OPWDD

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is an executive agency in the state of New York, whose mission is to provide services and conduct research for those with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It is one of New York State’s largest agencies, with a mandate to provide services and supports to more than 130,000 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and leads a workforce of more than 22,000 direct support staff, clinicians, nurses, researchers and other professionals throughout the state. It operates 13 Developmental Disabilities Services Offices which operate group homes for the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in its care. It is part of the pro forma Department of Mental Hygiene along with the Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

The agency is based in Albany, New York at 44 Holland Avenue.

History

The agency was established in response to the 1972 Willowbrook State School exposé, lawsuit, and subsequent Consent Decree of 1975.

The Department of Mental Hygiene was established in 1926–1927 as part of a restructuring of the state government, and was given responsibility for people diagnosed with intellectual disability, mental illness or epilepsy. In 1966–1967, the Community Hostel Facilities Act authorized the creation of community residential facilities or group homes. In 1977–1978, the Department of Mental Hygiene was reorganized into the autonomous Office of Mental Health, Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, and the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). In July 2010, the agency was renamed from the OMRDD to its current name. L. 2010, c. 168, enacted 13 July 2010
A11197
2009-2010 legislative session. The Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities was established in 1958 for basic and clinical research into the causes and treatment of intellectual disabilities.

List of commissioners

Structure

OPWDD maintains five Developmental Disability Regional Offices that are responsible for coordinating and overseeing not-for-profit provider services, and managing the enrollment process.

Eligibility

Eligibility to receive OPWDD services is determined based on review of an application and other supporting information. Developmental disabilities that may qualify an individual for OPWDD include intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, familial dysautonomia, Prader–Willi syndrome, and neurological impairments.

Demographics

OPWDD serves approximately 130,000 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. 65% of those served are male and 35% female. 59% of the population served are adults aged 21–64, 34% are children under the age of 21, and 7% are seniors aged 65 and over. 66.2% of the population served are white.

The primary two diagnoses of the population served are intellectual disabilities (53%) and autism (27%).

Services and funding

In additional to eligibility, individuals have to demonstrate a need for each service sought. Most OPWDD services are provided through New York State's Medicaid program, which is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. Individuals requiring supports and services beyond 100% NY State funded services must enroll in OPWDD’s HCBS 1915(c) Waiver program. As of 2023, OPWDD's annual Medicaid expenditures amount to $9 billion with an average expenditure of $70K per person.

Services may be provided directly by OPWDD or through not-for-profit service provider agencies.

Safety and security officers

New York State OPWDD Safety and Security Officers maintain Peace Officer status which grants them limited authority under the Mental Hygiene Law (section 7.25), Public Health Law (section 455) and the Criminal Procedure Law (section 2.10–12). The New York State OPWDD is responsible for providing onsite security services at the 13 field offices located in New York State. They also transport people with Developmental Disabilities patients to and from court and other OPWDD facilities. The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (Police) are employed as Safety and Security Officers. They are prohibited by New York State Law and (OPWDD) policy to use or carry a firearm, but do carry a expandable baton, handcuffs, mace, bulletproof vests, flashlight, and a radio that is directly linked to other officers and the main office of the facility. The Civil Service title used by the New York State Department of Civil Service for OPWDD (Police) is "Safety and Security Officer". There are three titles (referred to as ranks) within the agency:

Promotional exams are routinely given to obtain promotional opportunities.
New Safety and Security officer must complete the "Peace Officer Basic Course" which includes training in:

After training each new safety and security officer completes a minimum six week on-the-job field training supervised by a senior officer from their respective facility.

Some of the duties performed by these officers include, but are not limited to, enforcing state and local laws, protecting persons and property, prevent and detect crime, search for and eliminate contraband, performing escorts of patients to off-site facilities, apprehending absconded patients and executing Mental Hygiene warrants.

Safety and security officers are also responsible for conducting fire service procedures which include conducting fire drills, fire safety classes, fire extinguisher inspections and building inspections. Furthermore they maintain peace, safety and security in their assigned facilities.

References

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External links

Official OPWDD site

New York State Justice Center

Regulations
in the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations

Data
on Data.NY.gov

State agencies of New York (state)
Year of establishment missing
Organizations based in Albany, New York