While an earlier draft of this story noted that the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan was in draft form and needed your input, it would seem that the final plan is in place. Apologies; The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities still has its call for comments online, but another section notes that the plan released in November is final. It’s still well worth your time to look it over. You can find it here.

Included in the plan are solutions to critical issues such as: strengthening the workforce; providing new housing options; better supporting people where they are; exploring new support opportunities; improving existing options; and supporting people to find employment and meaningful day activities.

Some facts about OPWDD:

• It coordinates supports for approximately 130,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, and other neurological disorders.
• It collaborates with approximately 500 voluntary non-profit organizations to provide housing and residential supports, community habilitation, day and employment programs, family support services, and respite.
• In 2021, OPWDD Medicaid expenditures totaled over $8 billion, up from approximately $7 billion in 2016.