Member Forums

AANE’s services are designed to promote independence, connection, and advocacy for autistic people, their families, and the professionals who support them. Their programs provide meaningful opportunities for skill-building, community engagement, and personal growth. Programs and Services Available Through AANE: Individual and Family Coaching: AANE offers personalized coaching services for autistic adults, teens, parents, families, and […]

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated during the month of May. This is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the rich history, contributions, and diverse cultures of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians. People To Know: Jennifer Lee Jennifer Lee, founder and Executive Director of Asian Americans with Disabilities Initiative. […]

One of the most complex discussions within the autism community is whether to use identity-first or person-first language. There are strong opinions on both sides, and perceptions have continued to shift as more self-advocates share their stories. What is the difference? Person-First Language: This approach places ‘person’ or ‘people’ before the condition or label. Examples […]

FREE Cooling Assistance Benefit Opened on April 15 HEAP has opened its Cooling Assistance Benefit Program, which offers a free air conditioner or fan to eligible households, if they qualify based on the following: You must meet one or more of the criteria in Section A, PLUS one or more of the criteria in Section […]

Forums are held monthly on topics of interest to Members, families, and those in the IDD community. Members are notified via the Member Enews.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time focused on raising awareness about the importance of mental health and the impact it has on people of all ages and backgrounds. Nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year.   Overall, 59.3 million U.S. adults are currently […]

Register to Attend   This meeting is for members receiving services. If you are a parent or caregiver, we encourage you to participate in a Liaison Drop-In Session. Are you interested in connecting with other Self-Advocates? Would you like to be a part of the ACANY Self-Advocates’ community? Do you want to meet other ACANY […]

It’s not too late to connect with your regional Social Care Network (SCN)! The NYS DOH 1115 New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) Waiver Amendment (AKA “The 1115”) is a $7.5 billion investment designed to improve health outcomes, advance health equity, and reduce health disparities for NYS Medicaid members. There are multiple strategies to reach […]

Join the ACANY Member Relations Liaisons for a one-hour drop-in session where you can get your questions answered.

Learn How to be a Better Ally in Honor of Autism Acceptance Month As an organization dedicated to serving people with disabilities, it is crucial to remember that our work is never truly complete. We must continually strive to learn, grow, and enhance the ways we support our members and the broader community. April is […]

New Members and their families can attend to learn what to expect in the first 90 days of Care Management services.

Cone Was an Advocate for Equality and Disability Rights   Kitty Cone was a disability rights activist who had muscular dystrophy. She was heavily involved with the disability rights movement of the 1970s.   Cone is widely recognized as a key leader of the 26-day occupation of the San Francisco federal building in 1977, along […]

One of the many women we can look up to is Judy Heumann. Known as “The Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” Heumann was just 18 months old when she contracted polio, which required her to use a wheelchair for mobility.

Providers: Please join us for educational webinars to provide you a deeper understanding of IDD best practices.

1115 Workforce Program – Career Pathways Training Career Pathways Training is an education and training program authorized under the 1115 NYHER Waiver. There are three approved categories of workers authorized to participate in the program – nursing, professional technical, or frontline public health. This program is designed to address workforce shortages by funding education and […]

1115 New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) Waiver Updates The NYS DOH 1115 New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) Waiver launched with nine regional Social Care Networks (SCNs) on January 1, 2025. It’s not too late to connect with your regional SCN! People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), enrolled in a Medicaid Managed Care […]

The My Choice Supplemental Needs Community Trust The My Choice Community Trust mission is to protect and provide resources to assist people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in living their most healthy and meaningful lives, by safeguarding their assets for personal use and enjoyment, enabling them to qualify for and maintain eligibility for “means-tested” […]

Newly Amended CRO Process Effective December 19, 2024, OPWDD released an Administrative Memorandum (ADM) detailing the newly amended Certified Residential Opportunity (CRO) process. This ADM clearly outlines the roles and responsibilities of OPWDD staff, residential provider agencies, and Care Managers. Topics addressed in the ADM include: Referral criteria, including an emphasis on exploring least restrictive […]

Care Managers and Providers Working Together Liann M. Dennis, Quality Compliance Investigations Specialist of People’s Arc of Suffolk, shared a wonderful example of Person-Centered Engagement between their organization and ACANY. ACANY Care Manager Helen Mostacero supports a member named Gio who has received both Day Habilitation and Pathway to Employment from People’s Arc of Suffolk. […]

Providing Resources for People with IDD In 2023, Section § 33.28 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law was enacted to establish the IDD Ombudsman to provide independent, conflict-free Ombudsman services to assist people with developmental disabilities. OPWDD recently announced that the new program, Independent Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Ombuds (IDDO), headed by Community […]

Request for Services Application Now Available Is your organization interested in becoming a Home Enabling Supports provider? OPWDD is now accepting Request for Services applications with a deadline of January 20, 2025. Home Enabling Supports are available for people enrolled in the HCBS Waiver who live in non-certified settings as a sub-component to the Assistive […]

Accessibility Survey   We appreciate your help with keeping our Community Resource Tool (CRT) accurate and up to date. The CRT receives hundreds of visits each month and has become a trusted resource for information on specialized IDD supports and services throughout the state.   Thanks to a grant, we are currently working with the […]

What to Expect in the First 90 Days To help streamline the new member experience, ACANY has recently implemented a targeted allocation of Care Management tasks within an identified group of Care Managers to focus on the specialty of new enrollment activities that occur in the first 90 days of enrollment. Referenced further as the […]

Link to Better Health can help adults with IDD improve their health through education and support in accessing needed healthcare services.

Care Manager Helps Nelphy Achieve his Dream as Aspiring Artist     Sometimes, Care Managers can help provide the spark that members need to find what makes them happy. Nelphy, 26, lives in the Bronx. He used to spend much of his time at home and was reluctant to go into the community.   Enter Care […]

Navigating Changes of Life: Grief and Loss The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome will be hosting a series of fall webinars that will provide information and techniques on the grief process. It will include age-appropriate strategies for children and teens, as well as those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Lunch and Learn webinar […]

SCNs will be responsible for coordinating the delivery of Health-Related Social Need (HRSN) services to Medicaid members.

The Care Connection team supports prospective members and families during each step of the enrollment process.

Join us for a one-hour session to learn about accessing dental care for Medicaid recipients.

Catch up on information about Incident Management when reporting to the Justice Center and CMOR requirements with Willowbrook Class members.

ACANY has a clinical team to enhance Care Managers’ support for members with complex medical or behavioral health needs.

Are you between the ages of 16 and 27 and looking to learn about your physical health and nutrition, socializing, and sexuality?

To start a new waiver service or change an existing one, a member must have an up-to-date CAS or CANS.

We have received feedback from Providers regarding difficulty accessing information and documentation from the Customer Service Center (CSC).

Equitable healthcare means everyone should have a fair chance to get the healthcare they need.

Here are a few ways you as an individual or a loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities can exercise your right to make decisions. 

You have the right to challenge/appeal any OPWDD and Social Security decisions. Here are some resources that can help you with denials.

Fair housing and anti-discrimination laws protect individuals. Discrimination based on certain protected characteristics is unlawful. 

As a renter, you have the right to live in safe, clean-living conditions. Know your rights as a renter with these resources.

It is a Care Manager’s responsibility to ensure a Member’s electronic health record is complete and accurate.

With more people choosing to self-direct, it is important to understand the service model and what everyone’s role is in the process.

We want to extend our thanks to everyone who advocated for increased funding to support individuals with IDD in New York State.

It was Samantha and Argyro teaming up that led to a solution for Margaret who needed somewhere to call home.

The Link to Better Health program helps eligible individuals receive 90 days of free support to connect with healthcare services.

The key to Jackie’s recovery from a significant decline in her mental and physical health after a heartbreak was Grazel’s Care Management.

In keeping with 2018-ADM-0R62 and feedback from Providers, we updated our Life Plan Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

After a sudden change in Charlie’s mental state, Care Manager Cynthia took small steps to lead him to better health and well-being.

The New York Health Equity Reform (NYHER) 1115 Waiver Amendment is effective until March 31, 2027, when the existing 1115 Waiver expires.

Family Support Services is a resource available to families to enhance their ability to provide in-home care to their loved ones with IDD.

Emily wanted to explore her dreams and aspirations while enhancing her understanding world around her. Emily could do this through self-direction, so Kelly set her on the path for these services.

On July 17, 2023, OPWDD released an Administrative Directive (ADM) regarding HCBS Waiver enrollment for Members dependent on age-related services for the authorization of community-based habilitation services.

The Care Management Observation Report must be completed for Willowbrook Class members residing in certified settings.

ACANY announced it is joining LIFEPlan in a partnership with the Kennedy Willis Center to expand and enhance services for Members.

Beverly wanted nothing more than to lose weight. But as a middle-aged woman, the battle to lose weight was far too great for her.

The leadership team at ACANY would like to announce that Advance Care Alliance has performed well in its recent evaluation by New York State’s Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the New York State Department of Health.

The Care Manager must ensure the Life Plan is revised when needed. The revision is created by making an addendum.

Effective January 25, 2024, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will begin using the fully electronic Service Amendment Request Tool (SART) to replace the paper Service Amendment Request Form (SARF).

Everyone could focus on Rose’s healing process after Nancy presented the solution, thanks to the expertise of ACANY’s clinical team.

ACANY is gifting you information on available grants that may align with your services and mission.

Did you know that Care Managers help Members access medical, dental, and other wellness professionals to help maintain their best health? Here are some examples of Care Managers doing just that. 

A Care Manager eased medical fears by giving a Member the knowledge he needed for better health through education.

The Provider Relations team would like to thank our Provider partners who joined us for our inaugural Provider Fairs.

OPWDD announced its updated guidance on the end of Appendix K flexibilities and ADM revisions effective as of November 11, 2023.

If you are looking to survive and thrive during the holidays, there are things you can do to lessen stress.

ACANY received recertification from OPWDD. Three elements were weighted and used to determine the final ACANY redesignation period.  

Care Manager Joanne Cuocco’s work with the Probeyahn family demonstrates that as a Care Manager, you can be a partner.

Care Managers volunteer their time at the Special Olympics October Invitational, helping Member competition in competitions.

Waiver Services flexibilities end with the end of the public health emergency and Appendix K on November 11, 2023.

Shiniqui Coppage is using the strength she has gained from her life experience to help two young women become independent.

OPWDD wants to hear from people with IDD to inform future planning. ACANY encourages you to participate in these upcoming discussions.

Over 500 ACANY Care Managers and administrative staff gathered at Leonard’s Palazzo on Long Island to celebrate a successful year. 

Learn more about the Certified Residential Opportunity (CRO) process and the Care Manager’s role prior to referring a person to a new CRO.

Malaika lost her day hab services during the pandemic, and Care Manager Jessica Lewis found a way to get her reenrolled.

Celebrations across New York State marked the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law 33 years ago.

Lisenny is helping John with core services: Comprehensive Care Management, Person and Family Support, and Referral to Community Supports.

Are you feeling like nothing is changing in your dating life? There are Four things to consider gaining success in dating.

Michael has done much to overcome obstacles, but a recent wish has been to develop his sports and fitness talents.

We recognize that pride comes from living your life on your own terms. Here are some resources that can help the IDD community do just that.

Powerlifter Angel Athenas won four gold medals as a Special Olympics athlete, rising above adversity despite her start in life.

When a Care Manager is notified of an internal incident, they need specific details to report the incident to the Justice Center accurately.

CEO Nick Cappoletti was the keynote speaker for the Annual Family Support Conference hosted by the Bronx Developmental Disabilities Council.

Effective May 11, 2023, Effective May 11, 2023, with the end of the PHE, some of the ways we have been able to work and communicate with Providers will change.

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has ended, which means how ACANY works and communicates with Members will change. So here is some important information to know.

Member Erich Preis believes that being on the autism spectrum shouldn’t exclude you from expressing yourself with art.

David’s mother, Luz, was admitted unexpectedly to the hospital with complications from COVID. His Care Manager was there to help.

Have questions about the CCO enrollment process? Here’s how those in the IDD community enroll with a Coordinated Care Organization (CCO).

All eligible Members who wish to receive OPWDD HCBS waiver services must receive authorization from their local Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) before a service can be rendered.

Judith “Judy” Heumann was the mother of the disability rights movement. You may not know her whole story. Her legacy is deep.

We recognize that providers often have questions regarding Life Plans and the Life Plan development process.

ACANY Care Manager Makes an impact Isaaiha, age 20, was living with his aunt, his only caregiver when she died unexpectedly.

According to Feeding America’s ‘Map the Meal Gap’ study released earlier this year, 1 in 10 people in New York face hunger and 1 in 7 are children.

As a renter, you have the right to live in safe, clean-living conditions. Know your rights as a renter with these resources.

Your Vote Counts! OPWDD is committed to ensuring that voting rights are upheld for the people we serve with disabilities.

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Collaborates with Stakeholders; Service Providers to Set Key Agency Priorities.

Commissioner Kerri Neifeld commemorates the 35th anniversary of the closing of Willowbrook and the opening of the Willowbrook Mile. 

Save money on monthly bills! Check out these bill credit opportunities for utilities and internet.

Helping a loved one through an addiction is never an easy thing to do. Families are a huge part of a person’s recovery.

Celebrating LGBTQ Month This month communities celebrate LGBTQ Pride. The LGBT community, also referred to as LGBTQ+, GLBT, or gay, is a loosely defined group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer individuals united by a common culture and social movements.  These communities generally celebrate pride, diversity, individuality, and sexuality.  Supporting Individuals with a Disability in the LGBTQ Community […]

The 5.07 Planning Process Section 5.07 of New York State Mental Hygiene Law requires OPWDD to make a five-year plan for providing services. This plan sets goals for improving supports and services. OPWDD’s  5.07 Plan names the following goals- 1. Support people in the most person-centered ways 2. Strengthen the workforce and OPWDD 3. Improve […]

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines sexual violence as “any sexual act committed against someone without that person’s freely given consent.” New York State defines consent as a “knowing voluntary and mutual decision among all participants to engage in […]

Statement from the Statewide CCO Family & Member Advisory Collaborative on the New York State FY 2022-2023 Budget The Statewide CCO Family and Member Advisory Collaborative stated, We thank Governor Hochul, her administration, and the  State Legislature for the inclusion of the 5.4% Cost of Living Adjustment Increase and the bonus payments to service workers in […]

Support this Bill! Did you know there is a scarcity of housing options in New York State for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities? This fact has parents and family members of adults with I/DD worried about the future – asking, What will happen to my son/daughter/family member when I can no longer care for them? […]

Join the ACCESS-VR Virtual Public Hearings Meaningful employment. For most of us, it’s the reason we get out of bed every morning. In addition to paying the bills, it gives a sense of purpose and connects us socially to our community.   Unfortunately, many individuals with developmental disabilities will never experience meaningful employment, or in many cases, […]

Transition Checklist Resource For many school age members the winter is known as IEP season. If your child is starting high school, the discussion turns to transition planning. This is a critical dialog for families as it maps out the graduation pathway for their child to adulthood. Families also must consider the transition from pediatric […]

Assistive Technology for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities What do you think of when we say the word “technology?” If you haven’t thought much about the way technology has affected every part of our lives, now is the time to think bigger.   Whether you or your family member are transitioning out of school, starting a […]

Workforce Shortage for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities The month of October is nationally recognized as Disability Employment Awareness Month. On September 30, 2021, President Biden issued a Proclamation that recognized both the ADA and the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the Department of Labor, which was established 20 years ago. Despite these efforts, Brookings.edu reports that just four in ten working-age adults with […]

Advance Care Alliance of New York and LIFEPlan CCO NY Form Strategic Partnership October 1, 2021, New York, NY – Advance Care Alliance of New York (ACA/NY) and LIFEPlan CCO NY, two leading Care Coordination Organizations (CCOs), announced today that they have formed a strategic partnership which will strengthening their support delivery system and operational […]

Your voice matters. Register to vote! September 13th-20th is the National Disabilities Voter Registration Week! If you want to vote this November, the deadline to register  is October 8th!  Why register to vote? Voting gives you a say in who makes the choices about your access to healthcare, transportation, housing, education, and more.   Voting is one of the most important rights of a US […]

Navigating the complex process of accessing Social Security benefits can often be daunting for parents and their family members with disabilities. This is even more important as we age.  

Planning for the Future Graduating from high school can be both exciting and overwhelming for many individuals with disabilities and their families. Transitioning from school to adult life can lead to may things. It may be continuing education, employment or taking part in other meaningful activities, such as volunteering and vocational or life-skills development.   […]

Future Planning for Individuals with IDD An important part of future planning for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is understanding guardianship. In guardianship, one person has the legal right to make decisions for another person. However, there are several aspects to consider.  A guardian can have guardianship over different aspects of an individual’s (referred to […]

The Person-Centered Planning Process Care Managers assist with a person-centered planning process to document how and where someone wants to live. This leads to securing services that help that person move toward a life of meaning and productivity.  To access these meaningful services, OPWDD eligibility is required. Once achieved, a variety of assessments are administered […]

Where can I live? A wide range of residential opportunities are available for adult children with IDD. Many of these children still live at home.  A recent survey of the LIFEPlan MFA Council indicated that a 50/50 split in those interested in a certified residence versus non-certified setting. Many had not yet discussed residential options […]

DDPC Quick Guides: Tools for Independence Looking for tools to help you gain independence? If you would like to learn more about self-determination, empowerment, and independence for you or someone you know with an intellectual and/or developmental disability? Please continue reading! Survey Opportunity The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) has contracted with […]

Millions of Americans are receiving a stimulus payment from the federal government. For people with disabilities, this payment may count as an asset and reduce means-tested benefits unless it is spent or put into an ABLE savings account within 12 months from receipt. ABLE-eligible people may want to consider saving all or a portion of […]

This year, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the landmark law, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the dedicated and determined people who made it happen. We also recognize life is constantly changing and advocacy must continue to ensure equal rights and opportunity for people with disabilities. New York Association on Independent Living and New […]

Over the past few weeks we have sent 9,481 emails and made 2,147 calls in attempt stop budget cuts to CCO’s. A total of 2,737 people have signed up for updates from the campaign and we received 1,804,915 impressions on our social media and digital advertisements thanks to our supporters. We are still awaiting the latest news about […]

It is everyone’s right to participate in the voting process if they choose. Voting allows you to have a say in who leads our country. 2020 is a primary year that leads into November’s presidential vote and is a great time to become an active voter. New York State has an Accessible Electronic Ballot Application for […]

OPWDD Certified houses can allow visits beginning Friday, June 19th.  COVID-19 has impacted people in many ways. From social distancing to economic shutdowns.   Many families with loved ones diagnosed with an intellectual and/or developmental disability(I/DD) have not been able to see their loved ones for months as a result of restrictions enacted because of COVID-19.  Often, video conferencing or phone […]

Dear Friends and Colleagues, OPWDD understands how challenging and disruptive the temporary suspension of day services, home visits, community outings and other outdoor activities has been for the people we support and their families during the COVID-19 global pandemic response, but probably most unsettling is the inability to visit your child or other family member. […]