Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
Next Meeting
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
10:00 A.M.
Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council Minutes
September 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).
MTA
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
- Capacity Management Application (CMA):
- CMA replaces the prior CRO database to improve efficiency, accountability, and quality of residential referrals.
- Goal: ensure referral packets are current so individuals are better matched with appropriate providers.
- Phase 1 launched July 11, 2025:
- Care Managers have 7 months to enter/update CRO referrals and documents in CMA.
- All new referrals after July 11 must be submitted through CMA.
- Previously approved CRO referrals were migrated into CMA.
- CRO referrals must be updated annually and whenever there are significant life changes.
- OPWDD has provided trainings, demos, and reference materials and will continue supporting Care Managers.
- Phases 2 & 3 (later in 2025) will focus on certified residential providers.
- Emergency Needs CRO List:
- Updated monthly.
- Providers must screen Emergency Need first, then Substantial Need, and then Current Need.
- NYC contacts for lists/questions: Janine Kersner and Avette Herzman (all five boroughs).
- Accessing Life Podcast:
- 8 episodes available; latest features Commissioner Bayer.
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 – Amanda
Updates
- Federal Budget (FY 2026):
- Funding deadline: September 30.
- Senate bill increases HHS funding; House bill proposes significant cuts.
- High risk of a Continuing Resolution (CR) rather than a full budget.
- Ongoing disagreements over healthcare provisions and Medicaid-related funding.
- Education Funding Concerns:
- House proposal includes deep cuts to education and IDEA, including Title I.
- Senate bill largely keeps education funding flat.
- Advocacy efforts ongoing to protect special education funding.
- SNAP Changes:
- Millions expected to lose benefits.
- Guidance provided for appeals and emergency food resources (311/211).
- New York State Advocacy:
- No specific OPWDD cuts announced yet, but agencies are being asked to identify cost savings.
- State budget reductions expected to continue through 2035.
- Advocacy priorities include DSP support, housing, childcare, and inflationary rate increases.
- New OPWDD RFA:
- Regional Disability Health Clinic Programs (RDHCP) released.
- Purpose: improve healthcare access and coordination for people with developmental disabilities.
- Pre-application due September 19.
3. CDPAP / Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) Update
- Health Assessments Due October 1:
- Personal Assistants must have updated physicals on file to remain compliant.
- Failure to comply may cause payment delays and service disruptions.
- Free physicals available through PPL’s partner (Mobile Health).
- Flyers available in English, Spanish, and Bengali.
- Mandatory trainings are expected by December 31 (details forthcoming).
4. Disability History & Archives Initiative
- Presentation highlighted the lack of preserved disability rights history in NYC.
- A new NYC Disability Rights Archive is being built and housed at the College of Staten Island.
- Agencies, families, and individuals are encouraged to donate historical documents and records.
- Public exhibit at Positive Exposure (83 Maiden Lane):
- Opens October 16
- Focus on NYC’s leadership in accessible transportation and disability rights.
- Intended for professionals, families, and people supported by agencies.
VI. Committee Reports:
Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co-Chairs: Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council
- Next meeting: September 25 – community circle facilitated by Ramapo for Children.
- Statewide updates included CMA rollout, self-direction evaluation, employment initiatives, CAS/CANS updates, and new FSS outreach materials.
- Transition Committee:
Transition Committee: Co-Chairs: Andrew Harris and Pat Liu Chang
- Focus: transition from high school to adult services.
- Kickoff meeting: October 8 – “What’s Next After High School?”
- Future topics include benefits, housing, adult services meet-and-greet, and guardianship/decision-making.
- Discussion raised the need for post-transition follow-up surveys to assess long-term outcomes.
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
- Meetings resume in November; members invited to submit topic ideas.
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.