Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
Next Meeting
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
10:00 A.M.
Come and hear updates from providers, OPWDD, and New York City DOHMH
Learn what’s happening as we continue to work to ensure services and supports for people with I/DD!
Hybrid Meeting – Join In Person OR Virtual
In Person:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/97723827673?pwd=CDw2MFQvdvNvaIMgxOWiumRPmPiCBV.1
Meeting ID: 977 2382 7673 / Passcode: 983899
One tap mobile: +19292056099,,97723827673#,,,,*983899#
Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council Minutes
November 18, 2025
I. Introductions
The April minutes are posted on the Council website. If you would like to refer to past minutes, they are always available on the DD Council website: (www.manhattanddcouncil.org).
III. Announcements
ManhattanDDCouncil@gmail.com. Please send all information and flyers to the email address. All non-fundraiser events can be posted on the website.
We will continue our meetings in person and via Zoom and we appreciate everyone who participates
NY State Institute on Disability
Doris Khan
Family support service provider agency
Family reimbursement available for Manhattan families (camp, goods, services, etc.)
Jackie Tripodi, 929-202-1115, jtripodi@nysidinc.org
Sinergia
Openings for evaluations, case management, family reimbursement, housing advocacy, educational advocacy
Residences in Manhattan
Johana Santana, jsantana@sinergiany.org
YAI
Manhattan Crisis Intervention- We provide support with behavior management, toilet training, counseling and support connecting with other services including OPWDD eligibility. To place a referral, you can reach out to 212-273-6200 or email manhattancrisisintervention@yai.org
openings in other Manhattan programs:
Socialization Skills- a socialization program for people ages 9 and up with a diagnosis of autism. There are 10 weekly sessions in the fall and spring. Some of the topics reviewed include friendships, communication, social boundaries, etc.
Parents with Special Needs- PWSN empowers parents with developmental disabilities through direct support and skills training, to become more independent and successful parents. Some of the topics reviewed include parenting and family empowerment, skills training that include infant care, behavior management, safety awareness, time management and other topics. Parents must have parental rights of the child.
Independent Living Skills- 18 years+. This program features ongoing weekly group sessions spread across two semesters (10 weeks each). Topics covered include budgeting, nutrition & kitchen safety, decision making, problem solving, community & internet safety, stress management.
GHO
Services available: Day hab, day hab without walls, prevocational, non-Medicaid case management to assist families seeking OPWDD eligibility, evaluations, CCO referral, family reimbursement, assistance for Chinese & Korean speaking families. As well as CDNY
Contact Pat Liu Chang, 718-307-6563, Pat@ghoinc.org
Lifespire
Openings in Manhattan behavior management & parent training program (virtual or in-person), no wait list
Call Jay Kleinman, 646-338-5632 or email jkleinman@lifespire.org
ADAPT Community Network
ADAPT Community Network offers a wide range of supports including Family Reimbursement, Housing Assistance Services, Doorways to Independence (home modification and repair program), Community Habilitation, Overnight Respite, Day Habilitation, Health Services, Early Childhood and School-Age programs, and more. Please contact Project Connect at 877-827-2666 or fill out “getting started” online form for more information https://adaptcommunitynetwork.org/service-options/getting-started/.
1-877-827-2666 for more info
Ohel Bais Ezra
Family reimbursement funds available Manhattan Brooklyn and Queens
Call 718-686-3451 or email Communityservices@ohelfamily.org
Everett Community Services
Location in Brooklyn, openings in community habilitation & respite, day habilitation without walls (Bronx, available for Bronx & Manhattan residents)
Christopher O’Connor, 718-255-5946 x4056
Care Design NY
Care Coordination Organization (CCO), offering Care Manager services
Accepting new referrals, including those coming from other CCOs with wait lists
Assisting families through OPWDD eligibility, Medicaid enrollment, Medicaid waiver/parental deeming process
Summertime Gallery – an art studio + gallery for artists with and without disabilities pushing towards a more inclusive art world. We currently have two exciting groups we have during the week.
Studio Hours is a virtual group where we use different prompts, materials, and mediums to create art together. This is less of a step by step class but more of an art family/community where artists encourage and support each other.
Our second group is Art Walks + Talks. This hybrid group consists of visiting art museums or galleries in person every other week, and the opposing week we are virtual and create art using inspiration from the week prior. This group is great for those who want to immerse themselves in the NYC art world.
These groups accept Self-Direction and fee-for-service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to anna@summertimegallery.org or check out our website at Summertimegallery.org
Esperanza -site based day program in Manhattan and the Bronx as well as recreational programs for adults. 212-928-5810
NYLPI – NY Lawyers assistance regarding Higher education (students attending college in NYS only) FACING DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION? FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE For Students in New York Navigating Challenges in Higher Education due to a Disability What We Offer: • Advice and Referrals • Accommodation Advocacy • Appeals and Grievances • Representation Getting Started: Contact us to schedule your free consultation and get connected to a Disability Justice Attorney to explore how we may be able to assist. Disability Justice Program New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (212) 244-4664 (voice/relay).
Centre for family support-vacancies in residential in 5 boroughs and family reimbursement
AHRC- AHRC NYC has openings for Free Evaluations for Individuals who do not have Medicaid and are seeking OPWDD eligibility. Contact Marrissa.mcmillan@ahrcnyc.org or the Referral Information Centre at 212-780-4491 or referrals@ahrcnyc.org
AHRC NYC has openings for Family Reimbursement. Contact Casey Barba at 917-715-8035 or AHRC.FamilyReimbursementPrograms@ahrcnyc.org
Goodwill– Day Hab vacancies
Excellent Home Care– Home care particularly focusing on minors to help with therapies and nursing. It is completely to the IEP. Contact us to explore if we can help you.
NYstate institute on disability-reimbursement for good service and camp-Jackie Trapodi-
Manager at Metro Community Health Centres.
Service we offer: Primary Care, Dental, Psychiatry, Neurology, Podiatry, Gynaecology
We are in 4 locations: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
For further information please feel free to contact me or access our website: https://mchcny.org/
Contact Info:
Antony Lucero Patient Experience Manager Metro Community Health Centre
979 Cross Bronx Expressway Bronx, NY 10460 T: 718.665.7565 Direct Dial: (347) 291-8725
Featured Presentation: Home Enabling Supports (HES)
Presenters: Nadine Daly (CFS) & Megan O’Sullivan (SimplyHome)
🔑 What Are Home Enabling Supports?
A new OPWDD Medicaid-funded assistive technology option designed to:
- Increase independence, safety, and community participation
- Reduce reliance on in-person staff (without replacing them)
- Support individuals living in non-certified residences (family home, self-direction, roommates)
💡 Examples of Supported Technology
- Smart devices (stove sensors, smart locks, lighting, doorbells)
- Medication reminders and monitoring
- Wearable tech (BoundaryCare watches for GPS, falls, seizures)
- Remote DSP support (two-way audio/visual check-ins)
- Low-tech supports (adaptive kitchen tools, safety equipment)
📋 Key Details
- Up to $5,000 per person
- Must be tied to person-centered planning goals
- Remote supports available for individuals 15+
- Eligible under self-direction
- Rollout expected February 2026
- Requires care manager involvement, DDRO authorization, assessment, and outcome reporting
🔄 Process Overview
- Identify goals in the life plan
- Care manager submits authorization
- Home Enabling Support provider completes assessment
- Technology implemented and monitored
- Data used to measure outcomes and fade supports appropriately
III. State News – Contessa Officer -Deputy Director Metro Region
- New leadership introductions:
- Jennifer Morrison Dio joined as Deputy Director overseeing Quality Management & Technical Assistance.
- Age-Out Housing Award
- Letter of Intent expected soon for providers developing housing for individuals aging out of residential schools.
- FIAM Revisions
- Clarifications coming on self-direction, Individual Directed Goods & Services, and dispute resolution.
- OPWDD Unit Restructuring
- Deputy directors now aligned by function (Front Door, Self-Direction, Housing, QMTA).
- Contact information to be shared for clarity and access.
- Contact Reyana Mckenzie, rmckenzie@health.nyc.gov
- No updates this month
V. IAC Report – Mary Knox
Federal
- Government funded through January 30, 2026
- SNAP benefits funded through September 2026
- 2.8% Social Security COLA effective January 2026
State & OPWDD
- Medicaid recertification reminders emphasized
- OPWDD self-direction review completed (Guidehouse report with 8 recommendations)
- Upcoming ADMs:
- Staff Action Plan flexibility
- IDONS program notification requirements
- Justice Center released wheelchair securement best practices
Advocacy
- NADIA rally held advocating for:
- 2.7% inflationary increase
- Workforce affordability
- Infrastructure investment
VI. Committee Reports:
Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co-Chairs: Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council
Due to a scheduling conflict, our in-person “Successful Dental Care” meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2nd has been POSTPONED until January, 2026, However we will be hosing a Zoom meeting on Maximizing Benefits, Leveraging Trusts and ABLE Accounts on
Tuesday December 2nd at 7: 00 PM with Sarah Grimes NYSARC Trust Services
We will hear about the distinct advantages of supplemental needs trusts, pooled trusts, and ABLE accounts, highlighting how to use these tools to help our family members w/IDD stay under asset and income limits. Come learn essential updates on the 2025 Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) financial limits and learn how to empower individuals to improve financial independence, save for future needs, and work without the risk of losing critical benefits
Transition Committee: Co-Chairs: Andrew Harris and Pat Liu Chang
Last meeting was October 8th. Finding the right program for your child. We had 45 people attend
December 10th next meeting in person please come!
Topic NY connect to present their services.
Please email Mary & Jackie Manhattanfamilyadvisory@gmail.com OR Andrew & Pat Liu at AHarris27@schools.nyc.gov
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us:
Andrew Harris, P138M, aharris27@schools.nyc.gov
Pat Liu Chang, GHO, pat@ghoinc.org
Family & Provider Information Committee: Co-chairs: Wendy De Leon & Mainawatie Singh January 2026 will be our first meeting. If you have any topics you would like to hear about please let us know.
New Business
Dues support advocacy, events, website, and council operations.
Membership Dues Reinstated (providers only):
$150 for July 2025 – June 2026.
Benefits include website listing, event promotion, and discounted rates for the Family Support Fair.