SELF-DIRECTION
FISCAL INTERMEDIARY SERVICES
Children and adults who are eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver can choose to self-direct their services. Self-direction gives individuals with disabilities flexibility to choose the mix of supports and services that are right for them. The individual (or their parent/advocate) can choose their services, the staff, and organizations that provide them, and a schedule that works best for them. Self-direction empowers people to design supports based on their unique strengths and needs. It gives them more control over the funding used to purchase their services.
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Individuals in self-direction can choose if they want an agency to help them self-direct (agency-supported self-direction) or if they’d like to manage their own budget and staff with help from a Fiscal Intermediary and Support Broker (Self-Direction with Budget and Employer Authority). Hawthorne Foundation Inc. is an approved Fiscal Intermediary and can help individuals and their families/advocates manage self-direction budgets/staff.
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Coordinator of Fiscal Intermediary/Self-Direction Services
Kathy Williams
Coordinator of Fiscal Intermediary/Self-Direction Services
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Kathy Williams
Coordinator of Fiscal Intermediary/Self-Direction
(914) 999-3132 x3080 or
Contact:
Dear parents and guardians of persons receiving services from Hawthorne Foundation Inc. programs under the auspices of OPWDD (Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities):
Enacted in 2023, New York State Mental Hygiene Law (MHL) § 33.28 established the Independent Developmental Disabilities Ombudsman Program (IDDO) with a purpose of assisting people with developmental disabilities to access services and preserve their rights. In addition to outlining the purpose and duties of the IDDO, the statute also requires OPWDD providers and CCOs to provide specific information about the IDDO in notices and materials.
If you have concerns about your services, need support trying to get services or need help understanding your rights, you can contact the Independent Ombuds Program (IDDO). This advocacy program is independent from OPWDD and run by the Community Service Society of New York (CSSNY). The helpline is free and confidential: 1-800-762-9290 (Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-5:00PM). Learn more at iddony.org