Under IDEA, an Individualized Education Program (or IEP) is created by the committee on special education (CSE) for a child who may not otherwise be able to access the curriculum with his/her peers. Individualized education program is a written statement, developed, reviewed and revised annually which is provided to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability. At the age of 12, the school district is mandated (required) to start the transition planning process by performing a Strength Based Assessment.

Hide <<

In order for a student to be classified with a disability under IDEA, and receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP), they must meet the criteria for a "Student with a Disability" as it is defined in the NYS regulations: Section 4401(1) of the Education Law states that a student with a disability as one "who has not attained the age of 21 prior to September 1st and who is entitled to attend public schools pursuant to section 3202 of the Education Law and who, because of mental, physical or emotional reasons, has been identified as having a disability and who requires special services and programs approved by the department." At any age, a student can be referred to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for classification and have an IEP created. The IEP is reviewed annually by the CSE.

There are 13 classifications under IDEA: Autism, Deafness, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Mental Retardation, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiply Disabled, Learning Disabled, Hearing Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health-Impairment, Speech & Language Impairment and Visual Impairment.

Hide <<

OPWDD is a funding source that can potentially provide a person with a developmental disability with a plentitude of community based supports and services. It is important to note that a determination of developmental disability does not mean the person is eligible for all OPWDD funded waiver services. Some OPWDD services have additional eligibility criteria. For example Intermediate Care Facilities and Home & Community Based Services waiver programs include an additional "Level of Care Determination" and individuals are eligible for HCBS services only when they reside in appropriate living arrangements. These and other additional criteria for certain OPWDD services are not reviewed through this eligibility process.

Hide <<

Eligibility Determination Process

An OPWDD Transmittal Form must accompany all requests submitted to the DDSO for eligibility determinations. The Transmittal Form includes the name of the person, the name of the person's representative, and relevant contact information. Documentation of the person's developmental disability must also be included as part of the eligibility request. DDSO staff review the eligibility request for completeness and share the information with other staff designated by the Director, as necessary. After this review, the DDSO notifies the person in writing that:

1. Eligibility or provisional eligibility has been determined; or
2. The request is incomplete and requires additional documentation; or
3. The request has been forwarded for a 2nd Step Review.

Hide <<

Medicaid provides people with both medical coverage as well as access to funding for waiver services through OPWDD. Note: Only straight Medicaid AS WELL AS receiving OPWDD eligibility will entitle a person to HCBS waiver services (see below).

Hide <<

In addition to the Medicaid application, you will need the following:

• Proof of age, like a birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship or status.
• Recent paycheck stubs (if you are working)
• Proof of your income from sources like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran's Benefits (VA), retirement benefits
• If you or anyone who lives with you is 65 years old or older, certified blind, or certified disabled, you need to give information on bank accounts, insurance policies and other resources
• Proof of where you live, like a rent receipt, landlord statement, mortgage statement, or envelope from mail you received recently
• Insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance) Medicare Benefit Card (the red, white and blue card)

Hide <<

Under IDEA, an Individualized Education Program (or IEP) is created by the committee on special education (CSE) for a child who may not otherwise be able to access the curriculum with his/her peers. Individualized education program is a written statement, developed, reviewed and revised annually which is provided to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability. At the age of 12, the school district is mandated (required) to start the transition planning process by performing a Strength Based Assessment.

Hide <<

In order for a student to be classified with a disability under IDEA, and receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP), they must meet the criteria for a "Student with a Disability" as it is defined in the NYS regulations: Section 4401(1) of the Education Law states that a student with a disability as one "who has not attained the age of 21 prior to September 1st and who is entitled to attend public schools pursuant to section 3202 of the Education Law and who, because of mental, physical or emotional reasons, has been identified as having a disability and who requires special services and programs approved by the department." At any age, a student can be referred to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for classification and have an IEP created. The IEP is reviewed annually by the CSE.

There are 13 classifications under IDEA: Autism, Deafness, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Mental Retardation, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiply Disabled, Learning Disabled, Hearing Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health-Impairment, Speech & Language Impairment and Visual Impairment.

Hide <<

OPWDD is a funding source that can potentially provide a person with a developmental disability with a plentitude of community based supports and services. It is important to note that a determination of developmental disability does not mean the person is eligible for all OPWDD funded waiver services. Some OPWDD services have additional eligibility criteria. For example Intermediate Care Facilities and Home & Community Based Services waiver programs include an additional "Level of Care Determination" and individuals are eligible for HCBS services only when they reside in appropriate living arrangements. These and other additional criteria for certain OPWDD services are not reviewed through this eligibility process.

Hide <<

Eligibility Determination Process

An OPWDD Transmittal Form must accompany all requests submitted to the DDSO for eligibility determinations. The Transmittal Form includes the name of the person, the name of the person's representative, and relevant contact information. Documentation of the person's developmental disability must also be included as part of the eligibility request. DDSO staff review the eligibility request for completeness and share the information with other staff designated by the Director, as necessary. After this review, the DDSO notifies the person in writing that:

1. Eligibility or provisional eligibility has been determined; or
2. The request is incomplete and requires additional documentation; or
3. The request has been forwarded for a 2nd Step Review.

Hide <<

Medicaid provides people with both medical coverage as well as access to funding for waiver services through OPWDD. Note: Only straight Medicaid AS WELL AS receiving OPWDD eligibility will entitle a person to HCBS waiver services (see below).

Hide <<

In addition to the Medicaid application, you will need the following:

• Proof of age, like a birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship or status.
• Recent paycheck stubs (if you are working)
• Proof of your income from sources like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran's Benefits (VA), retirement benefits
• If you or anyone who lives with you is 65 years old or older, certified blind, or certified disabled, you need to give information on bank accounts, insurance policies and other resources
• Proof of where you live, like a rent receipt, landlord statement, mortgage statement, or envelope from mail you received recently
• Insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance) Medicare Benefit Card (the red, white and blue card)

Hide <<

Under IDEA, an Individualized Education Program (or IEP) is created by the committee on special education (CSE) for a child who may not otherwise be able to access the curriculum with his/her peers. Individualized education program is a written statement, developed, reviewed and revised annually which is provided to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability. At the age of 12, the school district is mandated (required) to start the transition planning process by performing a Strength Based Assessment.

Hide <<

In order for a student to be classified with a disability under IDEA, and receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP), they must meet the criteria for a "Student with a Disability" as it is defined in the NYS regulations: Section 4401(1) of the Education Law states that a student with a disability as one "who has not attained the age of 21 prior to September 1st and who is entitled to attend public schools pursuant to section 3202 of the Education Law and who, because of mental, physical or emotional reasons, has been identified as having a disability and who requires special services and programs approved by the department." At any age, a student can be referred to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for classification and have an IEP created. The IEP is reviewed annually by the CSE.

There are 13 classifications under IDEA: Autism, Deafness, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Mental Retardation, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiply Disabled, Learning Disabled, Hearing Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health-Impairment, Speech & Language Impairment and Visual Impairment.

Hide <<

In order to qualify for SSI, you must suffer from a permanent condition that prevents you from working. In other words, your disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, a minimum of twelve months and you must be unable to earn an income greater than $1000 per month, which is defined by SSI as Substantial Gainful Activity.

Hide <<

Your child must meet all of the following requirements to be considered disabled and therefore eligible for SSI:

• The child must not be working and earning more than $1,000 a month in 2010. (This earnings amount changes every year.) If he or she is working and earning that much money, they will find that your child is not disabled.
• The child must also have LESS THAN $2,000 in assets.
• The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, which results in "marked and severe functional limitations." (See the criteria in the SSI Toolbox for details.) This means that the condition(s) must very seriously limit your child's activities.
• The child's condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months; or must be expected to result in death.

If your child's condition(s) results in "marked and severe functional limitations" for at least 12 continuous months, your child will be found to be disabled. But if it does not result in those limitations, or does not last for at least 12 months, your child is found not to be disabled.

For disability purposes in the SSI program, a child becomes an adult at age 18, and SSI uses different medical and nonmedical rules when deciding if an adult can get SSI disability payments. For example, SSI does not count the income and resources of family members when deciding whether an adult/child meets the financial limits for SSI. They count only the adult's or child's income and resources. SSI also uses the disability rules for adults when deciding whether an adult is disabled.

• If your child is already receiving SSI payments, they must review the child's medical condition when he or she turns age 18. They usually do this review during the one- 3 year period that begins on your child's 18th birthday. They will use the adult disability rules to decide whether your 18-year-old is disabled.
• If your child was not eligible for SSI before his or her 18th birthday because you and your spouse had too much income or resources, he or she may become eligible for SSI at age 18.

Hide <<

Medicaid provides people with both medical coverage as well as access to funding for waiver services through OPWDD. Note: Only straight Medicaid AS WELL AS receiving OPWDD eligibility will entitle a person to HCBS waiver services (see below).

Hide <<

In addition to the Medicaid application, you will need the following:

• Proof of age, like a birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship or status.
• Recent paycheck stubs (if you are working)
• Proof of your income from sources like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran's Benefits (VA), retirement benefits
• If you or anyone who lives with you is 65 years old or older, certified blind, or certified disabled, you need to give information on bank accounts, insurance policies and other resources
• Proof of where you live, like a rent receipt, landlord statement, mortgage statement, or envelope from mail you received recently
• Insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance) Medicare Benefit Card (the red, white and blue card)

Hide <<

OPWDD is a funding source that can potentially provide a person with a developmental disability with a plentitude of community based supports and services. It is important to note that a determination of developmental disability does not mean the person is eligible for all OPWDD funded waiver services. Some OPWDD services have additional eligibility criteria. For example Intermediate Care Facilities and Home & Community Based Services waiver programs include an additional "Level of Care Determination" and individuals are eligible for HCBS services only when they reside in appropriate living arrangements. These and other additional criteria for certain OPWDD services are not reviewed through this eligibility process.

Hide <<

Eligibility Determination Process

An OPWDD Transmittal Form must accompany all requests submitted to the DDSO for eligibility determinations. The Transmittal Form includes the name of the person, the name of the person's representative, and relevant contact information. Documentation of the person's developmental disability must also be included as part of the eligibility request. DDSO staff review the eligibility request for completeness and share the information with other staff designated by the Director, as necessary. After this review, the DDSO notifies the person in writing that:

1. Eligibility or provisional eligibility has been determined; or
2. The request is incomplete and requires additional documentation; or
3. The request has been forwarded for a 2nd Step Review.

Hide <<

VESID is a service available to people with all types of disabilities — developmental, physical or mental impairments — of all ages who want to go to work. These are some of the services that are available through VESID:

1. Assessment to help identify skills, abilities, interests and limitations.
2. Career counseling and guidance.
3. Rehabilitation and assistive technology.
4. Training at a vocational school, community college, or on the job.
5. Supported Employment, job placement and job retention.
6. VESID can pay for many services depending on the financial need of the individual and family. VESID must consider other benefits and services that are available to individuals.
7. Certain services have reasonable spending and/or time limits.

Hide <<

Services are based on eligibility! You must apply to VESID to receive these services. The more documentation a person has to verify a physical or mental impairment, and describe how that impairment affects their ability to work, the faster the eligibility process will go. Here are the VESID eligibility requirements for services:

1. Person has a physical or mental impairment.
2. The impairment is an impediment to employment.
3. Person can benefit from VR services to achieve employment.
4. Person requires VR services to achieve employment.
5. Person intends to work.
6. A person with a disability has to apply for services.
7. The person must meet the eligibility requirements.

Hide <<

Guardianship is a planning alternative that enables parents and relatives to ensure that they, or others that they designate, may act as advocates with legal authority and maximize all necessary and available supports and resources for the benefit of their family member who may require some level of assistance in managing their personal and/or financial affairs. Legal guardianship cannot be granted from, or specified in, a will.

A responsible guardian offers protection and support to vulnerable individuals by making decisions that harmonize with the individual's values and preferences, and to ensure respect for the individual's basic human rights, as well as access to benefits and entitlements.

Hide  <<

Securing Guardianship for a disabled person is a legal proceeding which takes place in the Surrogate's Court of the proposed wards' county of residence and designates a parent, sibling, other relative, friend, or organization to act on behalf of an individual with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

In order for a Court to appoint a guardian, it must be satisfied that the guardianship is necessary and in the best interest of the person with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Certifications by one licensed physician and one licensed psychologist or two licensed physicians, one of which has experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, who are familiar with the care and treatment of the individual are required when filing a petition for guardianship.

Hide <<

Under IDEA, an Individualized Education Program (or IEP) is created by the committee on special education (CSE) for a child who may not otherwise be able to access the curriculum with his/her peers. Individualized education program is a written statement, developed, reviewed and revised annually which is provided to meet the unique educational needs of a student with a disability. At the age of 12, the school district is mandated (required) to start the transition planning process by performing a Strength Based Assessment.

Hide <<

In order for a student to be classified with a disability under IDEA, and receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP), they must meet the criteria for a "Student with a Disability" as it is defined in the NYS regulations: Section 4401(1) of the Education Law states that a student with a disability as one "who has not attained the age of 21 prior to September 1st and who is entitled to attend public schools pursuant to section 3202 of the Education Law and who, because of mental, physical or emotional reasons, has been identified as having a disability and who requires special services and programs approved by the department." At any age, a student can be referred to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for classification and have an IEP created. The IEP is reviewed annually by the CSE.

There are 13 classifications under IDEA: Autism, Deafness, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Mental Retardation, Traumatic Brain Injury, Multiply Disabled, Learning Disabled, Hearing Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health-Impairment, Speech & Language Impairment and Visual Impairment.

Hide <<

In order to qualify for SSI, you must suffer from a permanent condition that prevents you from working. In other words, your disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, a minimum of twelve months and you must be unable to earn an income greater than $1000 per month, which is defined by SSI as Substantial Gainful Activity.

Hide <<

Your child must meet all of the following requirements to be considered disabled and therefore eligible for SSI:

• The child must not be working and earning more than $1,000 a month in 2010. (This earnings amount changes every year.) If he or she is working and earning that much money, they will find that your child is not disabled.
• The child must also have LESS THAN $2,000 in assets.
• The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, which results in "marked and severe functional limitations." (See the criteria in the SSI Toolbox for details.) This means that the condition(s) must very seriously limit your child's activities.
• The child's condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months; or must be expected to result in death.

If your child's condition(s) results in "marked and severe functional limitations" for at least 12 continuous months, your child will be found to be disabled. But if it does not result in those limitations, or does not last for at least 12 months, your child is found not to be disabled.

For disability purposes in the SSI program, a child becomes an adult at age 18, and SSI uses different medical and nonmedical rules when deciding if an adult can get SSI disability payments. For example, SSI does not count the income and resources of family members when deciding whether an adult/child meets the financial limits for SSI. They count only the adult's or child's income and resources. SSI also uses the disability rules for adults when deciding whether an adult is disabled.

• If your child is already receiving SSI payments, they must review the child's medical condition when he or she turns age 18. They usually do this review during the one- 3 year period that begins on your child's 18th birthday. They will use the adult disability rules to decide whether your 18-year-old is disabled.
• If your child was not eligible for SSI before his or her 18th birthday because you and your spouse had too much income or resources, he or she may become eligible for SSI at age 18.

Hide <<

Medicaid provides people with both medical coverage as well as access to funding for waiver services through OPWDD. Note: Only straight Medicaid AS WELL AS receiving OPWDD eligibility will entitle a person to HCBS waiver services (see below).

Hide <<

In addition to the Medicaid application, you will need the following:

• Proof of age, like a birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship or status.
• Recent paycheck stubs (if you are working)
• Proof of your income from sources like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran's Benefits (VA), retirement benefits
• If you or anyone who lives with you is 65 years old or older, certified blind, or certified disabled, you need to give information on bank accounts, insurance policies and other resources
• Proof of where you live, like a rent receipt, landlord statement, mortgage statement, or envelope from mail you received recently
• Insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance) Medicare Benefit Card (the red, white and blue card)

Hide <<

OPWDD is a funding source that can potentially provide a person with a developmental disability with a plentitude of community based supports and services. It is important to note that a determination of developmental disability does not mean the person is eligible for all OPWDD funded waiver services. Some OPWDD services have additional eligibility criteria. For example Intermediate Care Facilities and Home & Community Based Services waiver programs include an additional "Level of Care Determination" and individuals are eligible for HCBS services only when they reside in appropriate living arrangements. These and other additional criteria for certain OPWDD services are not reviewed through this eligibility process.

Hide <<

Eligibility Determination Process

An OPWDD Transmittal Form must accompany all requests submitted to the DDSO for eligibility determinations. The Transmittal Form includes the name of the person, the name of the person's representative, and relevant contact information. Documentation of the person's developmental disability must also be included as part of the eligibility request. DDSO staff review the eligibility request for completeness and share the information with other staff designated by the Director, as necessary. After this review, the DDSO notifies the person in writing that:

1. Eligibility or provisional eligibility has been determined; or
2. The request is incomplete and requires additional documentation; or
3. The request has been forwarded for a 2nd Step Review.

Hide <<

VESID is a service available to people with all types of disabilities — developmental, physical or mental impairments — of all ages who want to go to work. These are some of the services that are available through VESID:

1. Assessment to help identify skills, abilities, interests and limitations.
2. Career counseling and guidance.
3. Rehabilitation and assistive technology.
4. Training at a vocational school, community college, or on the job.
5. Supported Employment, job placement and job retention.
6. VESID can pay for many services depending on the financial need of the individual and family. VESID must consider other benefits and services that are available to individuals.
7. Certain services have reasonable spending and/or time limits.

Hide <<

Services are based on eligibility! You must apply to VESID to receive these services. The more documentation a person has to verify a physical or mental impairment, and describe how that impairment affects their ability to work, the faster the eligibility process will go. Here are the VESID eligibility requirements for services:

1. Person has a physical or mental impairment.
2. The impairment is an impediment to employment.
3. Person can benefit from VR services to achieve employment.
4. Person requires VR services to achieve employment.
5. Person intends to work.
6. A person with a disability has to apply for services.
7. The person must meet the eligibility requirements.

Hide <<

Guardianship is a planning alternative that enables parents and relatives to ensure that they, or others that they designate, may act as advocates with legal authority and maximize all necessary and available supports and resources for the benefit of their family member who may require some level of assistance in managing their personal and/or financial affairs. Legal guardianship cannot be granted from, or specified in, a will.

A responsible guardian offers protection and support to vulnerable individuals by making decisions that harmonize with the individual's values and preferences, and to ensure respect for the individual's basic human rights, as well as access to benefits and entitlements.

Hide  <<

Securing Guardianship for a disabled person is a legal proceeding which takes place in the Surrogate's Court of the proposed wards' county of residence and designates a parent, sibling, other relative, friend, or organization to act on behalf of an individual with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

In order for a Court to appoint a guardian, it must be satisfied that the guardianship is necessary and in the best interest of the person with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Certifications by one licensed physician and one licensed psychologist or two licensed physicians, one of which has experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, who are familiar with the care and treatment of the individual are required when filing a petition for guardianship.

Hide <<

It is OPWDD's primary funding mechanism for supporting individuals in the community by providing a variety of services and supports that are uniquely tailored and individualized to meet each person's needs. These services can include habilitation services (residential, day and recreational services) respite care and adaptive technologies. Services are provided either by OPWDD's Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) staff or through voluntary not-for-profit agencies who have been authorized to provide HCBS waiver services by OPWDD.

Hide <<

You must have OPWDD ELIGIBILITY AND MEDICAID AND A MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATOR (MSC) to receive these waiver services.

1. have a documented diagnosis of a developmental disability,
2. be eligible for the ICF/MR level of care,
3. be Medicaid eligible
4. have an Individual Service Plan (ISP) which defines the desired services, and
5. have chosen HCBS waiver services (community) over institutional care.

A person who is eligible and lives in NYS can request to be enrolled in the HCBS waiver by contacting the DDSO or a provider agency that serves the county in which the person lives.

Hide <<

In order to qualify for SSI, you must suffer from a permanent condition that prevents you from working. In other words, your disability must have lasted, or be expected to last, a minimum of twelve months and you must be unable to earn an income greater than $1000 per month, which is defined by SSI as Substantial Gainful Activity.

Hide <<

Your child must meet all of the following requirements to be considered disabled and therefore eligible for SSI:

• The child must not be working and earning more than $1,000 a month in 2010. (This earnings amount changes every year.) If he or she is working and earning that much money, they will find that your child is not disabled.
• The child must also have LESS THAN $2,000 in assets.
• The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, which results in "marked and severe functional limitations." (See the criteria in the SSI Toolbox for details.) This means that the condition(s) must very seriously limit your child's activities.
• The child's condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months; or must be expected to result in death.

If your child's condition(s) results in "marked and severe functional limitations" for at least 12 continuous months, your child will be found to be disabled. But if it does not result in those limitations, or does not last for at least 12 months, your child is found not to be disabled.

For disability purposes in the SSI program, a child becomes an adult at age 18, and SSI uses different medical and nonmedical rules when deciding if an adult can get SSI disability payments. For example, SSI does not count the income and resources of family members when deciding whether an adult/child meets the financial limits for SSI. They count only the adult's or child's income and resources. SSI also uses the disability rules for adults when deciding whether an adult is disabled.

• If your child is already receiving SSI payments, they must review the child's medical condition when he or she turns age 18. They usually do this review during the one- 3 year period that begins on your child's 18th birthday. They will use the adult disability rules to decide whether your 18-year-old is disabled.
• If your child was not eligible for SSI before his or her 18th birthday because you and your spouse had too much income or resources, he or she may become eligible for SSI at age 18.

Hide <<

Medicaid provides people with both medical coverage as well as access to funding for waiver services through OPWDD. Note: Only straight Medicaid AS WELL AS receiving OPWDD eligibility will entitle a person to HCBS waiver services (see below).

Hide <<

In addition to the Medicaid application, you will need the following:

• Proof of age, like a birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship or status.
• Recent paycheck stubs (if you are working)
• Proof of your income from sources like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran's Benefits (VA), retirement benefits
• If you or anyone who lives with you is 65 years old or older, certified blind, or certified disabled, you need to give information on bank accounts, insurance policies and other resources
• Proof of where you live, like a rent receipt, landlord statement, mortgage statement, or envelope from mail you received recently
• Insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance) Medicare Benefit Card (the red, white and blue card)

Hide <<

OPWDD is a funding source that can potentially provide a person with a developmental disability with a plentitude of community based supports and services. It is important to note that a determination of developmental disability does not mean the person is eligible for all OPWDD funded waiver services. Some OPWDD services have additional eligibility criteria. For example Intermediate Care Facilities and Home & Community Based Services waiver programs include an additional "Level of Care Determination" and individuals are eligible for HCBS services only when they reside in appropriate living arrangements. These and other additional criteria for certain OPWDD services are not reviewed through this eligibility process.

Hide <<

Eligibility Determination Process

An OPWDD Transmittal Form must accompany all requests submitted to the DDSO for eligibility determinations. The Transmittal Form includes the name of the person, the name of the person's representative, and relevant contact information. Documentation of the person's developmental disability must also be included as part of the eligibility request. DDSO staff review the eligibility request for completeness and share the information with other staff designated by the Director, as necessary. After this review, the DDSO notifies the person in writing that:

1. Eligibility or provisional eligibility has been determined; or
2. The request is incomplete and requires additional documentation; or
3. The request has been forwarded for a 2nd Step Review.

Hide <<

VESID is a service available to people with all types of disabilities — developmental, physical or mental impairments — of all ages who want to go to work. These are some of the services that are available through VESID:

1. Assessment to help identify skills, abilities, interests and limitations.
2. Career counseling and guidance.
3. Rehabilitation and assistive technology.
4. Training at a vocational school, community college, or on the job.
5. Supported Employment, job placement and job retention.
6. VESID can pay for many services depending on the financial need of the individual and family. VESID must consider other benefits and services that are available to individuals.
7. Certain services have reasonable spending and/or time limits.

Hide <<

Services are based on eligibility! You must apply to VESID to receive these services. The more documentation a person has to verify a physical or mental impairment, and describe how that impairment affects their ability to work, the faster the eligibility process will go. Here are the VESID eligibility requirements for services:

1. Person has a physical or mental impairment.
2. The impairment is an impediment to employment.
3. Person can benefit from VR services to achieve employment.
4. Person requires VR services to achieve employment.
5. Person intends to work.
6. A person with a disability has to apply for services.
7. The person must meet the eligibility requirements.

Hide <<

It is OPWDD's primary funding mechanism for supporting individuals in the community by providing a variety of services and supports that are uniquely tailored and individualized to meet each person's needs. These services can include habilitation services (residential, day and recreational services) respite care and adaptive technologies. Services are provided either by OPWDD's Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) staff or through voluntary not-for-profit agencies who have been authorized to provide HCBS waiver services by OPWDD.

Hide <<

You must have OPWDD ELIGIBILITY AND MEDICAID AND A MEDICAID SERVICE COORDINATOR (MSC) to receive these waiver services.

1. have a documented diagnosis of a developmental disability,
2. be eligible for the ICF/MR level of care,
3. be Medicaid eligible
4. have an Individual Service Plan (ISP) which defines the desired services, and
5. have chosen HCBS waiver services (community) over institutional care.

A person who is eligible and lives in NYS can request to be enrolled in the HCBS waiver by contacting the DDSO or a provider agency that serves the county in which the person lives.

Hide <<