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October 6, 2006 - News from the OPTS Administration Unit |
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NYS OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE THROUGH SERVICES update as of October 6, 2006
NYS OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE THROUGH SERVICES
October 2006
News from the OPTS Administration Unit (010-2006)
1. OPTS Questions
2. Proposal Status Report as of 10/31/06
3. OPTS News – Last Issued September 2006
4. OPTS Administration Unit Changes
5. Changes to the OPTS Property Process
6. New Revised Application Effective 11/1/06
7. Brief Description of Recently Approved Proposal(s)
8. DDSO OPTS Liaison Contacts
9. Information Sharing
10. Why You May Receive Multiple Copies of this Message
1. OPTS Questions
The phone number for the OPTS Admin Unit is (518) 408-2744.
E-mail addresses are:
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OPTS questions can be sent via e-mail to
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Visit the OPTS information on the web via: www.nysopts.com
OPTS proposals must be now be submitted electronically through the OMRDD Secure Messaging Center to
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2. Proposal Status Report as of Sept. 12, 2006
Proposals Received* 427
Proposals Complete 427
Health Checks Complete 403
Consumer Verifications Complete 372
Team Review Meetings Held/Scheduled 354
Awaiting Scheduling of Team Review Meeting 4
Proposals Approved 136
Implemented 66
* This number does not include proposals on hold or considered not OPTS.
** Proposals approved includes 6 State (DDSO) Operated OPTS proposals
3. OPTS News –
The last issue of The OPTS News was September 2006.
4. OPTS Administration Unit Changes
Effective November 2, 2006, Elana Andrew the unit’s Administrative Aide has joined the staff of Helene DeSanto, Executive Deputy Commissioner. The OPTS Admin Unit wishes Elana good luck in her new position.
5. Changes to the NYS-OPTS Property Process
There has been some changes to the OPTS Property Process in regards to Real Property Activities and Feasibility Studies. These changes are a result of feedback from members of the OPTS Provider and Implementation Sub-Committees.
Changes to NYS-OPTS Property Processes
Effective October 11, 2006
Real Property Services
Real Property activities – fair market appraisals and/or rent studies – may proceed upon DDSO or NYCRO recommendation for a NYS-OPTS proposal, prior to approval, if:
• The NYS-OPTS proposal has been received and deemed complete via a paper review; and
• The provider has passed the health check.
In the event that this “track” is followed, the DDSO or NYCRO should notify the OPTS Administration Unit and the Director of Property Supports and Services of its recommendation to proceed for the property and proposal in question.
Feasibility Studies and Option Funds
A DDSO or NYCRO may authorize a feasibility study and/or provide option funds for a NYS-OPTS site if:
• The fair market appraisal or rent study has been completed; and
• For residential proposals only, consumer verification is complete.
The request for feasibility and/or option funds should include a listing of the proposed individuals to reside at the site.
Prior Property Approval (PPA)
There is an existing exception under which PPA may be granted for NYS-OPTS projects that are both within DOB capital thresholds and will directly, or indirectly, serve individuals on the NYS-CARES waitlist or who are targeted individuals OMRDD considers part of mandated populations. Otherwise, the general rule is that PPA cannot be granted for a NYS-OPTS proposal prior to approval of the NYS-OPTS proposal.
Contingent Property Approval Prior to NYS-OPTS Approval
On a case-by-case basis, a contingent property approval may be made available upon request for a residential site included in an OPTS proposal that has completed paper review, health check and consumer verification. The decision in such cases will be based on the totality of circumstances, including the history of the proposal, the priority of the individuals to be served, observations by the OPTS review team and the competitiveness of the local real estate market. A contingent property approval is not a PPA. Rather, it indicates that the property component for the site is acceptable to OMRDD, contingent upon the successful completion of an OPTS proposal review and a NYS-OPTS contract.
6. Revised OPTS Application
The NYS-OPTS revised application is effective November 1, 2006. After this date, providers will be required to use the revised format. A copy of the revised application can be found at www.NYSOPTS.com. This is available in both PDF and Microsoft Word format.
7. Brief Description of Recently Approved Proposal(s)
Residential
Yedei Chesed (Hudson Valley DDS0, OPTS #159
12 Individuals
Target Implementation – To Be Determined
OPTS Service(s) - Supervised IRA & Respite
The home will provide a residence in Rockland County that will allow infants diagnosed with a significant developmental disability whose parents are unable to care for them at home, to remain in their home communities near their parents. The home will also provide short-term respite to families with a child whose parents have chosen to keep their child at home.
Liberty Montgomery County ARC (Capital District DDSO, OPTS #233)
3 Individuals
Target Implementation – To Be Determined
OPTS Service(s) - Supervised IRA
This proposal will develop a new barrier free IRA for three young men whose primary diagnosis is cerebral palsy. The men are all looking forward to living together and learning more about each other and themselves as they try new things and move towards greater independence.
Helen Keller Services for the Blind (Long Island DDSO, OPTS #167)
5 Individuals
Target Implementation – To Be Determined
OPTS Service(s) - Supervised IRA and SEMP
This proposal seeks to provide new community living and supported employment opportunities for five individuals. This proposal creates a community living option where communication is fully accessible and addresses the need for employment services. This proposal will help achieve the individuals’ goal of having full control of their life choices.
NYSARC of Westchester County, (Hudson Valley DDSO, OPTS #209)
Implementation Date: To Be Determined
16 Individuals
OPTS Service(s) -Supervised and Supportive IRAs
The referenced proposal will downsize and relocate a 13 person residence at 17 Sagamore Road in Bronxville, NY, into four smaller certified IRA residences while also serving three additional individuals who are in need of residential placement. This proposal involves the development of an eight person supervised IRA and three supportive IRAs. The supportive apartments will be reconfigured as follows: one for two men and two supportive apartments with three individuals living in each. Three individuals to be included are on the county priority waiting list. The current building is rented from the Christ Church in Bronxville. The facility is too large, does not have enough bathrooms, no elevators and it is increasingly difficult and unsafe for the older individuals to climb the many flight of stairs.
Continuing Developmental Services, Inc. (Finger Lakes DDSO, OPTS #215)
12 Individuals
Implementation Date: Fall 2006
OPTS Service(s) - IRA Residential Habilitation
This proposal will allow the provider to reduce the capacity of the home at 2660 Harris Rd, Fairport, NY from one twelve bed IRA to two six bed IRA through new purchase or building. The Harris Rd. IRA will be sold to offset the costs. The provider intends to keep the both smaller IRA’s on the eastside of the city as all of the individuals have requested. The Harris Rd house is two stories. Several of the individuals share bedrooms and would like to have their own room. At times the activity and noise level in this house can be overwhelming. Some of the individuals experience behavioral issues, others have medical needs and others are aging. The individuals would benefit greatly from a smaller and quieter setting that can allow increased opportunities for family visits in a less chaotic environment, work more frequently on individualized outcomes, increased monitoring of healthcare needs and increased community outings with less people.
YAI/NIPD (Hudson Valley DDSO, OPTS #223)
6 Individuals
Target Implementation – To Be Determined
OPTS Service(s) – Supervised IRA Comprehensive Residential Habilitation
This proposal will develop a residential program with in-house day habilitation for six (6) aging and medically involved consumers. This supervised IRA will be located in a barrier free home that will give these consumers the opportunity to optimize their independence, community integration, and individualization, and will provide a safe home-like setting where they will be able to age in place.
Claddagh Commission, Inc. (Western DDSO, OPTS #234)
61 Individuals: Respite - 59 Individuals, IRA - 2 Individuals
Target Implementation – November 1, 2006
OPTS Service(s) – Supervised IRA Residential Habilitation
Free-Standing Respite
This proposal is a two part proposal. Project A will relocate the agency’s current respite program from its existing facility that accommodates up to four people to a larger building that will permit an increase in respite capacity to six people and will give a wider range of individuals an opportunity to use the service, as well as offering improved opportunity for consumers to socialize and engage in leisure or small group activities within the home. Project B will convert the current respite facility to an IRA for two young men who are currently living with their parents, increasing their opportunity to be independent within their home and community.
Occupations Inc. (Taconic DDSO, OPTS # 242)
10 Individuals
Target Implementation – Late Fall 2006
OPTS Service(s) - IRA Supervised Residential Habilitation
The referenced proposal will allow the provider to downsize an existing IRA on Irving Road in Coxsackie (Fisher IRA) from eight individuals to six individuals and create a new IRA at Greenwood Drive in Coxsackie for 4 people. Currently, at the Fisher IRA there is a high level of activity in the home due to the number of individuals residing there and, as a result, there are few quiet moments. For some of the individuals, this over-stimulation provided by the dynamics of the home, triggers psychiatric decompensation. The individuals who will be residing at the Irving IRA have expressed a desire to reside in a smaller home where their medical, psychiatric, ADL and emotional needs can be better addressed. The four person IRA will provide an opportunity to meet the needs of four gentlemen who are dually diagnosed with MR/MH issues and currently live at the Fisher residence. This home is proposed to provide the structure and staffing necessary to proactively manage these individuals while also assist them with the development and refinement of their daily living skills.
Ontario ARC (Finger Lakes DDSO, OPTS #248)
12 Individuals
Target Implementation – To be Determined
OPTS Service(s) – Supervised IRA
Ontario ARC proposes to right-size Boughton Hill IRA, currently a 10-bed home. Services will still be provided at Boughton Hill and a new 6-bed IRA will be opened. The Boughton Hill Residence has individuals with varying needs and age levels, and the home has many shared bedrooms and does not allow residents their own space and privacy. Services will also be provided to two individuals on the NYS CARES waiting list through this proposal. The homes developed will be choice and quality of life driven, with the goal of allowing individuals to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
The Center for Family Support (Hudson Valley DDSO, OPTS #261)
6 Individuals
Implementation Date: Fall of 2006
OPTS Service(s) - Supervised IRA Residential Habilitation
This proposal will develop a Supervised IRA for six consumers. The six individuals are all developmentally disabled women, five of whom are currently living with their families, while the sixth is living in a residential school. All of these individuals, supported by their families are eager to live more independently
Living Resources, Corp. (Capital District DDSO, OPTS # 273)
4 Individuals
Implementation Date: To Be Determined
OPTS Service(s) – IRA Supervised Res Hab
This proposal will develop an Individualized Residential Alternative for four young women from the ages of eighteen to twenty-three years old. Each consumer will have her own bedroom and receive the traditional services associated with IRAs such as: direct care, support and clinical services, non personal care items such as food and travel, administrative supports and all other properly related items. This proposal will provide an opportunity to continue utilizing existing social support systems and provide an opportunity for personal growth through an exposure to new experiences.
People, Inc. (Western NY DDSO, OPTS #298)
10 Individuals
Implementation Date: To be Determined
OPTS Service(s) - Supervised IRA
The referenced proposal will create some single bedrooms for the individuals currently residing at the 9905 Brauer Road and 180 LeBrun Road IRAs. The Brauer Road IRA is a home with ten bedrooms and twelve individuals living there. This proposal will allow the provider to downsize this home by two, creating ten single bedrooms for all. The LeBrun IRA is a home with six bedrooms and ten people living there. The desire is to downsize this home by four beds, creating six single bedrooms for the remaining individuals. The provider will develop a new six bed IRA for the six individuals moving from LeBrun and Brauer IRAs.
Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services (Brooklyn DDSO, OPTS #319)
3 Individuals
Target Implementation- To Be Determined
OPTS Service(s) - Supervised IRA
The referenced proposal will allow for the development of a three person IRA that will provide 24 hour supervision for three women with behavior issues in an apartment setting that will maximize their opportunities for choice, skill development and independence.
Non – Residential
UCPA of Rochester Area Inc.(Finger Lakes DDSO, OPTS #210)
13 Individuals
Target Implementation – To Be Determined
OPTS Service(s) – General Developmental Disabilities
The agency provides assessment at their existing adaptive technical training apartment as an Article 28 service. This OPTS contract will cover only the assessment and training that often needs to be done outside of the clinic site, at the person's home, in order to evaluate them in their own environment, determine what is and isn't working for them, and try various adaptive equipment out in the setting it will be used to make sure it resolves the problem the person was having and meets the desired outcome in regards to independence.
Genesee County Chapter NYSARC, Inc. (Western DDSO, OPTS #246)
12 Individuals
Target Implementation – To be Determined
OPTS Service(s) – Group Day Habilitation
The PREP for Life program will offer students with developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience a program equipped to address transitional needs and desires to become better prepared for the world of work. Career exploration and life skill enhancement will be taught as part of the coursework in class on a local college campus and at community based sites. The management tracks of Personal, Life and Career training allow the student to explore a menu of life skills necessary to compete in the employment arena and address the social nuances associated with it.
Onondaga Community Living (Central NY DDSO, OPTS #211)
6 Individuals
Target Implementation – November 1, 2006
OPTS Service(s) – Individual Day Habilitation
The proposal seeks support to conduct a pilot program for an inclusive university based service that will support six individuals per semester. The goal of this pilot program is to identify, coordinate, and potentially expand services necessary for a group of persons with developmental disabilities to gain access to and participate in college level classes and student life in one or more classes/semesters at Syracuse University.
Independent Living Group Home Program, Inc. (Long Island DDSO, OPTS #265)
20 Individuals
Implementation Date: Winter 2007
OPTS Service(s) - Hourly Respite
The referenced proposal will provide nine weekend respite opportunities during the fall, winter and spring months. In addition, a respite session will be available during President’s week when schools are in recess. This respite service will be located at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck owned by the Moriches Rotary Health Camp, Inc.
Claddagh Commission, Inc. (Western NY DDSO, OPTS #237)
30 Individuals
Target Implementation – To Be Determined
OPTS Service(s) – Day Habilitation
Due to the increasing needs of the agency’s senior and medically frail population, the agency is proposing a relocation of an existing day habilitation program. This new program will greatly enhance the services of individuals who are aging and the medically frail by offering a more comfortable environment, specialized equipment and staff training designed to meet their physical and cognitive needs. The project will also serve ten additional people who have been requesting day habilitation. .
8. DDSO OPTS Liaison Contacts
Bernard Fineson - Ronald Kassover (718) 217-5894
Bernard Fineson - Sheila Green-Gholson (718) 217-6117
Bernard Fineson – Carolyn Adams 718) 217-5596
Brooklyn – Michael Gilbert (718) 642-8546
Brooklyn - Donna Limiti (718) 642-8584
Brooklyn – Janet Strauss (718) 642-8629
Broome - Sandra Beach (607) 770-0248
Broome – Joe Mahon (607) 770-0232
Capital District - Donald Going (518) 486-1313
Central New York - Judith Luyben (315) 473-6654
Finger Lakes - Patricia Barry (585) 461-8826
Hudson Valley - Virginia Leone (845) 947-6333
Hudson Valley – Eileen Wood (845) 344-6530
Hudson Valley – Ira Rothenstein (914) 332-8957
Long Island - Lois Kilkenny (631) 493-1745
Long Island - Deborah Hammargren (631) 493-1812
Metro New York (Metro) – Lisa Persante (718) 430-0474
Metro New York (Bronx) – Patricia Schuckle (718) 430-0847
Metro New York (Manhattan) - Janet Zampella (212) 229-3215
Staten Island - Richard Monck (718) 983-5232
Staten Island - Barbara Schubert (718) 982-1904
Sunmount - Paul Chartier (518) 359-2962
Sunmount - Jacci Gardner (518) 359-2962
Taconic - Robert Slawinski (845) 473-5050 x 151
Taconic - Gabrielle Canino (845) 473-5050 x 129
Western New York - JoAnn Niebel (716) 517-3636
Western New York – Richard Mahaney (716) 517-2144
9. Information Sharing
We encourage you to share the information in this message with individuals who are interested in knowing more about recent activities associated with the NYS OPTS initiative.
10. Why You May Receive Multiple Copies of this Message
This message is being sent to individuals on several distribution lists. If you appear on more than one of the distribution lists being used, you will receive multiple copies of this message. This message is being distributed to:
OPTS Steering Committee OPTS Consumer and Family Subcommittee
OPTS Implementation Subcommittee OPTS Provider Subcommittee
FSS Statewide Advisory Committee Provider Associations
Provider Council Parent-to-Parent Liaison
Self Advocate Liaison Multicultural Providers
DDSO Directors Central Office Leadership Team
DDSO and Central Office OPTS Point People/Liaisons
The New York State Cares Advisory Committee
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