The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced OPWDD’s 5-year (2023-2027) strategic plan, which provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen supports and enhance services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.
The plan organizes OPWDD priorities according to stakeholder input (collected starting 2021) and identifies the following three overarching goals, which have narrower objectives and initiatives that will support OPWDD’s mission:
- Strengthening workforce technology and collaboration
- Transforming the agency through innovation and change
- Enhancing person-centered supports and services
The plan also identifies strengthening direct support workforce as a top and urgent priority, and calls for improving how the agency uses and shares data; improving support and services; and ensuring that the unique needs of New Yorkers served by the OPWDD are met throughout their lives.
Abilities First looks forward to working closely with the OPWDD to ensure the voices of our individuals, students, and families are being heard, and we look forward to continuing to serve as a resource for our communities.
View the OPWDD 2023-2027 Strategic Plan below