For many families caring for a loved one with autism or developmental disabilities, navigating services in New York can feel overwhelming.
At Path 2 Potential, our mission is simple:
To help every family gain access to the resources, services, and support needed to help their loved ones reach their fullest potential.
This guide was designed to simplify the Self-Direction process for families throughout:
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Bronx
- Staten Island
- Nassau County
- Suffolk County
STEP 1 — UNDERSTAND WHAT SELF-DIRECTION IS
Self-Direction is a program through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) that allows eligible individuals and families greater flexibility and control over supports and services.
Instead of only using traditional agency programs, Self-Direction allows families to customize services based on the individual’s specific needs, goals, interests, and daily life.
Services may include:
- Community Habilitation
- Respite Services
- Self-Hired Staff
- Recreational Programs
- Social Skills Support
- Independent Living Skills
- Transportation
- Technology Supports
- Camps
- Fitness & Wellness Activities
- Employment Supports
- Family Reimbursement Opportunities
OFFICIAL OPWDD WEBSITE:
https://opwdd.ny.gov
OPWDD INFORMATION LINE:
1-866-946-9733
STEP 2 — DETERMINE IF YOUR LOVED ONE IS ELIGIBLE
To qualify for Self-Direction, individuals typically must:
- Have a documented developmental disability
- Be found eligible through OPWDD
- Have Medicaid
- Be enrolled in the HCBS Waiver program
If your child or loved one is not yet OPWDD eligible, that is usually the first step.
STEP 3 — CONTACT YOUR LOCAL OPWDD FRONT DOOR OFFICE
The “Front Door” process is the official starting point for OPWDD services.
NEW YORK CITY FRONT DOOR CONTACTS
Manhattan / Bronx Office:
(646) 766-3220
Brooklyn Office:
(718) 642-6000
Queens Office:
(718) 217-6485
Staten Island Office:
(718) 983-5200
LONG ISLAND REGIONAL OFFICE
(Nassau & Suffolk County)
Long Island Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO):
415-A Oser Avenue
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone:
(631) 434-6100
Front Door Information:
1-866-946-9733
Website:
https://opwdd.ny.gov/about/long-island-developmental-disabilities-regional-office
STEP 4 — GATHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Families should begin organizing:
- Psychological evaluations
- Autism/developmental diagnoses
- School IEPs
- Medical records
- Adaptive assessments
- Medicaid information
- Social Security information
Having organized paperwork can significantly speed up the process.
STEP 5 — CHOOSE A CARE MANAGER
A Care Manager helps coordinate services and guide families through the OPWDD system.
Care Managers help with:
- Service planning
- HCBS Waiver enrollment
- Connecting families to resources
- Coordinating supports
- Ongoing case management
NEW YORK STATE CARE COORDINATION ORGANIZATIONS (CCOs)
Care Design NY:
https://www.caredesignny.org
Phone: (845) 877-6821
Tri-County Care:
https://www.tri-countycare.org
Phone: (844) 504-8400
Advance Care Alliance:
https://www.acany.org
Phone: (718) 701-9000
STEP 6 — DEVELOP A SELF-DIRECTION BUDGET
Once approved, families work with their team to create an individualized budget based on needs and goals.
This budget may cover:
- Staffing
- Community activities
- Skill-building programs
- Transportation
- Classes and recreational opportunities
- Approved reimbursements
STEP 7 — CHOOSE A FISCAL INTERMEDIARY (FI)
A Fiscal Intermediary helps manage:
- Payroll
- Staffing paperwork
- Budgets
- Medicaid billing
- Administrative compliance
POPULAR FISCAL INTERMEDIARIES IN NEW YORK
Brokerage & Planning Services (BPS):
https://bpsny.org
Phone: (718) 261-2800
Aim Independent Living Services:
https://www.aimils.org
Phone: (518) 483-3261
Exceptional Ventures:
https://www.exceptionalventures.org
Phone: (631) 656-5290
STEP 8 — BEGIN BUILDING SERVICES
Once approved, families can begin creating individualized supports that fit their loved one’s unique needs.
This may include:
- Community outings
- Social skill development
- Life skills training
- Behavioral support
- Recreational activities
- Fitness programs
- Job readiness
- Independent living goals
STEP 9 — UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROCESS TAKES TIME
One of the most important things families should know:
Do not get discouraged.
The process can sometimes feel confusing and time-consuming, but persistence and organization make a tremendous difference.
Families are encouraged to:
- Keep copies of all paperwork
- Follow up consistently
- Ask questions
- Learn their rights
- Build a strong support team
IMPORTANT NEW YORK RESOURCES
OPWDD Main Website:
https://opwdd.ny.gov
Front Door Information:
https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/front-door
Medicaid Information:
https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid
NY START Program:
https://www.centerforstartservices.org/start-model/new-york-start
Early Intervention (Birth–3):
https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention
New York State Parent to Parent:
https://parenttoparentnys.org
Phone: (518) 381-4350
At Path 2 Potential, we believe every family deserves access to clear information, compassionate support, and meaningful services that help individuals thrive both at home and in the community.
If this guide helps your family, feel free to share it with another parent or caregiver who may need help navigating the process.