A survey focused on the state of New York’s Self-Direction program and a listening session to help advance diversity, equity and inclusion within the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) want to know how stakeholders, from families and caregivers to self-advocates, feel and interact with intellectual and developmental disability services and how they’re delivered.
They’re important opportunities to help shape the Self-Direction program, and the ways in which people access and navigate OPWDD services.
The Self-Direction Survey: Deadline Jan. 6, 2025
OPWDD is working with Guidehouse, an advisory and consulting firm, to review its Self-Direction model. The Guidehouse survey is not just for those utilizing Self Direction, but those who have considered it, or are considering it. It contains a series of questions and opportunities to comment. Guidehouse will then collect the feedback and provide recommendations on ways to improve the model.
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You’ll find the survey here, as well a contact for questions.
As part of the review, Guidehouse and OPWDD are also using town hall meetings and focus groups to collect and share information.
Diversity & Inclusion Family Listening Sessions: January 2025 & February 2025
The state of New York is working with the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence (NCCC) to help advance diversity, equity and inclusion within its Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
As part of this initiative, NCCC will lead Family Listening Sessions on Zoom and by telephone for families, caregivers and self-advocates in January and February. They will focus on people’s experiences in accessing supports and services:
- based on your family’s cultural beliefs and practices,
- in your preferred language, and
- that are appropriate and fair for your family member with IDD.
NCCC will pass this information along to OPWDD. Your name will not be included in any of your comments. Sharing your thoughts and experiences will help OPWDD and its providers improve supports and services for persons with IDD.
To ensure accessibility, the sessions will be offered:
- In English and the 12 languages
- In American Sign Language (ASL).
Participants will receive a $25 electronic gift card (one per family) to honor their time.
For more information or assistance email OPWDDlistens-NCCC@georgetown.
