The New York State Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC) plays a crucial role in determining the state’s priorities and goals for people with developmental disabilities. While it has no executive, administrative or appointive duties, it does have the following responsibilities:
- Fostering public understanding and acceptance of developmental disabilities
- Advising the commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities on matters related to development and implementation of the statewide comprehensive plan
- Advising on any matter related to individuals with developmental disabilities, and on policies, goals, budget and operation of developmental disabilities services.
The council, FYI, consists of 36 board members and the OPWDD commissioner, to whom it gives its recommendations. Three of its board members are appointed by the governor and include providers, family members and self-advocates. Three are representatives from state agencies (ex-officio).
The DDAC’s many subcommittees meet regularly, and the council is also required to hold quarterly meetings to keep the public informed of its work, and to give people a chance to comment and air their concerns. Its last quarterly meeting, which The Boost attended, was held this past week on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. These meetings are recorded, and can be found on YouTube. (This past meeting was not yet posted as of press time.)
Here are the highlights.
Acting OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer Starts Things Off
Baer gave updates on several programs and positions.
- The Independent Developmental Disability Ombudsman Program: Baer noted that the state’s new IDD Ombudsman Program will be ready to launch by the end of 2024. The program, FYI, is designed to provide independent, conflict-free Ombudsman services to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and to preserve their rights.
- Director of Advocacy: The new position will start in early 2025.
- Housing: A list of projects that can stabilize the housing crisis in the short-term “using existing resources and workloads” has been prioritized, according to Baer. This includes using IT to help process vacancies, reducing the administrative burdens for providers, and the creation of educational materials. “Obviously, there is a lot more to do in the long-term,” she said.
- Managed Care: Baer reiterated that a report from the advisory consultancy firm Guidehouse, hired to evaluate a potential transition to managed care or another payment model that aligns with OPWDD’s strategic goals and objectives, recommended that the state not transition to managed care.
Next Up: The Access Rule
This past April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued its Final Rule on Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services, commonly referred to as the Access Rule. The DDAC notes that the transition is in the works, with CMS guidance coming out in early 2025.
Subcommittee Reports
DDAC subcommittees consider matters related to the various populations served, and programs certified by the office, as well as other matters including planning, fiscal and consumer affairs. Membership may consist of both council and non-council members that reflect a diverse group of stakeholders from across the state, each with co-chairs that are members of the DDAC, with the exception of the Family Support Services (FSS) Council, which operates under its own legislative authority.
The meeting heard from the following committees:
- Residential
- Children’s Services
- Health & Wellness
- Complex Care
- Employment and Meaningful Activities
- Self-Direction
- Systems, Quality, Data and Service Delivery
- FSS
Not a lot was covered! Moving on!
And…DDAC Member/Former NYS Rep Tom Abinanti Has a Question
Before the floor was opened up to public comments, Abinanti wondered how neglect and abuse in group homes was being addressed. His question: Which committee does a concerned parent go to to discuss these issues?
The answer: It doesn’t really fit into any committee, but the executive committee “can take a look at that” and see where it best fits, and then discuss with OPWDD.
Public Comments
This is the time in which people can air issues and concerns. While not many people spoke up, and protocol is for DDAC not to respond and/or comment, it’s potentially a powerful way to let the council know what’s on people’s minds and what it should consider prioritizing.
So, please consider attending the next quarterly meeting, which is being held in 2025. It’s not yet posted, but keep an eye out for the date here.
