Manhattan Developmental Disabilities Council Minutes
May 17, 2022
I. Introductions were completed.
II. Minutes The May 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
Manhattan DDcouncil@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 via zoom and we appreciate everyone who participates
ADAPT Community Network – formerly UCP of New York City
Please contact ADAPT Community Network’s Project Connect at 877-827-2666 or projectconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org. We have openings in Family Reimbursement, Com. Hab, Home Modifications(not in Manhattan), ISS, Housing Assistance Services. We are offering telehealth services via Station MD and Day Hab Admissions is running virtually. contact mhwang@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or 718-594-7374 or Kliebman@adaptcommunitynetwork.org
Contact projectconnect@adaptcommunitynetwork.org or call 877-827-2666.
Ohel Bais Ezra
Family reimbursement funds available Manhattan and Queens
Call 718-686-3451 or email Communityservices@ohelfamily.org
YAI
Funds still available for emergency respite.
Travel Training workshops for staff, parents and caregivers. In the workshop, we will discuss the Travel Training program in detail, including the stages of training and pre-service documentation. Please feel free to email TravelTraining@yai.org.
All inquiries should be directed to YAI LINK at 212 273 6182 or link@yai.org. You can also fill out a Getting Started form to begin the screening process.
Transition to independence for people with Autism who are not waiver enrolled
Crisis Intervention
Day Habilitation
YAI Arts Day Hab without Walls
Emergency Respite Fund
Holiday Respite (ages 6 to 18)
Overnight Respite (ages 5+)
Parents with Special Needs: Program to empower parents with I/DD to strengthen parent/child interaction and enhance independence. The program focuses on goals identified by the parents to enhance their effectiveness and lead a balanced parenting lifestyle.
In-Home Behaviour Management
Social Skills (ages 9+)
You and I Social Networking Skills (ages 18+): This group offers adults the opportunity to learn social and dating skills in a structured setting.
Independent Living Skills (ages 18+): A series of 12-week group sessions, providing the opportunity for adults to learn and develop skills in a group setting. A parent/caregiver education component is also included to help families bring the information home.
NY START(CSIDD)
212-273-6300
Accepting referrals. Provide help with conflict and behavior needs.
Crisis intervention. Coordinators on call 24/7. Crisis line available
February 21st on line training.
NYLPI – looking for services for immigrants with disabilities that do not require Medicaid. NYPLI has frees services and trainings available on future planning, guardianship, and special education rights; call 212-244-4664 for information or by requesting assistance online www.nylpi.org/get-help. We also provide a resource guide every Friday https://nylpi.org/resource/special-education-remote-learning-information-contacts-resources-links/
Sinergia– Offering Service coordination and Family Reimbursement to all Boroughs. We also offer non-Medicaid Free Evaluations and case management for Manhattan residents. We have openings in our Day Habilitation program and our employment program. Please feel free to reach out Jsantana@sinergiany.org There is also Housing Advocacy available as well https://www.sinergiany.org/services/housing-assistance
Esperanza has a day hab program in Washington Heights, and funds available for transportation reimbursement for Manhattan only. 212-928-5810
GHO– We have openings in CH, DH, DHWOW, Job training/employment program, IRA, etc. We have family reimbursement money as well We will have upcoming workshops and social parents gathering virtually for Korean and Chinese speaking families. For all information inquiries, feel free to contact me at 718-307-6570 or via e-mail: dquirk@ghoinc.org.
GHO has contract with CDNY continue to assist Chinese and Korean speaking families enrolling into Care Design’s care management regardless of language barrier. Speak to Joe Tan 718-2616552 ext 2054. Workshop on April 7 at 11:00AM
The Center for Discovery. We are an OPWDD run residential facility, as well as DOE run school. We are currently accepting applications for residential placement. Please have anyone interested have their school district send the child’s referral packet to us directly. Call me with any questions 845-649-5104 or slivanos@tcfd.org. Website: www.tcfd.org. We are also working on a brand new DDPC partnership grant for restraint and seclusion reduction analysis for all of NYS. If you would like to participate please reach out to help! Opening children’s hospital in 2021.
Health Care Advocate ICAN. Please contact Lynn Decker, ldecker@cidny.org 646-442-4188. I am the designated participant advocate for enrollees in the FIDA-IDD plan with Partners Health Plan, and can assist others enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care plans.
Elmys Silvia Navas from family reimbursement we have opening for Queen and Brooklyn we are accepting applications. Please feel free and contact me at 917-324-6825 or 718-789-7539
Goodwill- opening in Harlem Dayhab without walls
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
Open the Lid– We offer Individual and Group, Web-Based Empowerment Classes that teach self-regulation, self-advocacy and communication skills in a supportive, inclusive community with neurodivergent people and allies.
Open the Lid Web -Based Empowerment Classes for any age, label or location
VIRTUAL COFFEE: HTTPS://www.openthelid.com/coffee
FREE TRIAL www.openthelid.com
EMAILsupport@openthelid.com
CALL/TEXT 607-339-8092
CARES Article 16 and Article 31 clinics– FSS Grant in Brooklyn and are able to provide free evaluations for individuals looking to obtain OPWDD eligibility. Please contact me at pratz@caresnyc.org or 212-420-1970 ext. 123
MTA Accessibility Coming Soon OMNY Reduce Fare Training Please Contact Sara Bahri Systemwide Accessibility sara.bahri@nyct.com set up date time on zoom Please Update Reduced-Fare Metro Cards Information no photo need https://new.mta.info/fares/how-to-apply-reduced-fare-metrocard need print out page only address phone and email address mail Mail to MTA Reduce Fare 130 Livingston St Brooklyn Ny 11201
Please visit the MTA website for the redesign of the new buses from the Bronx into Manhattan. New elevator in Times square.
NY foundation for seniors– Home care program is looking to talk to people who are interested in housing
Metro community health centers-4 centers available in Staten Island, Manhattan, Bronx and Manhattan dental
Lifespire has immediate openings in behavior management and parent training in Manhattan. Email Jay Kleinman at jkleinman@lifespire.org for further information or to make referrals
Anchor Health –independent from OPWDD. We service both children and adults(contact info in chat) At Anchor Health, we provide compassionate, skilled, person centered home care services to individuals and families.
Anchor’s home health aids are trained in crisis intervention, IDD and mental/medical health and are supervised by a licensed clinical social worker. Our home health aids make it possible for people to live more satisfying lives in their homes. We are Medicaid funded and are independent from OPWDD. I can be reached at 347-709-9181 or psych1325@gmail.com for assistance or inquiry.
Special presentation from the NY Alliance-Ryan Cox& Louis Cavaliere
- A valuable Free Resource -A website designed to be a resource to any agency or individual that might find it valuable
- A website that has risk management information, which identify’ s weaknesses in existing risk management plans
- Utilize the resources on the website to enhance your knowledge base.
- Ability to work collaboratively on the plan as part of your senior leadership team
- The website is a password website as it connects to a business continuity plan
- There is an initial quiz that you can take to see how well your organization stands in terms of risk management.
- The business continuity plan is all of the questions you want to ask your organization. It has everything in one place. It helps prepare for each respective emergency. This stores everything in one place
- Identify possible future events that could significantly disrupt operations or strategic priorities
- Prioritize your agencies response to the crisis
- Identify important contacts and continuity processes in order to maintain essential functions
- Scalable BCP Modules
- The module has 3 different levels so that your agency can be as comprehensive as possible.
- With this website you can plan customized to each individual program in your agency.
- Work with the non-profit risk management center
- Can book an appointment with Ryan and Louise for your agency
III. State News –James Doherty
- Masks continue to be required in OPWDD facilities. The is a FAQ on masking masks continue to be required in OPWDD’s certified programs and facilities. OPWDD has issued a FAQ document that provides additional guidance on masking:
- Chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/9.24.21-faq-mandatory-face-coverings.pdf
- https://opwdd.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/09/9.24.21-faq-mandatory-face-coverings.pdf
- April 28th Town hall event was held for DSP’s with the governor. The event was recorded but there may have been a technical clinch. If it is fixed it will be posted to OPWDD website FAQ will also be available
- 23 million in housing funds to address the cost of developing housing opportunities. Money was given to bolster the ISS program. There is additional funding for Admin fees for agencies to help the agencies.
- 10 million to restore room and board reimbursement for reshab providers.
- 15million to expand the availability of affordable housing
- 30% rate increase for intensive behavioral services
- Additional funds to establish the office of the chief disability officer. To help bridge communication between different state agencies.
- 507 plan draft is for public input. In June will be 2 virtual days available for comment. In the summer there will be regional in person meeting to discuss the draft. November the final plan will be given to the Governor and legislature. (check chat)
- There will be an opportunity to speak if you wish to do so.
- V. City News – Gavin Meyers
COVID-19 Alert Level: The current COVID-19 Alert Level in NYC is yellow which is Medium. That means that COVID-19 is spreading at a medium level in the community. Consider wearing a mask in large indoor spaces.
Test positivity is 9.11 3472 cases in the last 7 days.
If you do test positive with at home rapid test here is a number to call as you can not go to your PCP at this time.
COVID Treatment Options: People who have tested positive for COVID-19 may be able to receive outpatient treatment to help reduce COVID-19 symptoms and avoid hospitalization. Treatment usually works best if you begin it soon after you start feeling symptoms, so get tested right away.
There are two types of treatment for people with mild to moderate COVID-19:
- Monoclonal antibody treatment: A one-time IV or injection to help give you antibody protection while your body works to produce its own antibodies. This treatment is covered by Medicaid and Medicare plans at no cost. If you have private insurance, check with your provider and health plan.
- Oral antiviral pills: These pills — taken daily for five days — help stop the virus from replicating. This reduces the amount of virus in your body. The FDA has authorized two pills to treat COVID-19 — paxlovid and molnupiravir. Both of these treatments are currently free. Learn more about treatment here!
- Second Booster Shots
- At least one vaccine booster shot is recommended for everyone 12 and older who is fully vaccinated.
- A second booster shot is also now available for:
- All people who are 50 and older.
- People who are 12 to 49 who are moderately or severely immunocompromised
- People who are 18 to 49 and received a primary and booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
- If you are eligible, you can get your second booster shot four months after you received your first booster. The second booster must be either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
- We are still operating free in home vaccines. (see chat) As well as transportation if you can not get to a site.
VI. IAC Report –Tom McAlvanah
- Our hearts are deeply saddened by the shooting that happened in Buffalo. Tom reach out to the providers in Buffalo. There were staff members who have had family members that were killed and wounded. We are always ren=minded what is happening in the world at large and it reminds us why we do what we do to advocate for our individuals daily.
- Redistricting has led us to confusion. There are legislators who even live in the same district. We are keeping an eye on this as it could affect our advocacy.
Report on the BUDGET
- We continue to advocate for our DSP’s for a wage increase.
- 507 plan is being translated into multiple languages this week so it will be ready for public comment
- Day Hab transportation rates are being worked on as the rates were based on 3 months during the pandemic. Providers should not be penalized because of lockdowns
- No resolution to problems with Self Direction. Contracting budget issues has been an issue. We are looking for conversation between OPWDD and the FI.
- Appendix K approval housing cuts have been officially differed
- New rate methodology will probably not be available this year.
- October 1 will be the new rates for the HUD guidelines.
Education 853(school age) and 4410 (pre school) schools (Chris Treiber)
- 2 bills in Albany that we are watching in terms of the 11% dedicated to the schools.
- The rate reconciliation will take place after the money is put into a reserve, primarily for money that is being held for teachers salaries when teaches are found. (check zoom)
- Letters will be sent out that schools can sign on. On the website is letters that parents and teaches can access as well
- Survey in October of 2021. Exact same survey was done April 15th 2022. Want to know what the situation in terms
- 126 pre school classrooms that are closed because our schools do not have teachers. 40% of schools say they are not getting resume’s for teachers.
- Pre school Vacancy rate is 42%. In 6 months it has increased 9%
- School age the vacancy rate is 50%.
- We are advocating for salary parody.
- 4410 programs traditionally have welcomed parents to tour the schools. There have been many rumors that parents can not come visit. This is untrue. A parent is 100% able to visit and tour the school.
VIII Committee Reports:
- Manhattan FSS Advisory Council: Co Chairs Jackie Goldberg and Mary McGuire-Weafer
Mary McGuire-Weafer is officially the State wide rep for Family services.
Submit application prior to June 15th as there are 3 agencies that can reimburse for camp. please reach out to Mary and Jackie. our email for camp reimbursement info for this summer 2022 manhattanfamilyadvisory@gmail.com
Seizure Recognition & First Aid Training”
May 24, 2022 10:00 AM
Family & Provider Information Committee: Co-Chairs: Yesenia Estrella & Luisa Eusse-Roché
June 14th is the fair. Everyone should be receiving the link soon. We will have translation available.
Our last meeting was about housing. It was very well attended.
Legislative Committee: Co-ChairsJim Malley & Lynn Decker
Transition meeting Co Chairs – Andrew Harris and David summers
April was transition month. We had many meetings during the month of April. It was very successful.
6/15 – Self-Direction for Adult Day Services
– If you’d like to be added to our email list you can email aharris27@schools.nyc.gov and David.Summers@ahrcnyc.org
New Business
Save the date! Virtual Family Fair- June 14th 10AM-2PM
This is an election year for the DD council!
Margaret and the nominating committee. The committee has decided to re-elect the current officers. Cahir; Kathy Kelly Vice Cahir; Carol Lincoln Parent vice Chair; Eli Ruffer Treasurer; Jessie Backe Secretary; Ilana Katz
The election will be held next month in June meeting.
To nominate yourself or someone else for DD Council officer positions, please email Margaret at Margaret.puddington@gmail.com.