Advocate

November 29, 2011

The link below will take you to OPWDD's response to the testimony delivered at the 5.07 Plan Hearings held in November 9th in various locations throughout New York State.

 http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/2011_waiver/images/key_issues_response.pdf

 November 15, 2011

Today, OPWDD has posted on its People First Waiver Web page and published in the New York State Contract Reporter a Request for Information (RFI) that will solicit information that will contribute to development of the People First Waiver pilot projects. All stakeholders in the developmental disabilities community – individuals, parents, service providers and advocates – are invited to participate in the RFI.

The RFI will allow broad sharing of best practices as well as ideas and background information that can support design of the pilot projects that will test and demonstrate the desired system improvements during the first years of the waiver. OPWDD staff will use the information gathered through the RFI process to inform the Request for Applications (RFA) that will occur in 2012 and establish the pilot projects. 

To access the RFI and more information about the RFI process, visit the People First Waiver Web Page at http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/2011_waiver/waiver_request_for_information.jsp

1115 Waiver Unit

To view videos about the 1115 Waiver, go to http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/2011_waiver/waiver_video_archive.jsp 

 Dear OPWDD Stakeholder:

The People First Waiver is OPWDD’s vehicle for service system reform and improvement. It is embodied in this year’s Comprehensive Plan (the 5.07 Plan), which has just been released for review. OPWDD invites you to comment on the draft plan and the waiver initiative at a statewide videoconference hearing that will take place in 13 locations around the state on November 9.

In addition, OPWDD is hosting a series of five informational briefings on the new People First Waiver in early November. These will occur at locations across the state and will provide an update on OPWDD’s development of the new waiver by Commissioner Burke or a staff member from the 1115 Waiver Unit. These briefings also will provide time for you to ask questions. Advanced registration is required.

To view the draft plan and sign up to give testimony at the November 9 hearing, or to register to attend a People First Waiver briefing near you, please visit www.opwdd.ny.gov/2011_waiver/index.jsp.

Copies of the registration forms are attached and can be sent via fax to 518-402-4325.

OPWDD will continue to provide similar opportunities for dialogue and information exchange in the future. As always, if you are not able to attend a session in person, you are encouraged to contact us via email at People.First@opwdd.ny.gov or by phone at 1-866-946-9733 or (TTY) 1-866-933-4889 to let us know your thoughts.

 Sincerely,

 Courtney Burke, Commissioner, OPWDD

Hearings_Registration_Form        
Briefings_Registration Form

 EEDA is constantly working on advocating legislation to benefit those with disabilities. You can help us by visiting the links below to find out more about speaking up and taking action.

As you are probably aware, New York State has been struggling with a budget deficit for several years. Due to the current economic status, now more than ever, it is important that our families advocate with their legislators in order to help EEDA.

Find Your New York State Legislator:
Assembly - Senate - Congress - Legislator

President Barack Obama signed into law Rosa's Law, which will change references in federal laws from mental retardation to intellectual disability, and references to a mentally retarded individual to an individual with an intellectual disability.

For current legislative actions please visit the following websites:

• www.ny.gov
• US House of Representatives
• New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
• Long Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office
• Parent to Parent of New York State
• Long Island Advocacy Center, Inc. (THE LIAC)
• League of Women Voters of Suffolk County
• Redesigning New York's Medicaid Program