Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
https://opwdd.ny.gov/how-do-i/apply-services
https://opwdd.ny.gov/welcome-front-door/home
How do I apply for services?
OPWDD’s new Front Door approach gives individuals who are seeking services for the first time or who are interested in modifying their current plans as many opportunities as possible to direct their own services. From the first time someone enters the Front Door, they, along with their family and circle of support, are provided consistent guidance and referral services identifying the steps necessary to access supports and services through and outside of OPWDD.
The Front Door strives to:
If you or a loved one has a developmental disability and lives in New York State, you can request services funded by OPWDD in a variety of ways. You may:
Eligibility for OPWDD ServicesOPWDD, through its local Developmental Disabilities Regional Offices (DDROs), determines whether a person has a developmental disability and is eligible for OPWDD‐funded services. The Three‐Step Eligibility Determination Process outlined below describes the kinds of information OPWDD needs to make a determination of developmental disability and confirm eligibility for services. This information can also be found on our website.
Please note that even when someone is determined to have a developmental disability, the person may not be eligible for all OPWDD‐funded services. Some OPWDD‐funded services require additional reviews that are not described in this fact sheet.
The Transmittal Form for Determination of Developmental Disability must accompany all requests sent to the DDRO for eligibility determinations. The Required Documents described on page 2 of the Important Facts Sheet must also be included as part of the eligibility review request.
Eligibility review requests and records are sent to the Eligibility Coordinator of the DDRO for the county where the applicant lives. A list of the Eligibility Coordinators at each of the five DDROs can be found on our website.
https://opwdd.ny.gov/how-do-i/apply-services
https://opwdd.ny.gov/welcome-front-door/home
How do I apply for services?
OPWDD’s new Front Door approach gives individuals who are seeking services for the first time or who are interested in modifying their current plans as many opportunities as possible to direct their own services. From the first time someone enters the Front Door, they, along with their family and circle of support, are provided consistent guidance and referral services identifying the steps necessary to access supports and services through and outside of OPWDD.
The Front Door strives to:
- Improve the way people learn about OPWDD and available service options
- Better connect individual needs to available services
- Give people as many opportunities as possible for self-direction
- Enjoy more meaningful relationships with family, friends, and others in their lives
- Experience personal growth
- Fully participate in their communities
- Live in the home of their choice
If you or a loved one has a developmental disability and lives in New York State, you can request services funded by OPWDD in a variety of ways. You may:
- Contact OPWDD directly
- Ask a local government agency to assist you in accessing OPWDD-funded services (please see Additional Information)
- Have a voluntary (not-for-profit) agency make a request on your behalf
Eligibility for OPWDD ServicesOPWDD, through its local Developmental Disabilities Regional Offices (DDROs), determines whether a person has a developmental disability and is eligible for OPWDD‐funded services. The Three‐Step Eligibility Determination Process outlined below describes the kinds of information OPWDD needs to make a determination of developmental disability and confirm eligibility for services. This information can also be found on our website.
Please note that even when someone is determined to have a developmental disability, the person may not be eligible for all OPWDD‐funded services. Some OPWDD‐funded services require additional reviews that are not described in this fact sheet.
The Transmittal Form for Determination of Developmental Disability must accompany all requests sent to the DDRO for eligibility determinations. The Required Documents described on page 2 of the Important Facts Sheet must also be included as part of the eligibility review request.
Eligibility review requests and records are sent to the Eligibility Coordinator of the DDRO for the county where the applicant lives. A list of the Eligibility Coordinators at each of the five DDROs can be found on our website.