OPWDD guidance for children and families
OPWDD supports children and adults with developmental disabilities across New York State. We help families understand the Front Door process, gather documentation and prepare for eligibility review — OPWDD makes the final determination.
OPWDD decides eligibility, not Ultra Care
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities reviews documentation and determines whether a person qualifies for services. Ultra Care Family Wellness helps families understand the Front Door process, organize evaluations and records, and prepare for what comes next — we do not make eligibility determinations.
How we help
- • Explain the Front Door process in plain language
- • Help organize evaluations, IEPs and medical records
- • Coordinate with the family's chosen CCO once enrolled
- • Support scheduling once services are approved
Who OPWDD may support
OPWDD generally supports developmental disabilities that originate before age 22, including:
Services families often ask about
Care coordination (CCO)
A Care Coordination Organization helps develop a life plan and connect the family to approved services.
Respite
Short-term relief care that gives family caregivers a scheduled break.
Community habilitation
One-on-one skill-building support delivered at home or in the community.
Family support services
Guidance, respite funding and resources aimed directly at the family unit.
Self-direction
Families can, in some cases, help choose and manage staff and services within an approved budget.
Documents that help
The Front Door process
Contact
Reach out to OPWDD's Front Door or let us help you get pointed to the right regional office.
Gather documentation
We help organize evaluations, school records and medical documentation ahead of time.
Eligibility review
OPWDD reviews the documentation to determine if the person qualifies for services.
CCO enrollment
If eligible, the family selects a Care Coordination Organization.
Life plan & services
A life plan is developed and approved services, like respite or habilitation, can begin.
OPWDD questions families ask us
No. OPWDD — the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities — makes all eligibility determinations. Ultra Care helps families prepare documentation and understand the Front Door process, but we do not approve or deny eligibility.
Front Door is OPWDD's intake process for connecting individuals and families to eligibility determination and, once approved, to a Care Coordination Organization and services.
OPWDD generally supports developmental disabilities that originate before age 22, such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and certain neurological impairments. A formal evaluation determines actual eligibility.
Timelines vary based on documentation completeness and regional office volume. Having evaluations, school records and medical documentation ready from the start helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Yes, we support families across New York City and Nassau County.
Ready to start the OPWDD Front Door process?
We'll help you assemble documentation and understand next steps — OPWDD makes the eligibility decision.
Care advisors available 24/7 · Office Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Serving NYC and Nassau County