Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
Next Meeting
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
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
December 16, 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
Guest presentation-home enabling supports Meghan O’Sullivan
How to support people who want to be more independent
Simply home is a national company
2 goals
- Support independence in the home and community
- Need to have less reliance on staff in the home
8 providers in the New York area authorized to put forth this technology.
This technology starts at the planning during the life plan.
There are simple low tech ideas such a bowls that don’t move or garbage cans that you just have to wave over for it to open. There are a range of low tech ideas. Even the ring doorbell can be utilized as low tech.
Home enabling supports(HES)
Increase, maintain or improve person’s safety in the home
Increase maintain or improve person’s independence in the home
Increase maintain or improve person’s health outcomes
Increase maintain or improve person’s Participate in the community
Minimize the reliance on or the deferral of paid staff for supervision and/or assistance
HES are for people who are living at home or on their own. It is currently not for residential
New support options
III. State News – Contessa Officer
Leadership
- Introduction of new Deputy Director Jennifer Morrison.
- Ongoing participation from OPWDD regional leadership.
Self-Direction Assessment Report
OPWDD completed a statewide evaluation of self-direction (funded through American Rescue Plan funds).
Goals of the evaluation:
- Improve consistency statewide.
- Simplify budgeting.
- Better support individuals without family support.
- Clarify roles of fiscal intermediaries, brokers, and care managers.
- Improve communication and sustainability.
Report findings:
- 8 major recommendations
- 33 sub-recommendations
- Focus areas:
- Education and communication improvements
- Assessment clarity
- Better integration into care planning
- Reducing redundancy
- Person-centered assessment process
CAST & HANDS Assessment Engagement
- 2,295 people attended statewide information sessions (virtual and in-person).
- Feedback highlighted:
- Appreciation for format and clarity.
- Need for clearer explanation of the “3-day lookback.”
- Desire for both virtual and in-person options.
- Frustration with concern review process.
- Feeling of being over-assessed.
- Need for stronger integration into care planning.
Next steps:
- Additional communication sessions in 2026.
- Posting recordings of presentations.
- Improving plain-language materials.
- Enhancing care manager training.
- Exploring post-assessment survey improvements.
3. Public Concerns Raised
Timeline Issues
- No timeline provided for CAST reviews.
- No timeline provided for self-direction reforms.
Equity in Self-Direction
- Concern raised that self-direction is disproportionately used by white families (estimated 70–75%).
- Question about outreach to families of color and immigrant communities.
- OPWDD acknowledged concern and will raise with leadership.
Transparency & Data
- Repeated requests for:
- Written monthly OPWDD reports.
- Clear data on percentage of individuals using self-direction.
- Better balance in discussion topics beyond self-direction.
- OPWDD stated they are moving toward more data-centered reporting but did not provide current figures.
Self-Direction Challenges Identified
Participants noted:
- Parents often lack understanding of budgeting.
- Brokers sometimes lack clarity about their role.
- Families do not always understand that services come from the individual’s budget.
- High time and effort burden on families.
- Not accessible to all families due to flexibility and resource demands.
OPWDD acknowledged need for better education and clearer expectationsup.
IV. Reyana Mckenzie, DOMHM
- Contact Reyana Mckenzie, rmckenzie@health.nyc.gov
- No updates this month
V. IAC Report – Mary Knox
Federal
- Government shutdown ended; funding extended through January 30.
Workforce Advocacy
- Bipartisan bill introduced to establish a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).
- Goal: stabilize workforce using better labor data.
State Budget Advocacy (NAIDA Priorities)
- 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase.
- Infrastructure investments (capital funding, property approval, residential reserve funds).
- Workforce affordability initiatives:
- Affordable housing lottery for DSPs.
- Childcare support for non-traditional shifts.
- Expansion of NYS child tax credits.
Lobby Day
- February 10–11, 2026 (Albany).
5. Regulatory Updates
Article 16 Clinics – Regulation 679
- Expected publication December 31 (60-day public comment period).
- Administrative relief for clinics.
- New requirement:
- Individuals must be OPWDD eligible to receive ongoing Article 16 services.
- Concern:
- Individuals currently receiving services but not OPWDD eligible will now need to obtain eligibility.
- Clinics expected to assist with expedited evaluations.
Jonathan’s Law Update (Expected 2026)
- Proposed change:
- Families can sign an annual standing request for incident reports.
- Replaces per-incident written request requirement.
VI. Committee Reports:
Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co-Chairs: Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council
Sara Grimes from NY sarc did a great presentation about benefits. Able accounts and special needs trusts. Over 30 people attended.
- Strong attendance at benefits presentations (ABLE & Special Needs Trusts).
- Dental workshop rescheduled for January
Transition Committee: Co-Chairs: Andrew Harris and Pat Liu Chang
- February 11: Manhattan Adult Services Showcase (17 agencies presenting).
- Focus on transition from school to adult services.
Next meeting : Manhattan Adult Services Showcase
Wednesday, February 11 @ 10am, What’s Next After High School?
Learn about programs & services for adults with intellectual & developmental disabilities living in Manhattan
Learn About:
Day Hab Programs, Employment Services, OPWDD Services, Support for the Future
,Participating Organizations:
ACANY Advance Care Alliance of NY | ADAPT Community Network | AHRC NYC | Braverhood | Care Design NY | The Center for Family Support | Esperanza Center | Gateway Counseling Center | General Human Outreach in the Community Inc. | Goodwill NYNJ | Job Path | Lifespire | Open the Lid LLC | Pure Vision Arts (The Shield Institute) | Sinergia | Unique Care Community Services | YAI Network
Zoom Info Coming Soon!
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
Manhattan Family & Provider Information Committee Meeting
December 17 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Join the Manhattan Family & Provider Information Committee for an open conversation and resource sharing! We connect families, caregivers, and providers to keep everyone informed about services, supports, and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. Come learn, ask questions, and stay connected with your community.
Unlock resources that can make a real difference! This meeting will spotlight underused services in Manhattan—like Family Reimbursement, guardianship, clinical evaluations, advocacy, and more—from agencies including AHRC, Sinergia, QSAC, and others. Don’t miss this chance to learn how to access these supports and help families and professionals get the tools they need. Register today!
Meeting Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/V6tMopOpQe-RAY4rhwjG-g
New Business
5 borough Legislative virtual Breakfast March 6th 2026.