Transitioning to Adult Services for Individuals with Special Needs in New York: What You Need to Know

For individuals who have special needs, including those who have IEPs (individualized education programs), what happens once those individuals age out of school-age services and transition to adult and post-secondary life? What services are available so those individuals can continue to learn skills to become more independent, receive the support they need in order to do so, and continue to lead rich, meaningful lives? Are there housing options available? Who are these services and supports available for? In this program, presented by Alison Morris, we will go over New York State's Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), New York's funding mechanism for services and supports for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which become crucial once individuals leave the school-age support system behind. We will also discuss other options and considerations to be aware of. 


Learning Objectives:

1. Review the OPWDD system, including OPWDD eligibility requirements and application requirements 
2. Identify several of the different types of services OPWDD offers and why applying for OPWDD services, if an individual may be eligible, is crucial once the individual is transitioning to adulthood 
3. Gain an understanding of transition planning for individuals with special needs