Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council
Next Meeting
May 19, 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
April 21, 2026
I. Introductions
The March 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
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
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
III. State News – Contessa Officer
Medicaid Renewal
- Renewals are due 2 months before case expiration.
- Late submissions may still be processed up to 30 days after closure.
- Delays occurred due to contractor issues but are being addressed.
- Care Managers (CCOs) are responsible for tracking and supporting renewals.
- OPWDD provides training and an online Benefits Toolkit.
Self-Direction Budget Changes
- Effective June 1, 2026:
- New or amended budgets must include a current CANS or CAS assessment.
- Fiscal Intermediaries (FIs) will verify assessment status.
- Assessment timelines:
- CANS: annually
- CAS: approximately every 2 years
- No requirement to update all assessments before June 1—only for new/amended budgets
IV. Reyana Mckenzie, DOMHM
- Contact Reyana Mckenzie, rmckenzie@health.nyc.gov
- No updates this month
V. IAC Report
· Federal Level:
- Proposed federal budget includes reductions affecting disability services and workforce supports.
- Advocacy efforts ongoing to protect Medicaid and HCBS funding.
· State Level:
- NY State budget negotiations are delayed (expected into May).
- Advocacy priorities include increasing funding beyond the proposed 1.7% rate (goal: at least 2.7%–4%).
· Other Updates:
- IAC has relocated to a new office (145 W 30th Street).
- Annual IAC Conference scheduled for June 10–11.
VI. Committee Reports:
Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co-Chairs: Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Manhattan Family Support Services Advisory Council
2/25 Will be our presentation on Dental
April 22 Guardianship and future planning. The first meeting will be on Zoom. The next meeting April 29th will be in person. You need to be at the first meeting to come to the second meeting.
Transition Committee: Co-Chairs: Andrew Harris and Pat Liu Chang
April 22 Guardianship and future planning. The first meeting will be on Zoom. The next meeting April 29th will be in person. You need to be at the first meeting to come to the second meeting
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
Continued planning for Resource Fair and volunteer coordination.
Ifyou wish to volunteer please reach out to us.
Please share the fair information with everyone!
New Business
May 12th annual Family Support Services Fair. Don’t miss out on an amazing event. Work shops, booths, free massages and prizes!