This month we held our Manhattan Transitional Meeting at P79M; 120th and Madison
Thank you, Jenny Woo for hosting.
The main focus of this meeting was to facilitate the Student Information and Packet Exchange. It is an annual event hosted by the Transition Committee to facilitate information and referrals to Adult Day Service agencies. All Adult Service agencies providing services in Manhattan were invited as well as parents & students.
An overview of the Transition Committee and the role of OPWDD was given.
OPWDD:
Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is the main New York State Agency that over sees services for individuals with Developmental Disabilities
The Front Door Process:
The Front Door Process is the New York State, OPWDD’s way of looking at individuals, to see if they are eligible for OPWDD services. One needs to become eligible for services once he or she is under the Auspices of OPWDD because OPWDD services are not an entitlement like those services given in the Department of Education. Once one is determined eligible, it is through The Front Door Process, in which one’s needs and supports will be assessed and then assistance will be giving to help find the necessary supports.
One is eligible for services if he or she meets all four of the following criteria.
1) A diagnosis, of the following Developmental Delays, from a licensed clinician
A diagnosis of a Developmental Disability which includes:
An Intellectual Disability
Autism
Epilepsy
Cerebal Palsy
Neurological Impairment
Familial Dysautonomia
2) Diagnosis occurred prior to the age of 22.
3) Substantial Deficits in the Life Skills Area.
4) Disability needs to continue indefinitely.
Overview of Adult Service Options:
Under the auspices of OPWDD there are a wide arrange of services that one may be eligible for. These services include:
Day Habilitation:
Individuals work on goals to be more independent in the community. This may be site based with activities occurring in the local community. Or this service may be totally community based with limited or no site based activities- known as Day hab without walls.
Pre-Vocational or Work Readiness Supports:
Individuals work on goals and outcomes to assist them in obtaining necessary skills to become employed.
Supported Employment:
Individuals work on skills to assist them in obtaining and maintaining paid competitive employment.
The remainder of the meeting was spent on facilitating information to students and Transition Staff. The agencies present each had a resource table available with information & resources.
Next Meeting:
April 9th 9:30 am
AHRC, NYC
83 Maiden Lane – 11th Floor