Who qualifies for OPWDD in NY?

To qualify for services from the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), an individual must first be determined eligible. OPWDD considers several factors when making this determination. The main eligibility requirements include:

1. A diagnosed developmental disability such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, neurological impairments, familial dysautonomia, or an intellectual disability. If the individual applying is over age 22, you’ll be required to show documentation proving disability before age 22.

2. Impaired functioning in at least three of the following areas:

• Communication
• Learning
• Mobility
• Self-care
• Capacity for independent living
• Self-direction
• Economic self-sufficiency (for adults)

3. Current proof of disability. You’ll be asked to provide several documents, which may include:

• Updated psychological testing with an IQ of 70 or below to prove Intellectual Disability (provided by a licensed evaluator)
• Updated diagnostic testing (CT brain scan, MRI imaging) to prove neurological impairments, brain injury, or seizure disorder
• Childhood Autism Rating Scale Second Edition (CARS-2), OR Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), OR Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) Testing to confirm Autism Disorders
• Current medical records and medical treatment records to confirm cerebral palsy and seizure disorders
• Current Adaptive Functioning assessments for all diagnoses

4. Proof of the disability’s onset prior to age 22

• This is relevant to individuals applying after age 22

5. A New York Address 

Our intake team will guide you through gathering all required documents, giving you clear direction on what’s needed, and helping you through the process.