The CAS and CANS-NY assessments are intended to improve service delivery and care planning for people receiving OPWDD services. But are they truly meeting that goal?

This Town Hall will be a conversation about the concerns of family members, providers, self-advocates, and OPWDD. Your participation is critical to ensure these assessments reflect the real needs of our community.

Register Here to Get Your Zoom Link

(If you’ve registered but haven’t received the link, please re-register.)

The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Diverse Abilities and the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan are pleased to present the Special Education School Fair! Representatives from preschools through high schools and resource organizations serving the New York City special needs community will be on site to provide information and answers to your questions about the application process, class profiles, tuition costs, and more. School materials will be available. Registration required.

For more info + to register, visit mmjccm.org.

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

More Details to come.

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

Wednesday, October 22nd, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a screening of short films that share his story about independent life using self direction. We will also be sharing some other success stories about other SNACK 21+ friends.

Enjoy a warm and welcoming evening with appetizers, wine, beer, soft drinks, home made desserts, and great company, as we come together to support and celebrate creativity and achievements.

To RSVP, Please email oriana@snacknyc.com

A donation is not required but greatly appreciated. Click the link below to donate.

Donate here: https://www.snacknyc.com/donate

Get your Self-Direction questions answered at the C4SD Office Hours.
Due to the enthusiastic response from our attendees, we will be hosting one every 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of the month for the rest of the year!

Or, sometimes the 4th Wednesday, like this month

For our October Office Hours: Registration link

Are you looking to access supports through OPWDD but unsure how to get started with the Family Support Services (FSS) reimbursement process?
Join us for a step-by-step workshop designed to help families and professionals understand how to complete the FSS application and access essential services.

 What You’ll Learn:
- How to complete the OPWDD FSS Reimbursement Application
- How to obtain services such as respite care, recreation, and vacation respite
- What kinds of expenses can be reimbursed — up to $3,000 per year
- How FSS differs from Self-Direction and Medicaid Waiver services
- Tips for families who are awaiting waiver approval

About FSS:
Family Support Services through OPWDD offer reimbursement for goods and services not typically covered by the Self-Direction budget. These supports are especially helpful for families caring for a loved one with developmental disabilities, including those who are still waiting for Medicaid waiver approval. The FSS process is separate from other OPWDD services and is managed by individual agencies, which can make it challenging to navigate—this workshop will help simplify it.

Featured Speakers:
Pearl Rubin, Director Of Family Support Services, Ohel Family Services
Sharon Hanover -  Director, Adler Center For Special Needs, Mid-Island JCC

Click here to learn more

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will be hosting CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Sessions this fall for individuals and families. These sessions will provide valuable updates and answer questions about the assessment process.

Based on feedback from previous discussions, OPWDD has expanded the schedule to include additional in-person sessions across the state, as well as two statewide webinars. Each person wishing to attend must submit a separate request form. Due to limited seating at in-person locations, attendance is confirmed by email once requests are processed. If you do not receive a confirmation, you are encouraged to join one of the webinars instead—both formats will share the same information.

Registration is required. Please use this link to request attendance:

CAS and CANS-NY Assessment Informational Session Registration

Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 6. More details to come.

Get your Self-Direction questions answered at the C4SD Office Hours.
Due to the enthusiastic response from our attendees, we will be hosting one every 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of the month for the rest of the year!

For our September Office Hours  Click Here To Register Now! 

The meeting will be held in person in Albany at the Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 1.

You may also join at one of our OPWDD Regional Office Locations listed below. When you arrive, please sign-in at the security desk:  

• Buffalo: 1021 Broadway, Room 433, Buffalo, NY 14212

• NYC: 25 Beaver St. OPWDD, 3rd Floor, Room 3K11, New York, NY 10004, Please bring state issued photo ID and sign-in at the security desk

• Long Island: 415A Oser Ave. Hauppauge, NY 11788

• Syracuse: Syracuse: 187 Northern Concourse, Syracuse, NY 13212 | Classroom 2

The Family Support Services (FSS) Committee Meeting has transitioned to a new webcasting platform.

• To view the live meeting, please visit: http://totalwebcasting.com/live/nysopwdd

• To participate in public comment, you may either attend the meeting in person or sign up to participate virtually on Total Webcasting. Those who sign up for virtual public comment will receive an email with instructions on how to join the meeting and provide their comments virtually on the morning of September 8.

C4SD Working Group on Housing

Meets first Wednesday of month at 4 PM in September, October, November, and Deceember!

If you would like to join the discussion, please reach out to the Chairs of the group at HousingAdmin@c4sd.org

After more than a decade, New York State is revising its Olmstead Plan. This is an opportunity to tell the policy makers about what is working and what is not. An opportunity to shape policy for the decade to come.

Tell the State about the changes that you need.
Send an email by end of the day on Monday September 1st: olmsteadplanny@exec.ny.gov.
Send us a copy too, please, at info@coalition4sdf.org

• Topic 1: Access to Services and Supports

• Getting the help you need – like housing, healthcare, or transportation – when you need it.

• Prompt:
  What kinds of help or services do you rely on to live in your community?
  What services and supports would most improve your life if they were made more accessible?

• Topic 2: Rights Protection and System Accountability

• Knowing your rights are protected, being treated with dignity, and having systems that work and respond fairly.

• Prompt:
  What have your experiences in sharing your preferences been like?
  Have you or someone you know had your/their rights eroded?
  What would help you feel more confident that your rights are protected?

• Topic 3: Community Integration and Choice

• Living where and with whom you want, making your own choices, and being part of your community.

• Prompt:
  What have you observed about community integration and choice in your community?
  What would help make where you live more inclusive and integrated?
  What’s one thing that could make it easier for people to live in the communities of their choice? 

Previous

OPWDD is going through their annual exercise of updating the Stategic Plan.
We encourage everyone to send them written testimony at planning@opwdd.ny.gov by the end of the day on Tuesday August 19th.
Send us a copy too, please, at info@coalition4sdf.org

Details of the Strategic Plan can be found on the OPWDD site at opwdd.ny.gov/strategic-planning/opwdd-2023-2027-strategic-plan-document-all-languages

You can also testify at the on-line forums on August 18th and 19th, as listed on our calendar.

Get your Self-Direction questions answered at the C4SD Office Hours.
Due to the enthusiastic response from our attendees, we will be hosting one every 2nd Wednesday of the month for the rest of the year!

For our August Office Hours  Click Here To Register Now! 

C4SD’s Employment Committee has joined forces with Beth Rosenberg's ASD Workforce Coalition. Beth is the ED of Tech Kids Unlimited. This is a well-established advocacy organization. Folks interested in joining should reach out to Beth at asdworkforcecoalition@techkidsunlimited.org