Empowering 11-11 Integrated Care Community

Begin your journey to self-direction through OPWDD Front Door

by attending a required Information session to understand services, followed by confirming eligibility, establishing a circle of support, and creating a personalized budget. 

This process connects you with flexible, person-centered services 

tailored to your goals.

To access self-direction services, you must first be enrolled in the 

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) HCBS Waiver. This requires being eligible for OPWDD services, having Medicaid, and completing a "Application for Participation" with a Care Manager. Once approved, you can work with a broker to create a self-direction budget.

To manage services through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities individuals must select a Care Coordination Organization (CCO) to create a personalized "Life Plan".  OPWDD offers two types of care management: Health Home Care Management and Basic Home and Community Based Services Plan Support. 

A Support Broker is a crucial partner in the OPWDD self-direction process, helping individuals with developmental disabilities design a personalized plan and budget that maximizes independence.  They work with your "Circle of Support" to identify needs, hire staff, and manage services.  

Choosing a Fiscal Intermediary (FI) through NYS OPWDD is essential for self-direction, acting as a co-manager to handle payroll, background checks, billing, and compliance.  FIs help manage the budget created with a Support Broker and Care Manager, enabling personalized services.