Developmental disabilities (DD) are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. About one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays. may cause an individual trouble learning and growing when compared to others condition or disability.
To be eligible for services through OPWDD:
- Significant challenges which limit their ability to function in comparison to their non-disabled peers.
- Become disabled before the age of 22 with a diagnosis of:
- Intellectual Disability
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Autism
- Familial Dysautonomia
- Pradar Willi
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Neurological impairment
- Any other condition which causes impairment in general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior.
Children from birth through age seven (7)
- Do not need a specific diagnosis.
- Require a 12-month delay in one or more functional areas:
- Physical, cognitive, language, social and adaptive development.
- 33% delay in one functional area or 25% delay in two functional areas. For example, a child will have significant delays in both speech and fine motor development.
- Testing scores that meet a specific criterion (2 standard deviations below the mean in one functional area or a score of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean in two functional areas).
- Will be reevaluated for eligibility at age seven (7).
OPWDD Services
Front Door
To access services and assistance from New York State in caring for a child or adult with a disability, you will need to access the “Front Door.” The Front Door is the New York State point of entry for people looking for services for a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Care Coordination Organizations (CCO’s)
Care Coordination Organizations (CCO’s) will coordinate both home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities as well as health and wellness services.
Support
There are supports that may be available to people who are found eligible for services through OPWDD. These services are designed to help people with developmental disabilities live their life, learn about new things, become employed, and join recreational activities.
Parent Network of WNY’s Family Support Programs
- Eligibility
- Family Behavior Support
- Family Support and Advocacy Program
- Parent Education Workshops
Did You Know?
- Over 6 million individuals in the United States have developmental disabilities.
Developmental disabilities are different from “developmental delays,” which show up as a lag in one or more areas of growth or skill. - The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is responsible for coordinating services for more than 126,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, familial dysautonomia and neurological impairment (injury, malformation, or disease involving the central nervous system).
The More You Learn
- The Life Plan is a very detailed person-centered care plan which should address all service needs. It is reviewed frequently (a minimum of twice a year) and updated as needed based on the person’s life goals and changing needs.
- People with developmental disabilities benefit from comprehensive long-term services. These services help people with disabilities become more productive and independent.
