The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is an executive agency in the state of New York, whose mission is to provide services and conduct research for those with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It is one of New York State's largest agencies, with a mandate to provide services and supports to more than 130,000 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and leads a workforce of more than 22,000 direct support staff, clinicians, nurses, researchers and other professionals throughout the state. It operates 13 Developmental Disabilities Services Offices which operate group homes for the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in its care. It is part of the pro forma Department of Mental Hygiene along with the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
The agency is based in Albany, New York at 44 Holland Avenue.
History The agency was established in response to the 1972 Willowbrook State School exposé, lawsuit, and subsequent Consent Decree of 1975.
The Department of Mental Hygiene was established in 1926–1927 as part of a restructuring of the state government, and was given responsibility for people diagnosed with intellectual disability, mental illness or epilepsy. Chapter 426, enacted 30 March 1927, effective 30 March 1927. See also L.1909 c.32 and L.1972 c.251. In 1966–1967, the Community Hostel Facilities Act authorized the creation of community residential facilities or group homes. Chapter 576, enacted 24 April 1967, effective 1 April 1967. In 1977–1978, the Department of Mental Hygiene was reorganized into the autonomous Office of Mental Health, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, and the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). In July 2010, the agency was renamed from the OMRDD to its current name.L. 2010, c. 168, enacted 13 July 2010. A11197, 2009-2010 legislative session. The Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities was established in 1958 for basic and clinical research into the causes and treatment of intellectual disabilities. Chapter 912, enacted 22 April 1958, effective 1 April 1958.
Structure OPWDD maintains five Developmental Disability Regional Offices that are responsible for coordinating and overseeing not-for-profit provider services, and managing the enrollment process. +RegionArea1Western New York & Finger Lakes2Central New York, Broome & Sunmount3Capital District, Taconic & Hudson Valley4Metro, Brooklyn, Staten Island & Queens5Long Island
Eligibility Eligibility to receive OPWDD services is determined based on review of an application and other supporting information. Developmental disabilities that may qualify an individual for OPWDD include intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, familial dysautonomia, Prader–Willi syndrome, and neurological impairments.
Demographics OPWDD serves approximately 130,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. 65% of those served are male and 35% female. 59% of the population served are adults aged 21–64, 34% are children under the age of 21, and 7% are seniors aged 65 and over. 66.2% of the population served are white.
The primary two diagnoses of the population served are intellectual disabilities (53%) and autism (27%).
Services and funding In additional to eligibility, individuals have to demonstrate a need for each service sought. Most OPWDD services are provided through New York State's Medicaid program, which is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. Individuals requiring supports and services beyond 100% NY State funded services must enroll in OPWDD's HCBS 1915(c) Waiver program. As of 2023, OPWDD's annual Medicaid expenditures amount to $9 billion with an average expenditure of $70K per person. +ServiceDescriptionFunding sourceFamily Support Services (FSS)To provide support for a family whose loved one with a developmental disability lives at home. May include can include social skills training, crisis support, behavioral support, and family reimbursement.New York StateHousing Subsidy (formerly ISS)Help to pay rent for an individual's own home or community-based housing that offers supports to gain independent living skills.New York StateCommunity Habilitation and Day HabilitationTo teach an individual skills to live as independently as possible.HCBS 1915(c) Waiver RespiteProvides relief to caregivers who have loved ones living at home with them.HCBS 1915(c) Waiver Assistive TechnologyAssistive devices or modifications to your home or vehicle to support individuals to live at home.HCBS 1915(c) Waiver Employment ServicesHelp individuals obtain the skills necessary to get and keep a job.HCBS 1915(c) Waiver Behavioral SupportsTeaching individuals skills to cope with challenging behaviors and emotions.HCBS 1915(c) Waiver Clinic ServicesTo provide some rehabilitative support such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech language pathology or diagnostic and evaluation services.NY Medicaid State Plan (Non-Waiver) Services Services may be provided directly by OPWDD or through not-for-profit service provider agencies.
Public safety This agency employs security officers to maintain order and protect patients, grounds, and building https://statejobs.ny.gov/employees/vacancyDetailsView.cfm?id=217543, which grants them very limited peace officer authority when on duty pursuant to New York State Criminal Procedure Law § 2.10(52), including the Mental Hygiene Law (section 7.25), Public Health Law (section 455) .OPWDD officers are prohibited by state law from carrying a firearm.
List of commissioners NameDates in OfficeGovernors ServedCommentsThomas Coughlin III1978 - 1980Hugh CareyFirst commissioner. Appointed Commissioner of the Department of Corrections in 1980.James E Introne1980 – 1982Zymond L. Slezak1982 – 1983Arthur Y. Webb1983 – January 1990Mario CuomoResigned to become Director of New York State Division of Substance Abuse Services.Elin M. HoweFebruary 1990 – September 1993Appointed as Commissioner of the former Department of Mental Retardation (now Department of Developmental Services) in Massachusetts.Thomas A. MaulSeptember 1993 – 2006Mario Cuomo,George Pataki,Eliot SpitzerDiana Jones RitterMarch 2007 – July 2010Eliot Spitzer,David PatersonResigned to become the Managing Director of the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority.Max ChmuraJuly 2010 – March 2011David Paterson,Andrew CuomoForced resignation.Laurie A. KelleyJuly 2013 – 2014Andrew CuomoActing. Resigned.Kerry Delaney2014 – 2019Acting. Resigned.Dr. Theodore Kastner2019 – November 2021Resigned.Courtney BurkeApril 2011 – July 2013Resigned to become New York's new Deputy Secretary for Health.Kerri E. NeifeldNovember 2021 – June 2024Kathy HochulBecame acting commissioner in November 2021 and was confirmed as permanent in March 2022. Resigned.Willow BaerJuly 2021 – PresentActing.
References
External links Official OPWDD site New York State Justice Center Regulations in the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations Data on Data.NY.gov