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 StateâÂÂs 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.
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 1926âÂÂ1927 as part of a restructuring of the state government, and was given responsibility for people diagnosed with intellectual disability, mental illness or epilepsy. In 1966âÂÂ1967, the Community Hostel Facilities Act authorized the creation of community residential facilities or group homes. In 1977âÂÂ1978, 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. 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.
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 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, PraderâÂÂWilli syndrome, and neurological impairments.
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 21âÂÂ64, 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%).
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 OPWDDâÂÂs 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.
New York State OPWDD Safety and Security Officers have Peace Officer status, which grants them very limited peace officer authority when on duty pursuant to New York State Criminal Procedure Law ç 2.10(52), including the Mental Hygiene Law (section 7.25), Public Health Law (section 455) .OPWDD officers are prohibited by state law from carrying a firearm.