Who we are and what we do...

We are a centralized, interactive, statewide clearinghouse of information related to self-directed, individualized support options that is designed to meet the needs of individuals and agency providers. We also operate as a Regional Resource Center, providing training and technical assistance on self-directed, individualized support options to DDSO staff, individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, community provider agencies, and other disability professionals such as start-up and support brokers.

This project is a collaborative effort of agencies, organizations such as the Individualized Supports Think Tank, individuals and nationally recognized experts in the area of Self Determination.  We have incorporated their expertise and experience.  This collaborative partnership should result in assisting these constituencies in acquiring information and strategies for accessing a variety of potential opportunities and funding resources and models such as CSS, Agency- with- Choice, ISS, NYS OPTS, and others.

The development and design of Regional Resource Center activities will complement the planning of the clearinghouse, with stakeholders providing both input and feedback through an interactive process that will elucidate the informational and technical assistance needs of various target groups. Our intent is that self advocates and families play a meaningful role in this process through their participation on the SD Task Force, identifying relevant issues and concerns, working with us on trainings and in the development of project materials.

Project Director:   Diane Greble

Task force members:  Andrew Ferreira, WIHD; Jackie Fowler, Advocate; Patsy Ginese, Advocate; Jim Huben, Program Planner NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council; Jordan Jankus, SANYS;  Alan Kulchinsky, FMS; Mitch Levitz, WIHD & Think Tank;  John Maltby, WIHD; Melissa Marconi, OPWDD; Doris Moore, OPWDD; Mary Newhard, OPWDD; Shelly Okure, OPWDD; Meira Orentlicher, Touro College; Dee Richardson, OPWDD; Ira Rothenstein, HVDDSO; Richard Schmidt, TDDSO; Natasha Tomlins, Parent Advocate; Stacy Tumulo, Advocate; Nicki Turano, WIHD; Marie Yizar, HVDDSO;