Get an OPWDD evaluation – the first step in the application process
In order to obtain OPWDD eligibility, your child will need an evaluation. Our team will guide you through the required psychosocial and psychological evaluations, helping make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
The first step, made simple
When families reach out to us about obtaining services for their child, one of the most common questions we hear is: How do I get an evaluation for OPWDD?
An OPWDD evaluation is the first step toward accessing supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in New York. Yet for many families, the process feels overwhelming.
At Hamaspik, we believe it shouldn’t be that way.
Whether you're just beginning the process or updating a previous evaluation, our goal is to make this step as smooth and supportive as possible.
Here’s how we make it happen
Reach out to request an evaluation.
Complete a short application with basic information about your child.
Schedule your evaluation appointment.
Bring your child for the evaluation.
Complete the adaptive behavior questionnaire at home.
Once that’s submitted, you can get the results.
Next steps
When families reach out to us about obtaining services for their child, one of the most common questions we hear is: How do I get an evaluation for OPWDD?
An OPWDD evaluation is the first step toward accessing supports for individuals with developmental disabilities in New York. Yet for many families, the process feels overwhelming.
At Hamaspik, we believe it shouldn’t be that way.
Whether you're just beginning the process or updating a previous evaluation, our goal is to make this step as smooth and supportive as possible.
Good to know:
- You do not need a referral to begin. Families can contact Hamaspik directly to request an evaluation.
- We evaluate individuals of all ages. Adults can qualify if their developmental disability began before the age of 22, even if services were never accessed earlier.
- Whether you know exactly what you need, or are unsure where to begin, our Services Specialists will guide you through the steps you need to take. Don’t hesitate to reach out to get clear guidance and support.
Why use Hamaspik for an evaluation?
An OPWDD evaluation is more than just a box to check. It provides the professional documentation required to access support through New York State’s OPWDD system, services that can impact a person’s daily life, education, independence, and long-term care.
Families trust Hamaspik because we offer:
- Shorter wait times than many other providers
- Evaluators who thoroughly understand OPWDD’s requirements
- A respectful, personalized approach for every child
- Clear, accurate reports that meet all official standards
Answers to questions you may have
An evaluation is required for anyone who would like to apply for services through the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) in New York State.
Yes. Whether you already have a known diagnosis or simply have concerns based on behavior, slow development, or feedback from teachers, specific evaluations are required to determine if your child meets the criteria for OPWDD services.
If your child has had a previous evaluation, we’ll help determine whether it meets current OPWDD standards or needs to be updated. School-based evaluations are often helpful, but they don’t always include the specific tests OPWDD requires.
There isn’t one standard test. Instead, the evaluator selects from a range of assessments based on the child’s age, development, and suspected diagnosis.
Tests may include IQ testing (using tools like the WISC or Stanford-Binet), adaptive behavior assessments (such as the Vineland or ABAS), autism-specific tools (like the ADIR, CARS, or GARS), and other standardized measures depending on clinical judgment.
Once the appointment is complete and all questionnaires are submitted, the report is typically ready within three weeks.
If your child has Medicaid, the evaluation is fully covered with no out-of-pocket cost. If your child does not have Medicaid, the fee is $675. This reflects the standard Medicaid reimbursement rate, and in some cases, if your child is already connected to Hamaspik or will be receiving services through us, you may qualify for reimbursement or other support. Our Intake team will walk you through your options.
During the session, your child may be asked to:
- Respond to verbal questions designed to assess understanding and reasoning
- Identify, sort, or categorize objects and pictures to gauge cognitive and visual processing skills
- Follow multi-step directions to observe attention, memory, and executive functioning
- Engage in age-appropriate puzzles or hands-on tasks that reflect real-world problem-solving abilities
These activities help the evaluator understand how your child learns, communicates, and functions in daily life. Evaluators are trained to adapt to your child’s pace and comfort level. This isn't about passing or failing, the focus is on understanding, not judging.
A clear path forward starts here
Whether you’re just starting the journey or need updated documentation, Hamaspik is here to make the process clear, supportive, and focused on your child’s future.