Early Intervention

• Is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.
• May include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family.
• Can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges and can increase success in school and life.
• Programs are available in every state and territory. These publicly funded programs provide services for free or at reduced cost for any child who is eligible.

First Step is to have your child evaluated if you, their doctor or loved ones suspect that there is a concern or delay.  Go with your gut, it will only help your child if they do need services and if they don’t need services, that is great!

Early Intervention is from Birth through age 3.  The earlier you suspect a delay the earlier they can get services.  First step is to Call your states early intervention program (see contacts below) and say: “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated to find out if he/she is eligible for early intervention services.”

New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP)
(800) 522-5006 or (518) 473-7016

Early Intervention Program

The New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) is part of the national Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. First created by Congress in 1986 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the EIP is administered by the New York State Department of Health through the Bureau of Early Intervention. In New York State, the Early Intervention Program is established in Article 25 of the Public Health Law and has been in effect since July 1, 1993.

To be eligible for services, children must be under 3 years of age and have a confirmed disability or established developmental delay, as defined by the State, in one or more of the following areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and/or adaptive.

Early Intervention Services

The Early Intervention Program offers a variety of therapeutic and support services to eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families, including:

• family education and counseling, home visits, and parent support groups
• special instruction
• speech pathology and audiology
• occupational therapy
• physical therapy
• psychological services
• service coordination
• nursing services
• nutrition services
• social work services
• vision services
• assistive technology devices and services

How to Apply for Early Intervention

A municipal Early Intervention Official (EIO) designated by the chief elected official of the municipality/county administers the Early Intervention Program locally. Contact your EIO for information about your local program or to refer a child. For information about the statewide program, contact the NYS Department of Health, Bureau of Early Intervention at (518) 473-7016 or e-mail bei@health.ny.gov.

If your child is age 3 or older, call any local public elementary school (even if your child does not go to school there) and say: “I have concerns about my child’s development and I would like to have my child evaluated through the school system for preschool special education services.”

• If the person who answers is unfamiliar with preschool special education, ask to speak with the school or district’s special education director.

OPWDD Process (Office of People with Developmental Disabilities)

OPWDD Services should be applied for before you exit out of Early Intervention.  You’re On Going Service Coordinator should be able to point you in the right direction, but below are the necessary steps.

Goto:
https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/front-door

The Front Door is the way OPWDD connects you to the services you want and need. Once you enter, a person-centered planning process begins, which helps you learn about and access service options that take your needs and desires into consideration. It will also give you the chance to direct your own service plan or help your family member or loved one as they direct theirs.

The Front Door is based on the understanding that, as a person with developmental disabilities you have the right to:

• Enjoy meaningful relationships,
• Experience personal growth,
• Participate in your community and,
• Live in the home of your choice. 

Front Door staff will guide you through the steps involved in finding out if you are eligible for services with OPWDD, identify your needs, goals and preferences and help you work on a plan for getting those services.

If you are in Early Intervention (EI) Your On Going Service Coordinator should be able to point you in the right direction too and help you obtain some of the reports needed to make eligibility.  i.e. Medical forms, IEP, Psych eval, copy of EI reports. 

You will be assigned a Care Coordinator who can help with enrolling in Medicaid & The Home & Community Based Waiver program.

OPWDD expects each individual seeking services to access available benefit programs

(like Medicaid) which help pay for the services they want. For example, if a person is

seeking HCBS waiver services, the individual will need to be eligible for and enroll in

Medicaid and the HCBS waiver for the government to pay for these services. Individuals

may also pay for the cost of services with their own funds instead of enrolling in a benefit

program.

You will have to pick a Care Manager:

The Service Coordinator will help you develop & implement your Life Plan.

Some of the services you could possibly receive are :

Family support services include:

• Respite (provides relief to individuals who are responsible for the primary care and

support of an individual with a developmental disability)

• Family member training

• Support groups

• Training in how to manage challenging behaviors

• Reimbursement

• Parent to parent networking

• Information and referral

• Sibling services

• After school programs

• Recreation/ Social activities

Diapers and Medical Supplies

**My Suggestion is to start OPWDD ASAP, since this whole process takes months and ask your care coordinator to help you start the Self Direction process, where you receive a budget from the state.  You will have to find a Broker and a Financial Intermediary; I can help when the time comes but your CC should be able to help as well.

https://opwdd.ny.gov/types-services/self-direction

Also, look into CDPAP, where you can have a care giver who does NOT live with you, get paid to take care of your child.  Once Audrey turns 21, my husband and I can pay each other, so start this ASAP too

https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap.htm