Dear Friends and Colleagues:
One year ago I had the pleasure of being confirmed as commissioner of OPWDD by the New York State Senate. At the time of my appointment by Governor Cuomo, OPWDD was tasked with implementing a system-wide transformation. Since then, with your partnership and the strong commitment and engagement of people throughout every part of our service system, we have been overhauling virtually every aspect of OPWDD’s operations.
These reforms coincide with a critical announcement earlier this week, as Governor Cuomo unveiled new legislation to establish the strongest standards and practices in the nation for protecting more than 1 million people receiving services and supports from OPWDD, the Department of Health, the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Children and Family Services, the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and the State Education Department.
Our goals are simple: make the system safer for individuals with developmental disabilities and strengthen the quality of services and supports statewide.
I believe it is important not only that responsible reforms be implemented, but that we track our progress, ensure changes are making the system stronger, and take corrective action when necessary. Knowing that, today I am pleased to share with you our one-year progress report, which outlines several key areas of improvement such as:
· Better management practices and oversight of personnel practices, which has resulted in:
o A reduction of overtime—which can cause fatigue—by 43%.
o A reduction of unnecessary administrative leave by 55%.
· New partnerships with law enforcement, including the State Police, district attorneys, and more, which has resulted in:
o The percentage of allegations of sexual abuse reported to law enforcement rising from 76% to 100%.
o The percentage of allegations of physical abuse reported to law enforcement rising from 16% to 98%.
· Launching a pilot program that will result in wireless video recording and global positioning system (GPS) technology in state vehicles, statewide, used to transport individuals with developmental disabilities.
· Obtaining resources in this year’s enacted state budget, which will enable OPWDD to improve the fire safety of homes it operates and certifies.
· Comprehensive, independent investigations carried out by 64 certified investigators, up from 51 six months ago, who reinforce the reforms associated with OPWDD’s centralized investigations unit.
· Keeping the state’s promise to move people out of institutional settings and develop more person-centered services that are based in the community.
The report is available on the homepage of OPWDD’s newly redesigned website: www.opwdd.ny.gov.
Since the release of our initial six-month progress report in October of last year, the last six months have largely focused on creating a stronger service delivery system that better meets the diverse needs of the people we serve. This work will continue in the months and years ahead, and your active engagement remains as important today as it has been throughout the history of this agency.
In addition to the reforms that OPWDD has already implemented, other significant changes that will be developed and implemented over the next several months include:
- · System-wide adoption of standardized core competencies for all state and nonprofit direct care professionals.
- · Continued development and implementation of the People First Waiver, which will transform OPWDD’s service delivery system by ensuring that services are person-centered and based on an individual’s needs.
- · Sweeping regulatory changes that will promote positive relationships and the need to recognize when an individual is in crisis, significantly reducing the use of physical interventions and psychotropic drugs.
I greatly appreciate your honesty and partnership in enacting these reforms, and I firmly believe that listening to the advice and constructive criticism of self-advocates, families, employees, providers, and others has helped us improve. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Burke