Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council Minutes
January 18, 2022
I. Introductions were completed.
II. Minutes The May 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
Manhattan DDcouncil@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
Please contact ADAPT Community Network’s Project Connect at 877-827-2666 or projectconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org. We have openings in Family Reimbursement, Com. Hab, Home Modifications(not in Manhattan), ISS, Housing Assistance Services. We are offering telehealth services via Station MD and Day Hab Admissions is running virtually. contact mhwang@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or 718-594-7374 or Kliebman@adaptcommunitynetwork.org
Contact projectconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or call 877-827-2666.
Ohel Bais Ezra
Family reimbursement funds available Manhattan and Queens
Call 718-686-3451 or email Communityservices@ohelfamily.org
YAI
Funds still available for emergency respite.
Travel Training workshops for staff, parents and caregivers. In the workshop, we will discuss the Travel Training program in detail, including the stages of training and pre-service documentation. Please feel free to email TravelTraining@yai.org.
All inquiries should be directed to YAI LINK at 212 273 6182 or link@yai.org. You can also fill out a Getting Started form to begin the screening process.
Transition to independence for people with Autism who are not waiver enrolled
Crisis Intervention
Day Habilitation
YAI Arts Day Hab without Walls
Emergency Respite Fund
Holiday Respite (ages 6 to 18)
Overnight Respite (ages 5+)
Parents with Special Needs: Program to empower parents with I/DD to strengthen parent/child interaction and enhance independence. The program focuses on goals identified by the parents to enhance their effectiveness and lead a balanced parenting lifestyle.
In-Home Behavior Management
Social Skills (ages 9+)
You and I Social Networking Skills (ages 18+): This group offers adults the opportunity to learn social and dating skills in a structured setting.
Independent Living Skills (ages 18+): A series of 12-week group sessions, providing the opportunity for adults to learn and develop skills in a group setting. A parent/caregiver education component is also included to help families bring the information home.
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 frees 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/
Sinergia– Offering Service coordination and Family Reimbursement to all Boroughs. We also offer non-Medicaid Free Evaluations and case management for Manhattan residents. We have openings in our Day Habilitation program and our employment program. Please feel free to reach out Jsantana@sinergiany.org There is also Housing Advocacy available as well https://www.sinergiany.org/services/housing-assistance
Esperanza has a day hab program in Washington Heights, and funds available for transportation reimbursement for Manhattan only. 212-928-5810
GHO– We have openings in CH, DH, DHWOW, Job training/employment program, IRA, etc. We have family reimbursement money as well We will have upcoming workshops and social parents gathering virtually for Korean and Chinese speaking families. For all information inquiries, feel free to contact me at 718-307-6570 or via e-mail: dquirk@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
Open the Lid– We offer Individual and Group, Web-Based Empowerment Classes that teach self-regulation, self-advocacy and communication skills in a supportive, inclusive community with neurodivergent people and allies.
Open the Lid Web -Based Empowerment Classes for any age, label or location
VIRTUAL COFFEE: HTTPS://www.openthelid.com/coffee
FREE TRIAL www.openthelid.com
EMAILsupport@openthelid.com
CALL/TEXT 607-339-8092
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
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
Lifespire has immediate behavior management openings in Manhattan. Email Jay Kleinman at jkleinman@lifespire.org for further information or to make referrals
NY city fair had Kerri Neifeld speak. The video is up check it out
III. State News –James Doherty
- 1/5 The governor announced a COLA of 5% increase in the 2022-2023 budget
- The proof of testing or vaccine requirement still does not
- 1/4 OPWDD issued updated COVID 19 visiting guidelines. All families need pre screening and need to make an appointment when wanting to see loved ones in the homes.
- 1/4 OSHA has made a statement that everyone has to either get vaccinated or be subjected to weekly covid testing. Need to be fully vaccinated by 2/22/20222
- Rescue plan 10% one time increase. Main areas of focus;
- improving the workforce
- Expanding community based residential opportunities
- Expanding CSSID. Expanded us of electronic services
- OPWDD 554million investing in recruitment and retention to help non for profit
- 1.4 billion in 1 time funds for recruitment and retention
- longevity and retention bonuses as well as vaccine bonuses Appendix K CMS has approved the most recent proposal. OPWDD has received funds for
- Heroes fund has specific amount for DSP’s who worked from March 2020-Janury 2021. Based on the amount of time DSP’s worked. One time bonus. Service providers must show proof and attestation.
- OPWDD is working with non for profit services providers to research how to get more staff
- Working with Department of Labor. Working with career centers.
- GI Bill to work with Veterans partnering with providers at the high school level and non traditional adults.
- Forging partnerships with SUNY and other community colleges to bring people in to the workforce
- 507 plan- housing, prevoc and employment, self direction, and many other topics
- Next step is to release draft plan for public hearing
- More information and focusing on the CAS assessment
- Family care
- Help with housing
- ICF and Developmental centers should remain in the service system
- V. City News – Gavin Meyers
- Vaccine requirement for NYC as of December 27th.Whoever works in person must have at least one vaccine and then have 45 days later to get the second dose.
- Vaccine booster shots are available for fully vaccinated people 12 or older. DOH is recommended the vaccine for anyone who got the dose of Pfzeir or Moderna 5 months ago and J&J 2 months ago.
- How to prevent to spread of COVID: advisory released on December 16th by the commissioner. Avoid crowded or non essential gatherings. When indoors recommended to wear a higher graded mask.
- Unvaccinated people should wear a mask always indoor and
- The percentage of covid cases positivity is 21.29%. 16000 total cases as the average 496 daily hospitalization average.
- Health department in focusing on the 84% fully vaccinated 93 %first dose only
- There is a difference between the booster and the third shot.
- Only Pfizer is available for 5-11years old. It is a smaller dose
- The flu vaccine can be received at the same time as the Covid vaccine. You can wait but it’s good to look at both options as we go into the winter season.
- The state continues to encourage people to get vaccinated
- If you are looking for a place to get COVID testing if you need to find a location: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page
- information about vaccine incentives for those who haven’t obtained a COVID-19 vaccine: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/vaccines/vaccine-incentives.page
- City is giving $100.00 for first does as well as transportation if needed
- You can also get the vaccine at home. https://forms.cityofnewyork.us/f/home
- https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/covid-19-vaccine-youth-sites-flyer.pdf information about the COVID vaccine for kids
- Information about the differences between boosters and 3rd doses: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/covid/covid-19-vaccine-third-dose-vs-booster.pdf
- To schedule free transport by either ambulette or taxi (including wheelchair accessible vehicles), call 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).
VI. IAC Report –Chris Treiber
Education 854 and 4410 schools
- 12/29 Govenor Hochul vetoed an equity bill, but at the same time said she will put in an 11% (240 million) budget increase in the executive budget. We are very happy with a recognition that we need support but there are major issues that continue to challenge the schools.
- The salary difference is threatening the closure of classrooms.
- Many schools had to move to remote or hybrid as they could not maintain the classrooms due to COVID
- Shorter isolation periods for staff who are fully vaccinated
- Contract enhancement for 4410 providers. Application due in February. The goal for many schools is to use that money to increase staff’s salary.
- Many kids have not been able to get the flu vaccine and therefore are unable to attend school. Families are encouraged to get their children the vaccine.
- NYC DOE indicated on their website that they will entertain remote learning for some students. Chris has reached out to DOE and is waiting for guidance.
VIII Committee Reports:
Family & Provider Information Committee: Co-Chairs: Yesenia Estrella & Luisa Eusse-Roché
March 16th will be our next meeting
Previous meeting was on self direction. It was very informative.
Legislative Committee: Co-ChairsJim Malley & Lynn Decker
- Tentative date for 5 borough virtual event. Friday March 4th.
- Two program bills that were signed by the governor;
- 1. Change to the composition to the DDAC. Which provides for senate and assembly appointees. That would make a change for the way the body look and functions
- 2. Senator Manion sponsored for a response on agency’s report on COVID. The information is supposed to come from DDAC which is made up of volunteers. Hopefully the report will actually happen. The council should follow up to make sure the report is produced.
- Inflation is at 7% and therefore we are still behind as the COLA is 5%
- Planning process for Manhattan . All ideas are welcome.