Events

A Letter from Commissioner Burke 

February 2, 2012

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

In this year’s proposed budget, Governor Andrew Cuomo has demonstrated a strong commitment to our field and the individuals we serve, and I would like to share with you a few aspects of his proposal.

With the many fiscal constraints facing the state and the nation, budget reductions for OPWDD total less than one percent. And if enacted, the governor’s budget will allow for significant investment in group home safety; support development of the 1115 People First Waiver; and set us on firm ground for the future by allowing for a restructuring of our service delivery and oversight. Additionally, the governor’s budget provides greater opportunities for individuals to receive services from OPWDD.

Investing in Fire Safety

The safety of group homes is a top priority as we seek to keep the individuals we serve, as well as the great employees who provide their care, safe from harm. As you know, last year we created a partnership with the Office of Fire Prevention and Control to provide external oversight and surveys of all homes, evacuation plans, etc. In addition, we established a consistent fire safety training curriculum. The governor’s proposed budget includes critical funding in his five-year capital plan for improvements to community residential programs to meet more intensive fire safety standards, consistent with the recommendations of the 2010 Fire Safety Panel of State and National Experts. The budget also provides resources to support all necessary fire safety improvements in state and voluntary residential programs over the next several years.

New Opportunities for Individuals

The proposed budget provides $48 million in state funds (which double if they can be matched with federal Medicaid funds) to support new opportunities, including low cost residential, employment, and community habilitation opportunities. The budget also allows for the expansion of services that support families and caregivers, such as respite services. These new community opportunities will support people with developmental disabilities who are currently living in an institutional setting, graduating from residential schools and other education programs, and living on their own or with families and others.

Supporting the 1115 Waiver, Positioning OPWDD for the Future

In addition to the continued creation of more community-based opportunities, the governor’s proposed budget supports the development and implementation of OPWDD’s 1115 People First Waiver, as well as our commitment to becoming a service delivery system that is truly person-centered. In addition to support for the waiver, the budget empowers OPWDD to undertake a much needed organizational restructuring that will better position us today and in the future. The restructuring will heighten the agency’s focus on service delivery, provide for enhanced oversight of our vast network of nonprofit providers, and realign the agency’s operations (human resources, training, budget offices, IT, etc.) to ensure consistency statewide.

We will provide updates about each of these items—and more—in the coming weeks and months as information becomes available to us. In the interim, I applaud the governor for his leadership and thank him for his support in strengthening our system.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Burke

P.S. For regular updates about OPWDD, please follow us on Facebook.

A Letter from Commissioner Burke 

January 25, 2012

 Dear Friends and Colleagues:

The 1115 People First Waiver is about strengthening our system now and for the future, allowing supports to be more flexible and
person-centered and ensuring that they are based on the needs of every individual we serve.

We are committed to keeping people as engaged, involved and informed as possible of the progress being made on the waiver. Since I was confirmed as commissioner last April, we have held more than 60 public events and meetings so that individuals, family members, employees and other stakeholders could provide input on the waiver’s development.

Because the amount of written information available on our website and elsewhere is vast, in recent months we have begun utilizing video recordings to share information, invite feedback and answer specific questions and concerns that you have brought to our attention.

In addition, we have recently launched monthly videoconference updates on the waiver with regional discussion boards, and will be posting videos of these presentations each month. I hope you will check out the first edition, which is now live.

I would also like to draw your attention to the nine-part series of short videos we have recorded. The final video, Why the Waiver is Necessary, discusses the need for a significant change in how we operate, because we cannot sustain the current system as we continue to grow. We also explain what a DISCO is and how care coordination will occur under the new system, among other topics.

I hope you find these video resources helpful. Your participation will continue to be critical in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Burke

P.S. For regular updates about the waiver and other OPWDD initiatives, follow us on Facebook.

LIDDSO - Information for Parents and Professionals 2012

A two hour overview introduces families and professionals to the types of supports and services available. Topics include: Eligibility, Family Support Services, Medicaid Service Coordination, Home and Community Based Waiver, Employment Services, Residential Services (including Family Care), Medicaid, SSI and Self Determination.

Announcement/Registration

Planning Ahead:
What You Need to Know Now

EEDA presented a series of free hands-on workshops for caregivers, professionals and individuals with developmental disabilities to assist them in planning for the future. Click on the links below to see some of the conference materials.

Planning Ahead: What You Need to Know Now, Lisa Meyer Fertal, CEO
Informed Consent vs. Guardianship, Regina Brandow, Esq
Residential Services, Sonia Hill and Chris Zarella, Residential Services

Annual Gala

Dinner dance with chinese, silent and live auctions, music, dancing and great food!

Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the beautiful Lombardi's on the Sound, Port Jefferson

Thank you for your support!

Winter Formal

EEDA participants have the opportunity to "Rock the Night Away" at this formal dinner dance. EEDA's Inaugural Winter Formal was held February 2010.

2012 Date TBD 

EEDA's Annual Picnic

All staff, program participants and their families have a BBQ picnic with games, etc.
Indian Island Park, Riverhead, NY

2012 Date TBD

Surfers Healing

A one day surf camp where children with Autism can experience surfing. For more information, visit the Surfers Healing website.
Ditch Plains Beach, Montauk, NY

September 14, 2012

John V. Beltrani Memorial Golf Classic

Supporters have the opportunity to participate as a player, sponsor or dinner attendee.
The Hamlet, Commack, NY

Monday, October 15, 2012    click here for information

Spotlight on Talent

All staff, program participants and their families are invited to showcase their talents.
Moose Lodge, Riverhead, NY

2012 Date TBD 

Team Spirit Award (twice per year)

The residences have the opportunity to compete to win a prize for achievement in various categories of individual care, maintenance of the home, activities, support of consumers and working as a team.