New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

The committee meeting covered updates from the acting commissioner, including information about the new ombudsman program, the launch of a new advocacy director, and a celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Budget highlights focused on investments in support for families, rate increases for service providers, and funding for regional disability clinics and research modernization. Operational updates included the release of revised family reimbursement application instructions, a timeline for upcoming requests for proposals (RFPs), and a standardization of data sharing procedures between regional field offices and local councils.

The meeting included discussions on board governance, particularly the need for bylaws and a code of conduct to be developed in 2026 to set standards and processes for smoother operations. There was a presentation by Major Andrew Fowler from the New York State Police about the new autism awareness visor card program. Shelani Winston from the Ark Lexington discussed their transitions program, which aids young adults with autism in transitioning from high school to college and careers.

The meeting agenda included an agency update from the Office of Mental Health (OMH) concerning board governance progress and updates on board priorities. A presentation from SED was postponed to the April board meeting. The OMH presentation focused heavily on integrated care work, including integrated outpatient services involving OMH, DOH, and Oasis, and expanding framework to include OPWDD for developmental disability specific services. Discussion detailed OMH's expectation for programs to serve individuals with co-occurring intellectual and developmental disabilities across all service levels. Training initiatives are being implemented in focused areas such as inpatient psychiatric units, children's mental health clinics, and CCBHCs. The presentation further detailed Enhanced Step Down Programs (ESDs) for adults exiting acute care settings to stabilize them, which include CTI team support and transitional residential settings. A similar transitional program exists for youth aged 11 to 17. The speaker noted the expansion of these step-down programs across various OMH regions.

This 2025 Annual Report provides an update on the progress of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The plan is structured around three core goals: strengthening the workforce, technology, and collaboration; transforming the system through innovation and change; and enhancing person-centered supports and services. Key initiatives include improving direct support workforce recruitment and retention, investing in data technology, promoting stakeholder engagement, expanding services for complex needs, addressing gaps in culturally and ethnically diverse communities, and advancing supported decision-making and quality improvement efforts.

The meeting included member term renewals and replacements for various local councils. Key updates were provided by the commissioner regarding the newly launched task force on aging for the developmental disability service system, the release of the regional disability health clinic grant program, the completion of a self-direction evaluation with associated recommendations, and upcoming strategic planning. Additionally, the meeting covered enhancements to the agency website for better accessibility and family advocacy support, a planned HIPAA training session, and the release of statewide site visit guidance for programs.