"I just want to use my voice to help others that may not be able to use their voice." - Latavia Sturdivant, Ms. Wheelchair America 2026 On this episode of Accessing Life, Chester and BJ introduce us to Ms. Wheelchair America 2026 Latavia …
Dear Friends and Colleagues, This year’s kick-off of both Autism Acceptance Month and Neurodiversity Acceptance Month is an extra special one for us at OPWDD! Today I joined self-advocate, Autism Spectrum Advisory Board member, and OPWDD Peer Specialist, …
NYS Neurodiversity Strength Flag Created by Long Island Resident Josh Mirsky Raised at Jones Beach State Park on April 1 Kicking Off Autism Acceptance Month Symbolizing Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Accessible Parks and Open Spaces for All New Yorkers …
"The CAS is a conversation. It's an assessor getting to know who you are, what you need, and how you can find supports to help you." - Veronica Crawford, Self-advocate reflecting on her CAS Assessment On this episode of Accessing Life, …
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities today announced that, through a competitive procurement process, it has awarded AIM Services, Inc. of Saratoga Springs, NY, the state contract to facilitate New York’s Supported Decision- …
Dear Friends and Colleagues, I was honored to join AIM Services in Saratoga to celebrate the official launch of facilitated Supported Decision-Making in New York State. At its core, Supported Decision-Making honors people’s ability to control their own …
The next public meeting of the Statewide Family Support Services Committee will be held Wednesday, March 11, from 11 AM until 3 PM. You can join the meeting in person at the following locations: Albany: Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 7 Buffalo: 1021 …
Dear Friends and Colleagues, I am excited to share that a new program for people with developmental disabilities called Home-Enabling Supports is now available for people who live in their communities in uncertified homes and are enrolled in the OPWDD Home …
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is pleased to announce that we will be taking part in a survey that allows us to hear from families with children. This is the first time that OPWDD will participate in the National Core …
Dear Friends and Colleagues, Each March we look forward to National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM): a month-long celebration of inclusion and of the many contributions made by people with developmental disabilities to our lives and our …
Report confirms that the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities service providers who participated in certification and credentialing programs through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals and the State University …
State Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget Proposal February 4, 2026 Testimony of Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer Good morning, Chairs Krueger and Pretlow, People with Disabilities Committee Chairs Fahy and …
This Evaluation of OPWDD-Funded American Rescue Plan Act Workforce Projects represents the Final Report prepared by the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. This report can be translated into your preferred language upon …
Dear Friends and Colleagues: As part of my commitment to enhancing the agency’s transparency and being more responsive to stakeholder feedback, I am excited to share updated, interactive, Medicaid data dashboards as part of this year’s annual release of …
The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is excited to announce the start of the National Core Indicators (NCI) In-Person Survey (IPS) for 2025-2026. This year we are asking over 2,000 adults across New York State who are age 18 and older and …
Dear Friends and Colleagues, Governor Hochul released her proposed 2027 Fiscal Year Executive Budget earlier this week, outlining her priorities for New York while continuing her commitment to our service system and our shared vision for a more inclusive …
The 2025 Strategic Plan Annual Report below is available in multiple languages and posted on this page. The 2024 Strategic Plan Annual report can be viewed here. As always, if you need a document in a language other than the ones listed, please contact …
Dear Friends and Colleagues, I’m excited to share our 2025 Annual Report, which highlights the progress we’ve made under OPWDD’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. This past year has been all about listening to you—people receiving services, their families, …
"You have people in your circle of life who have information who can help you. Rely on those people to accomplish your dreams and goals. You don't have to accomplish them yourselves." - BJ Stasio, Accessing Life Co-host Martin Luther King Jr …
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