17 Mar OPWDD: Immediate Temporary Suspension of Day Program Services

The following was issued by OPWDD on March 17, 2020:

Immediate Temporary Suspension of Day Program Services

The Office for People With Developmental Disabilities is hereby directing the temporary suspension of services at all Day Habilitation, Day Treatment, and Prevocational Services across the state effective no later than Tuesday, March 17, 2020 by 5 p.m.

All such programs must submit to OPWDD a plan for temporary suspension, using the enclosed template, as soon as practicable but no later than Friday, March 20, 2020. Providers are expected to implement temporary suspension measures immediately without OPWDD prior review.

We recognize that unexpected changes in scheduling, staffing, or a temporary suspension of day program services all represent significant hardships for families who support their loved ones in their homes. Day program services for people with developmental disabilities allow families to meet their other needs, including earning a living and providing care to other family members. Alternative programming for families that will be negatively affected by the suspension of services should be noted within your Plan.

All plans must be submitted to the dedicated mailbox for review at quality@opwdd.ny.gov. Questions and requests for technical assistance should be referred to your local OPWDD Regional Office.

The health and well-being of the people we mutually support is of utmost importance and OPWDD will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional updates as new information becomes available.

Download the Day Program Emergency Response Template (Excel).