Resources
Below is a list of advocacy organizations and support services offering information, assistance, and community-based resources.
Getting Started with Services
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Front Door-
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities provides services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. To begin your application process, contact Learn more at the OPWDD Front Door Overview.
- Who is Eligibile
To access services, individuals must meet eligibility criteria. Start by reviewing the OPWDD Eligibility Overview. - Multilingual Resources
OPWDD created short, plain-language Front Door Videos in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Watch: Multilingual Video on Drive - Find a Provider
Use the OPWDD Provider Directory to search for agencies or types of services available in your area.
Care Coordination Organizations (CCO) provide Care Managers
Through OPWDD, you can access supports and services that can help your family to support you to for employment, day services, housing. These services can be provided through NY State or voluntary agencies (click here), as well as through Self-Directed Services.
Service Options- Click Here for service types
Advocacy and Protection
Independent Developmental Disabilities Ombudsman (IDDO)
- Learn about what services are available through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
- Resolve problems with your care manager, providers, fiscal intermediary, or staff
- Advocate with you to make sure that your voice is heard and stand up for your rights
New York State Justice Center for Protection of People with Special Needs
Training, advocacy and support, incident review and oversight
OPWDD Incident Management Unit
If you suspect abuse, neglect, or serious mistreatment, report it immediately.
Call OPWDD’s Incident Management Unit at 518-473-7032.
Reportable incidents include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, improper use of restraints, harmful medication errors, seclusion, missing persons, choking incidents, and other serious concerns.
Stay Engaged with OPWDD
OPWDD has three recognized advisory bodies that meet regularly, whose meetings are open to the public. These meetings are not only open for anyone to attend, but they are also a great way for family members to get involved and volunteer.
The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC) This Council provides recommendations for statewide priorities and goals for services for individuals with developmental disabilities in cooperation with the OPWDD commissioner.
The Statewide Family Support Services (FSS) has a representative from each of the local Family Support Services (FSS) Advisory Councils across the state.
The Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board provides guidance and information to New York policymakers, individuals with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD), and families seeking reliable information regarding available services and supports.
Self Advocacy
These groups include self-advocates, parents, and families who have gone through similar experiences and are ready to share what they’ve learned. Many of these groups are run by self-advocates and parents of children with disabilities. They are often supported by professionals who can offer help or direct you to other groups that can answer your questions.