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2021 Conference Sessions

If you missed the exciting and informative sessions at the 2021 CP Annual Conference, you can catch up here!

Please note: Due to the nature of some subjects, we are not able to make every presentation available. 

NYS Medicaid Program Update

An update on the NYS Medicaid program and its plans for the I/DD sector.

Speaker: Brett Friedman, Medicaid Director, Office of Health Insurance Programs, NYS Department of Health

Download the presentation [PDF].

Using Social Media for Effective Advocacy

Tik Tok? Twitter? Facebook? Woof? How should we use the ever-changing landscape of social media to connect with our legislators and their constituents? This session will look at the impact of good digital communication and advocacy on the real world.

Speakers: Barbara Crosier, Bill DeVoe

Download the presentation [PDF].

Google Project Euphonia

This session will present an overview of what Project Euphonia is, the goals with case studies, and the need for gathering enough recordings. Data collection efforts with Euphonia will be discussed including some updates on the details of the data collection. Additionally, the presenter will discuss the trusted tester program and how individuals with ID/DD can get involved. This session is good for both professionals and parents or anyone who wants to know more about how technology can help someone with speech impairments communicate better.

Speakers: Marilyn A. Ladewig, Speech Language Pathologist, Google

Download the presentation [PDF].

SPONSORED BY GOOGLE

Telehealth Grant Update

This session will provide an update on the CP of NYS Telehealth Grant, and current data will be shared along with satisfaction data on the client experience.

Speakers: Meghan Calichman, Dr. Matthew Kaufman, Deb Williams

Download the presentation [PDF].

The Future Of Residential Programs: Managing Our Current Realities As We Plan

This interactive session will explore what various Affiliates are experiencing now and how they are planning for the future with a focus on rightsizing, staffing, vacancy management, integration of day activities, special initiatives, and future models.

Speakers: Tom Gillespie, Kathy Klosner, Susan Mentecki, Dahlian Porter

Download the presentation [PDF].

BDO: Non-Profit Standards

BDO’s 5th Annual Nonprofit Standards: A Benchmarking Survey will be discussed along with key findings and trends.

Speakers: Matthew Becker, Adam Cole, Keith Linzer

Download the presentation [PDF].

Advocacy: Setting The Table For 2022 Legislative Session

This panel will look at public relations strategies surrounding an advocacy campaign, choosing the right tactics, and setting objective goals for determining success.

Speakers: Barbara Crosier, Bill DeVoe, Tommy Meara, Evan Sullivan

Download the presentation [PDF].

Independent Living Through Self-Direction

Advocates Incorporated’s Residential Team will discuss approaches to putting the pieces together for people wishing to self-direct their services to live independently within their own communities. Topics will include getting started with the Self-Direction process and how to leverage a person’s individualized Self Direction budget to support non-certified independent living. We will provide an overview of various pieces of the puzzle including self-hired staffing, Residential Coordination, Paid Neighbor and Live-in-Caregiver components.
Speakers: Amy Dugliss, Executive Director; Beth Henderson, Director of Operations; Reina Campbell, Housing Navigator/Broker Supervisor – Advocates Incorporated
Click here to watch the presentation. 

Download the presentation [PDF].

Diversity and Inclusion: Getting to be Clear

The topic of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) has been an area of focus for several years. However, in many organizations, little progress has been made in terms of truly leveraging the value of D&I to create true inclusive environments. In this session, we will work to BE CLEAR and intentional about D&I efforts which will support a sustainable strategic approach in your organization.

Speaker: Delphia Howze, Owner & CEO, D. Howze Solutions, LLC

Click here to watch the presentation. 

MOVE Program

This session will offer an overview of the MOVE program and how it has been implemented at various sites. It will address the challenges in implementing MOVE and provide strategies to overcome these challenges. Highlights include how the MOVE program has helped increase choice-making opportunities for individuals, encourage independence for individuals in moving about their environment and reduce lifting on the part of family members and support providers.

Speakers: Karrie Diacetis, Program Manager – MOVE International; Symong Choi, DPT, PT Supervisor – CP of Long Island; Melissa D’Accardo, PhD, Curriculum & Training Specialist – CP Unlimited

Click here to watch the presentation. 

OPWDD issues new directive memos, comments sought

The NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities issued the following Administrative Directive Memoranda (ADM), actions proposed and actions taken. OPWDD seeks comments on the draft IB Services and draft revised IDGS ADM.

Intensive Behavior (IB) Services – comments sought on draft ADM

OPWDD is considering changes to a draft, updated ADM defining the scope of IB services. The draft ADM will supersede ADM#2013-03.

Specifically, the updated ADM amends the required credentials of staff members who deliver and/or supervise the delivery of IB Services; the role of the Service Access, Program Implementation, and Stakeholder Support Regional Field Offices staff in the authorization of IB Services; additional requirements to become an IB Services provider agency (click here to access the new draft application); and the billing, documentation and reporting requirements of provider agencies authorized to deliver IB Services. Additionally, the ADM was updated to modify some of the program requirements and to provide additional flexibility for service authorization and utilization, including planned increases in the reimbursement fees associated with this particular service, to encourage additional providers to offer this vital service.

OPWDD seeks comments by April 11, 2022. Comments may be sent via email to the opwdd.sm.regulatory.affairs.unit at rau.unit@opwdd.ny.gov. Please include the name of this ADM in the subject line.

Individual Directed Good and Services (IDGS) – comments sought on draft ADM

OPWDD seeks comments on a draft revised IDGS ADM. Specifically, the draft revised ADM describes payment standards and service documentation requirements to support a provider’s claim for reimbursement for IDGS. IDGS are available only for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver authorized participants who self-direct their services with a self- direction budget. When an individual chooses to receive IDGS, the individual must choose a Fiscal Intermediary (FI) to bill and administer the service. This ADM was originally issued on April 10, 2015 (ADM 2015-05). It is now revised to include the current term “Life Plan.” The revised ADM also updates the Individual IDGS Definitions Chart. Additionally, the records retention requirement was changed. These changes appear in bold and are underlined.

OPWDD seeks comments by April 11, 2022. Comments may be sent via email to the opwdd.sm.regulatory.affairs.unit at rau.unit@opwdd.ny.gov. Please include the name of this ADM in the subject line.

Family Support Services – New ADM (Effective July 1, 2022)

OPWDD’s new Family Support Services ADM sets out the program’s Family Reimbursement requirements. The ADM includes eligibility requirements for reimbursement, how to request and process reimbursements, and the roles and responsibilities of FSS provider agencies, individuals, and families. This ADM will have a July 1, 2022 effective date to allow providers time to update their contracts/work plans and allow for training within the Regional offices and provider community.

Housing Subsidy ADM

OPWDD’s Housing Subsidy ADM provides information on eligibility requirements, responsibilities of providers and care managers, how to apply, what happens when someone is denied or terminated, and how to appeal decisions. Additional details about the program are included in the ADM as well as the associated attachments. They may be accessed here. The associated attachments include: Attachment A: Quality Assurance QA Expectations Checklist, Attachment B: Participation Agreement, Attachment C: Housing Subsidy & Transition Stipend Application, Attachment D: Housing Subsidy Budget Instructions and Attachment E: Pilot Program

Since stakeholder review of this ADM in 2021, several changes have been included:

  • Removed limit of 25% of the units in a building having a resident receiving an OPWDD Housing Subsidy;
  • Created new process to request support letters for groups of housing subsidies

Self-Direction Guidance

OPWDD has made to the Self-Direction Guidance for Providers, specifically related to guidelines about sharing staffing resources. Below includes a comprehensive list of changes made to the Self-Direction Guidance for Providers:

  • Update reimbursement service guidance for IDGS, OTPS and FRR based to be clear and consistent with prevailing guidance.
  • Add Broker Authorization section to bring current with ADM 2019-05.
  • OTPS – Change “valued outcome” to “VO, goal, or needs” – same as IDGS ADM and aligned with Care Management/Life Plan structure.
  • Shared Living Arrangement Language – add new chapter to establish expectations around shared living situations.
  • Out of State/Out of Country – Remove outdated SD requirements and edit to refer to applicable current ADM.
  • Attachment B – note that CSIDD and Resource Center are excluded from SD Budgets as consistent with communicated policy.
  • Attachment E – Correction to remove referral to Startup as lifetime, it resets in a year as described in the Brokerage chapter.
  • Attachment G – Updated ADMs and links to be current.

Message from new Acting OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld

OPWDD Critical COVID-19 Vaccination Information

The following letter was sent by OPWDD Deputy Commissioner Leslie Fuld to providers late Sunday, Jan. 31:

Dear Providers,

As you are aware, the Federal Government has made a commitment to increase the supply of COVID-19 vaccine to states for a minimum of three weeks. We are hopeful this commitment will be extended and further increased.

Beginning this week and going forward, all Local Health Departments (LHDs) will be coordinating with OPWDD and working with providers in their counties to prioritize and vaccinate residents and eligible staff of certified residential facilities as quickly as possible and in the most appropriate manner.  As you know, staff of OPWDD certified day programs and other community-based and self-directed staff are also eligible for vaccination as part of phase 1a of the NYS vaccine program. OPWDD will work with you over the upcoming week to refine its understanding of the numbers of this type of staff working in each county so that additional direction can be provided to the counties.

All LHDs must accept the NYSDOH consent form for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The form can be found here.

It is imperative all agencies continually monitor communications from OPWDD and their LHD beginning immediately to facilitate sharing of information.  OPWDD will communicate using the CEO/Director emails and the agency dedicated mailboxes. The LHDs have been provided with this same contact information for programs in their county.

Please submit any questions to opwdd.sm.EOC_Activation@opwdd.ny.gov .

Thank you for your assistance in this matter of critical importance.

Quality & Compliance Challenges Conference Jan. 12-14, 19-21

Cerebral Palsy Associations of NYS and The Arc New York present the 13th Annual Conference for Providers Serving People with Disabilities. 

This year’s conference will be held virtually January 12-14 and January 19-21.

The cost is $150 for The Arc New York Members and CP of NYS Affiliates, and $200 for non-members

VIEW THE FULL CONFERENCE BROCHURE AND SESSION INFO
REGISTER HERE BY JANUARY 4, 2021!

AFFILIATE APPRECIATION

President & CEO Susan Constantino and Executive Director Mike Alvaro will close out this year’s virtual conference with messages of appreciation for our Affiliates and their staff.

And, of course, there will be giveaways! 

Prizes will be raffled off throughout the closing session. All you need to do is attend a previous session to have your name automatically entered in the drawing! 

Back to conference overview.

AN UPDATE ON THE CP OF NYS TELEHEALTH GRANT AND THE FUTURE OF TELEHEALTH

Missed this session? Watch it now!


The telemedicine project awarded to Cerebral Palsy of NYS, and funded by DOH’s Transformation Grant, successfully rolled out in early 2020. 

The COVID-19 crisis posed challenges to its implementation, but ultimately StationMD’s telemedicine program has provided a crucial access point to health care for individuals with IDD with successful results. Moreover, a silver lining to COVID-19 crisis has been a relaxation of telemedicine at a state and federal level, opening up further opportunities to address needs of this population.

This session will explore the advances, opportunities and positive outcomes of telehealth for individuals with I/DD.

Speakers:

Dr. Matthew Kaufman, Station MD

Meghan Calichman, MPA, Station MD

Download the presentation.

Back to conference overview.

CULTURAL ASPECTS OF THE WORKPLACE

Missed this session? Watch it now!

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace has never been more important!

Professionals in the staff-development field will discuss the impact of defining culture at your agency; diversity and inclusion as part of employee training initiatives; and incorporating more stakeholders and programs in advancing these initiatives.

Speakers:

 Elaine Angelo, Performance Consultant, ProKnowledge

Delphia Howse, D. Howze Solutions

Maureen O’Brien, President & CEO, NYSID

Raeshell Harris, Assistant Director of Human Resources, CP of Long Island

Back to conference overview.