NEW YORK STATE • FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE
A step-by-step guide for parents and caregivers learning how to navigate New York State's developmental disability services.
START HERE
OPWDD stands for the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. It helps eligible individuals and families access services that support independence, community participation, and everyday life.
This guide explains the process in parent-friendly language. You do not need to understand every program before making your first call.
YOUR FIRST STEPS
The Front Door is OPWDD's starting point for people seeking services. Call 1-866-946-9733 and tell the representative which New York State county you live in.
Explain that you would like to learn about OPWDD eligibility and services for your child or family member.
Official Front Door Information →The Front Door team can explain how to connect with a Care Coordination Organization (CCO).
A care manager can help families navigate eligibility, identify needs, and explore appropriate supports.
OPWDD may require diagnostic evaluations, developmental history, and assessments describing daily functioning and support needs.
School records, IEPs, and medical information may also be helpful. Ask which specific documents are required.
OPWDD reviews the documentation to determine whether the individual meets its developmental disability eligibility criteria.
Having an autism diagnosis does not automatically establish OPWDD eligibility. Additional documentation or reviews may be necessary.
Read Eligibility Requirements →After eligibility is established, assessments help identify the person's strengths, needs, and goals.
A care manager works with the person and family to develop a Life Plan describing desired outcomes and necessary supports.
Families can discuss services that match the person's needs, including community-based supports, respite, and Self-Direction.
Some services require Medicaid, HCBS Waiver enrollment, assessments, and additional authorization. OPWDD eligibility alone does not guarantee every service.
UNDERSTANDING SUPPORTS
Services depend on individual needs, eligibility, funding requirements, and applicable program rules.
Support for building skills and participating in home and community activities, based on individual goals.
Temporary support that can provide caregivers with a break while an eligible family member receives care.
An approach that gives eligible individuals and families greater choice and control over certain services, staffing, and budgets.
Programs intended to help families caring for relatives with developmental disabilities at home. Offerings and availability vary.
IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND
OPWDD eligibility establishes whether a person meets New York State's developmental disability criteria.
The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver is a separate Medicaid program with additional requirements. Families may need to complete more than one eligibility and enrollment process before receiving certain services.
Ask your care manager which steps apply to your family's situation.
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
A denial does not mean you should stop asking questions. Review the written decision carefully to understand the reason and the available options.
Identify what was denied, why, and any deadlines listed in the written notice.
Ask the responsible office or care manager which information was reviewed and whether additional documentation may be submitted.
Depending on the type of decision, options may include further eligibility review or a Medicaid Fair Hearing. Follow the instructions and deadlines in your specific notice.
Official Eligibility Review Information →PARENT CHECKLIST
Consider gathering the following information before your first call. Not every item is required for an initial inquiry.
□ Your child's name and age
□ Your New York State county
□ Diagnosis and evaluation reports, if available
□ Current IEP or school evaluations, if available
□ Examples of everyday support needs
□ A notebook for names, dates, and next steps
What are the next steps after contacting the Front Door?
Which evaluations and documents will my family need?
How do I connect with a CCO?
What is the difference between OPWDD eligibility and HCBS Waiver enrollment?
Who should I contact if I have questions about my application?