Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
Next Meeting
Tuesday, June 17, 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:
AHRC NYC
83 Maiden lane Room 1315
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
May 20, 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).
MTA
– Reminder 59th St is being replaced by switch replacement, please give yourself additional time.
MTA will be hosting an open house information coming. Please check MTA website for information.
Access A ride assessment centre is now in lower Manhattan (3 stone Street) by appointment
Please do not park vans in bus stops.
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 Centers.
Service we offer: Primary Care, Dental, Psychiatry, Neurology, Podiatry, Gynecology
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 LuceroPatient Experience ManagerMetro Community Health Center
979 Cross Bronx Expressway Bronx, NY 10460 T: 718.665.7565 Direct Dial: (347) 291-8725
III. State News – Samrawitt Tadesse
- May 9 budget
- Strong commitment to families 1 billion is tax relief Inflation refund of $500 and child tax cut credit.
- 4 year trend of inflation increase of 2.6% More competitive wages for DSP’s and help for retention
- 25 million to create regional disability clinic for better access to healthcare Center for learning on the campus.
- Employment first initiative had doubled for employees who offer opportunities to people with DD Federal actions Cuts to Medicaid May 13 house energy and comers budget will not have direct impact on people with dd s autism registry comments. We are aware if families concerns OPWDD believes in every person with autism New York State does not have a registry and takes people concerns seriously June 14 get out day!- link in chat 10-2 Commissioner task force on aging Age with dignity in community is critical task force is time limited co led by DDAC questions can be submitted- in the chat
IV. Reyana Mckenzie, DOMHM
Community Service Board subcommittee position open for self-advocate
- Contact Reyana Mckenzie, rmckenzie@health.nyc.gov
- No updates this month
V. IAC Report – Kate
Updates
May 9th NYS budget was signed – 254 Billion
Keeping an eye on education cut. 2.4 billion
May 6 education lobby day main message is to protect foundation aid to protect 4410 and tutoring in schools IAC conference May 28 & 29.
Budget- Mary Knox
2.6 unrestricted target inflation increase. We asked for 7.6 . Even though we didn’t get everything we want in this term we got $25 million for clinics,$15 million, $30 million new services
Asked for funding for kids to stay in school until age 22 – we didn’t get money for EI Federal budget
VI. Committee Reports:
Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co-Chairs: Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council
Wednesday April 23rd was a joint meeting with the Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council about the overview of family reimbursement. It was a great meeting
Transition Committee: Co-Chairs: Andrew Harris and Pat Liu Chang
On March 26th and Aril 9th the joint meeting with the transition committee was held:
Guardianship and Future Care Planning
Where do we begin? …..a two part series
Stephanie Baran, Esq., AHRC NYC
Part One: Wednesday, March 26th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Guardianship Services provides education and outreach to families regarding Article 17-A guardianship as well as alternatives to guardianship.
Alternatives to 17-A Guardianship
It is crucial to remember that guardianship may not always be appropriate and there are other alternatives available to ensure that the individual is properly protected and cared for. Alternatives include Supported Decision-Making, Representative Payee, Health Care Proxy, Power of Attorney
Part TWO: Wednesday, April 9th, @ 10:00 am “Assistance with the Application”
Registration link will be sent to ALL Part One participants
Mary McGuire-Weafer & Jackie Goldberg, Co-Chairs / Manhattanfamilyadvisory@gmail.com
Both meetings were well attended. Over 50 people cam to the first meeting and over 30 came to the second meeting. Many Professionals and care coordinators came as well. We hope this will help all families.
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 & Luisa Eusse-Roché
Wednesday April 23rd was the joint meeting with the about the overview of family reimbursement.
New Business
Manhattan DD council will be having the annual professional resource fair on Friday June 20th at CUNY graduate centre.
This year is an election year for the DD council. The following positions are available if you would like to be nominated or have someone to nominate please reach out to Margaret Puddington at: Margaret.Puddington@gmail.com or call 917-715-4235
Chair
Provider vice chair
Family vice chair
Secretary
Treasurer
The vote is in the June meeting