An Online Resource Dedicated to Helping Families With Children With Special Needs Find the Necessary Programs, Resources, and Support
A Private Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization
Guiding You When You Are Not Sure Where To Go
What kind of supports & services are available through OPWDD?
-service coordination
-family support
-housing
-supported employment
-recreation
-training
-respite
-nursing services
Eligibility for OPWDD Services
http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/eligibility
http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/node/983
Eligibility for OPWDD Services - Important Facts
TABS # = (Tracking and Billing System) is a number that identifies a person in OPWDD's Tracking and Billing System. TABS is OPWDD's statewide database that contains information on voluntary agencies, programs, services and individuals. An agency's billing staff must use the individual's correct TABS ID when billing OPWDD's Payment Processing Unit.
* In order to receive any help from the state your child needs to be registered with OPWDD and have a TABS #.
IF ELIGIBLE, OPWDD WILL PROVIDE YOUR CHILD WITH A NUMBER.
TABS = TRACKING AND BILLING SYSTEM.
What is OPWDD?
OPWDD stands for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. It is the New York State office that provides funding for services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) coordinates and provides services for people with developmental disabilities and conducts research into the causes and prevention of developmental disabilities. OPWDD provides access to services through a regional system dividing the state into DDSOs. OPWDD certifies and regulates more than 700 nonprofit providers who deliver direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities. These providers offer a wide variety of services and supports, which visitors can review in the provider directory.
What is DDSO?
- DDSO is an acronym for Developmental Disabilities Services Office.
- There are 13 DDSOs across the state.
- Contacting your local DDSO is a person’s first step toward receiving the services he/she may want or need.
Who provides these services?
A network of public and non-profit service providers. Contact your regional office of Parent to Parent of NYS or local DDSO for assistance in locating service providers in your area.
What do I need to know about receving OPWDD services?
In order to be eligible for OPWDD services, the individual must have a diagnosed developmental disability and must provide
documentation establishing the disability diagnosis.
WHEN YOU DISCOVER YOUR CHILD HAS SPECIAL NEEDS, THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO DO IS REGISTER THEM WITH EARLY INTERVENTION.
* In order to receive any help from the state your child needs to be registered with OPWDD and have a TABS #.
If eligible, OPWDD will provide your child with a number.
OPWDD = Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
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 disabilities, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological impairments. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 700 nonprofit service providing agencies, with about 80 percent of services provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent provided by state-run services.
An OPWDD Transmittal Form must accompany all requests submitted to DDSO for eligibility determinations.
Transmittal Form for Determination of Developmental Disability
How do I get started with the process?
An Intake Coordinator at your local DDSO or one of many non-profit providers approved by New York State will assist you and your child with the Eligibility Determination Process.
OPWDD Eligbility Coordinators
EFFECTIVE 9/1/2012
Regional Office 5
Long Island Office
Richard Rice: Richard.Rice@opwdd.ny.gov
(631) 493-1714
Fax: (631) 493-1803
What documentation do I need to determine if an individual has a Developmental Disability?
OPWDD requires everyone applying for services to provide:
-A recent comprehensive psychological evaluation including an IQ score and an adaptive behavior assessment.
-A psychosocial evaluation documenting the individual’s developmental history is also required for some services.
-Medical documentation of the individual’s diagnosis may also be required.
-If the individual is over the age of 22, they may need to provide proof that the disability manifested itself prior to the age of
22. This is often referred to as “age of onset documentation.”
The Developmental Disabilities Service Office(DDSO) may request additional documentation regarding the person’s disability. For more detailed information regarding evaluations, click here.
