT Community Network is pleased to announce that our live virtual Family Connect Summit 2023 “Building Connections” will be on Thursday, October 5th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. There is a wide range of workshops being presented by noted experts in their individual fields. Edward Matthews, CEO of Adapt Community Network, will host the Plenary Session. Topics include Plenary Session: The Future of Healthcare for People with Disabilities, Addressing Parents Fears of Early Childhood Special Education, Preserve Benefits and Protect Funds to Enhance Quality of Life, “Adulting”: Effectively Preparing Individuals with ASD, The Power of Peer Support for Siblings of People with Disabilities. Spanish and Mandarin interpretation will be provided. Registration is required. To register and for further information click on https://adaptcommunitynetwork.org/summit2023/
For information on sponsorship email mlinbrunner@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or visit https://adaptcommunitynetwork.org/sponsorsummit2023
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.
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
1979 Marcus Ave – Ste 213
Lake Success, NY 11042
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 21year 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
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/
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.
This coming Monday is the meeting to discuss fair cuts. 10Am and again at 6pm . The meeting will be held at 2 Broadway in Manhattan.
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.
III. State News – James Doherty
- SANYS Self-advocacy Conference – 10/26-28 in Albany
- Workforce Crisis
- Continued Direct Support Professional workforce shortage, amplified by pandemic
- OPWDD working with voluntary service providers to address workforce crisis
- Dedicated 76% of rescue plan funds to DSP workforce development
- Engaging with provider partners to address crisis
- Strategic Plan
- Ongoing stakeholder forums to seek input
- Federal public health emergency unwinding
- Appendix K remains in effect through 11/11/23
- https://opwdd.ny.gov/coronavirus-guidance/covid-19-public-health-emergency-unwinding-guidance
- Waiver amendment public comment period ended in May
- OPWDD proposing to adopt some temporary amendments from Appendix K
- Self-Direction
- Program evaluation in process with consultants involved
- Care Coordination
- American Institutes of Research engaged to conduct program evaluation
- Aim to streamline procedures and best practices
- ADMs & Guidance Updates
- PROMOTEEligibility & EnrollmentOccupancy AgreementHCBS:Cannabis & Hemp Derived Products
- Guidance: https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/07/cbd-and-medical-cannabis-23-inf-01.pdf
- Proposed regulations: https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2023/07/semp-final-reg-text-6.27.23.pdfFeedback can re: SEMP can be sent to rau.unit@opwdd.ny.gov
- PROMOTEEligibility & EnrollmentOccupancy AgreementHCBS:Cannabis & Hemp Derived Products
V. City News – Gavin Meyers
- No report this month
VI. IAC Report – Richard Bosch
- State Budget: Flat budget proposed, no planned increases
- Current COLAs falling short of actual inflation
- CPI of 2% proposed, more needed to support DSPs
- Advocacy rallies planned in NYC & Albany
- City Budget: Mayor proposing 15% cut for all agencies
- 5% cut as of 11/1, further 5% cuts expected in Jan & Apr
- Education
- 853 & 4410 schools in need of continued & increased funding
- Staffing & bussing are challenges
- Self-Direction
- Demographics of participating individuals/families and factors related to accessing services being reviewed
VII. Committee Reports:
Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co-Chairs: Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Next Meeting: September 28, 10:00am-12:00pm
Epilepsy Foundation of Metro New York
On Zoom and Possibly in Person, too!
Stay Tuned
Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEucu6trzsiEtBmPUU52eg4wY05H34tmrL9
IF YOU’D LIKE TO COME IN PERSON, PLEASE WRITE THAT NEXT TO YOUR LAST NAME WHEN YOU REGISTER – for example: “Jim Smith INPERSON“
Individuals with developmental disabilities are more likely to have seizures or epilepsy due to underlying brain conditions.
Our shared mission is to enhance awareness and education about epilepsy in our NYC community, especially in our schools, through our free Epilepsy 101 training programs. To facilitate this mission, the EFMNY offers online educational webinars through Zoom, and community educational/awareness presentations.
These presentations include, but are not limited to, seizure recognition, diagnosis, treatment options, first aid for the most common types of seizures, and additional provided information including medical and social service resources. All training is customized according to each community organization’s request, including optional additional training as needed.
This information about epilepsy will benefit everyone. For example, the EFMNY training will provide participants with the information and tools needed to assist a person during a Seizure and afterward.
Planning future meeting on transportation options, MTA, ACCESS-A-Ride
Family Advisory Council statewide meeting info to be emailed on FSSAC list
Changing family reimbursement rules continue to be a frustration and challenge
EPILEPSY 101 – KNOW THE FACTS!
Epilepsy occurs equally to persons of all ages, races and socio-economic groups.
Most people with epilepsy develop seizures before the age of 21 or as an older adult.
Family & Provider Information Committee: Co-Chairs: Wendy De Leon & Luisa Eusse-Roché
Upcoming meetings to be announced
Co-chairs open to suggestions for topics & speakers
Legislative Committee: Co-Chairs: Jim Malley & Lynn Decker
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
Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 11th, 10:00am
Navigating adult service options for transitioning youth with I/DD
Covering OPWDD eligibility, Medicaid, Front Door processes
Future meetings: guardianship & alternatives, other topics
Meeting 2nd Wednesdays every other month (even numbered months)
Landscape for finding day program placements has improved but still challenging
Met on June 7th 10:00AM inclusive programs of higher education.
-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:
David Summers, AHRC NYC, david.summers@ahrcnyc.org
Andrew Harris, P138M, aharris27@schools.nyc.gov
New Business