The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for more than 130,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 750 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.
See additional information below.
Eligibility
What are developmental disabilities?
Developmental disabilities are special conditions that may occur anytime from before a baby’s birth, up until the age of 22. A developmental disability may take different forms. They are different from “developmental delays,” that show up as a lag in one or more areas of growth or skill. Developmental delays can be reduced by providing Early Intervention services and special help in the classroom. A developmental disability condition may cause a child to develop more slowly all along, or to have physical difficulties and limitations, or have trouble learning and growing like other children in general. Sometimes an individual has more than one condition or disability.
For eligibility for OPWDD supports or services, the developmental disabilities that are defined as ‘qualifying conditions’ include: intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, familial dysautonomia, and neurological impairment (injury, malformation, or disease involving the Central Nervous System). Read more about Developmental Disabilities.
Additional Links
Eligibility
Types of Services
Front Door Training
The OPWDD Front Door Orientation is a required step for individuals and families to gain a better understanding of the service options available as well as a person’s individual needs.
Accessing Services Through Front Door
Watch a Video about Front Door Training