People First Waiver to Empower Individuals and Families on Care Options
 
(Long Island, NY) The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has announced that as part of its ongoing commitment to keeping the public engaged in the development of its many reform initiatives, the agency will conduct seven public briefings on the People First Waiver, a critical initiative to strengthen services throughout the system.

The briefings are scheduled for Buffalo, Hauppauge, Schenectady, Syracuse, Rochester, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. To date, more than 75 public presentations on the waiver have occurred.

The waiver is a federal research and demonstration plan that will ensure stronger person-centered services now and in the future for the individuals with developmental disabilities who rely on OPWDD and its network of nonprofit providers for needed supports. The waiver will provide individuals and families much greater flexibility in the services they receive, improve personal outcomes, and ensure greater transparency and efficiency throughout OPWDD’s operations.

Commissioner Courtney Burke said, “Our system is extraordinarily diverse, and our services must be, as well. The participation of stakeholders throughout this process has been crucial in developing our plan, which will create a more flexible and efficient service delivery system so we can meet all of the needs of an individual. The waiver will break the service delivery silos that have prevented coordinated care, empower individuals and family members with a stronger voice, and create new community opportunities in areas such as low-cost housing, employment, and meaningful activities.”

Briefing Schedule:

April 3, 10 AM: Buffalo

April 5, 1 PM: Hauppauge

April 5, 2 PM: Schenectady

April 11, 1 PM: Syracuse

April 17, 1 PM: Rochester

April 19, 1:30 PM: Brooklyn

April 19, 10 AM: Bronx