Learning Hub

OPWDD Eligibility

Answers to common questions about OPWDD eligibility, including the process for qualifying and applying

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What is OPWDD?

What is the first step in getting OPWDD services?

How do I get OPWDD services?

How do I apply for OPWDD services?

Are special needs and disability the same?

How long does the OPWDD process take?

Which diagnosis qualifies someone for OPWDD services?

Can I lose eligibility?

What kind of documents or evaluations do I need to get OPWDD eligibility?

Can I get OPWDD services if I don’t have Medicaid?

Does OPWDD eligibility entitle my child to OT, PT, counselling, or other therapies?

What happens if we’re denied OPWDD eligibility or services?

What happens after an individual is found OPWDD eligible?

What is the Front Door process, and do I have to go through it?

Evaluations

Get answers to all your questions about OPWDD evaluations

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Who qualifies for OPWDD in NY?

Which tests and assessments are given in an OPWDD evaluation?

Where can I get an OPWDD evaluation?

What happens during an OPWDD evaluation?

How much does an OPWDD evaluation cost?

Respite Care

Get answers to all your questions about respite care and how it can help you

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What is respite care?

How does respite care support families?

How much respite will I get?

How do I qualify for respite?

How do I choose a good respite care service?

Com Hab (Community Habilitation)

Learn how ComHab works, who's eligible, and how families can use ComHab services to support independence and daily living skills.

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What is Com Hab?

Who is eligible for Com Hab?

How do I get Com Hab?

What does a Com Hab provider do?

Direct Support Professionals (DSP)

Learn about how DSPs are trained, how they help, and who qualifies for support

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How do you qualify for a DSP?

Is a DSP a caregiver?

What is a DSP and what do they do?

How do I find a DSP?

Services Available

Discover New York developmental disability services, including care management, SSI benefits, and essential support programs.

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What assistance is available for people with disabilities?

What services can individuals with special needs get with Medicaid?

What benefits can you get for a child with special needs?

What does OPWDD pay for in NY?

What is an OPWDD Life Plan?

How do I claim disability for a child?

What does a care manager do?

What is a care manager?

Can a family member be paid as a caregiver in New York State?

IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities)

Explore common questions about IDD and learn about diagnosis, classification, levels, and more

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How is IDD diagnosed?

Can IDD be cured or outgrown?

What type of disorder is IDD?

What causes IDD?

What are signs of IDD?

What is a developmental disability and IDD?

What are the four levels of IDD?

Are developmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities the same?

ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)

Get clarity about common ASD-related topics including including diagnosis, support services, and practical resources.

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What is autism?

Is autism a disability?

What causes autism?

How do they test for autism?

Are you born with ASD or does it develop?

At what age does ASD begin?

What does high-functioning autism look like?

How do I know if I’m autistic?

What resources are available for people with autism?

What treatments and therapies are there for ASD?

Can people with autism lead normal lives?

Can a child with ASD go to a regular school?