Dear Friends and Colleagues:

I am very pleased to announce that the draft OPWDD 5.07 Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 is now available for public comment.

This draft plan presents solutions to the critical issues that our stakeholders have told us need to be addressed, such as strengthening the workforce, providing new housing options, better supporting people where they are, exploring new support opportunities, improving existing options and supporting people to find employment and meaningful day activities. Your input – collected through public forums, active discussions and emailed messages – was instrumental in shaping the contents of this draft plan.

There is great energy in New York right now for improving our system. We have new leadership with a Governor who is engaged in making our system better, we have a Legislature that is paying attention to the needs of people with developmental disabilities, we have a team at OPWDD committed to improving the way we deliver supports, and we have a body of informed stakeholders who stand ready and willing to partner on this important work.

I look forward to engaging with you further as we finalize this plan together.

Sincerely,

Kerri E. Neifeld
Commissioner

Written Feedback

Ways to provide written comment on the Draft Plan:

• Fill out an online form 
• Note that the form provides for written comments. However, you can request assistance with filling out the form or send comments by emailing OPWDD at planning@opwdd.ny.gov

The online form will be available in multiple languages.

Statewide Hearings

To participate in our virtual statewide hearings:

• You can join and listen on the following days:
  • Wednesday, June 8 from 11 am to 1 pm
  • Thursday, June 9 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm 
• To request to speak at the hearings, please fill out the speaker registration form.