Day Habilitation

Services for people with disabilities are changing, and St. Lawrence NYSARC plans to be at the forefront of human service agencies in St. Lawrence County during this time of transition.  The Agency is interested in providing education to people with disabilities and their families about the many opportunities available.

"Through my experience working with families, I've discovered that some parents don't realize what is available," said Daphne Pickert, Executive Director of St. Lawrence NYSARC.  "As the developmental disabilities field evolves, it is our responsibility as providers to ensure people understand their options."

A majority of services available for people with disabilities are funded by Home and Community Based Waiver Services (HCBS), which is part of Medicaid.  The traditional programs offered through HCBS Waiver Services include: Residential Habilitation at Home, Respite Services, Prevocational Services, Residential Habilitation in a certified Individualized Residential Alternative and Day Habilitation. 

As choices expand for people with developmental disabilities, different programs are being established to meet specific interests.  "The services of today are based on the person's aspirations, which gives us a chance to help people have truly fulfilling lives," said Pickert. Since the HCBS Waiver was established in New York State (NYS), there has been growth in other new funding sources, such as Self-Determination, NYS-CARES, and Options for People Through Services (OPTS).  Many of these funds will support the implementation of innovative new programming at St. Lawrence NYSARC.

In Self-Determination, an individual and their family work with a circle of support to establish and manage a business plan funded through a contract with the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD).  NYS-CARES allows for growth in residential programs for people with disabilities by ensuring the disability system is aware of people who need a place to live.  While an individual is on the waiting list, they may receive funding to assist with living expenses.

OPTS is a contract with an agency, such as St. Lawrence NYSARC and NYS OMRDD based on interests directly expressed by people with developmental disabilities and their families. OPTS proposals are designed specifically around an individual and managed by the agency.  This option is perfect for many people because the provider handles the details for the person, rather than the family managing everything without provider assistance.

St. Lawrence NYSARC is currently working with 90 individuals on a variety of OPTS proposals.  Depending on the proposal, it could take from six months to a year to develop a program for approval by OMRDD.  "For families and individuals of all ages who feel that their needs are not being met with the current services available for people with disabilities, OPTS may be the answer.  This innovative program gives people the chance to do new and interesting things in pursuit of their dreams," said Pickert.  St. Lawrence NYSARC has a staff member devoted to writing OPTS proposals and will work with people and families to develop a custom-made service plan.

As founders of the Agency, parents are the heart and soul of St. Lawrence NYSARC.  The parent-driven Board of Directors have taken the lead in advocating for more inclusive policies and programs for people with developmental disabilities since the agency's founding.  The Board and families take pride in the growth of services during the organization's 49-year tenure and look forward to maximizing the new offerings available now.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about OPTS and the variety of services offered through St. Lawrence NYSARC should contact Josie Thomson at St. Lawrence NYSARC: 315-379-9531 or jthomson@slnysarc.org.