New York OPWDD Holds Transformation Kick-off Meeting
According to the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Transformation Panel web page, a panel of experts were brought together for a kick-off meeting to discuss and identify challenges in implementing OPWDD’s service delivery transformation plan. The primary goals of the plan are to revise services, expand supported employment, make available education and opportunities for self-determination, and eventually transition the state into managed care.
In the introductory remarks from the meeting minutes, OPWDD Acting Commissioner Kerry Delaney stated: “This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the service system for people with developmental disabilities as the recommendations will directly impact the lives of individuals and their families. This is also our opportunity to benefit from innovative thinking happening around us in other systems.”
The minutes further identified some of the topics for the review:
- How to ensure self-direction of services is a viable and desired option for people receiving supports;
- What are the obstacles to greater numbers of individuals achieving and retaining employment; and
- How OPWDD can support more individuals to live in integrated community settings.