The Arc Westchester to Cover Upcoming Changes in Services and Supports Landscape at Annual Family Resource Day

News provided by

Co-Communications, Inc.

Feb 12, 2018, 11:00 ET


WESTCHESTER COUNT, N.Y. (PRWEB) February 12, 2018 -- The Arc Westchester, a leader in providing innovative supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, invites families of these individuals to attend its annual Family Resource Day. The free, half-day event will take place at the organization’s Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center, located at 265 Saw Mill River Road in Hawthorne, NY, on Saturday, March 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The morning will kick-off with a can’t miss keynote presentation from James Moran, Executive Director of Care Design New York, who will discuss the shift of Medicaid Service Coordination to Care Coordination that is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2018.

Currently, services for people with developmental disabilities are coordinated by Medicaid Service Coordinators (MSC). Beginning this summer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has mandated a move to Care Coordination Organizations (CCO). Also known as Health Homes, CCOs will “organize a variety of healthcare, wellness and Developmental Disability services to achieve a holistic and integrated approach to meeting the full range of needs of each individual,” according to the OPWDD.

As part of this change, The Arc Westchester is pleased to announce a new partnership with Care Design New York to manage the transition of services. The Care Design New York team will work with current staff to continue supporting individuals served by The Arc Westchester beginning in July.

“Family Resource Day has always been an important event for our organization and the families of those we serve, as well as those who do not yet participate in our programs. But with the upcoming changes to Care Coordination, the event is more important than ever,” says Richard P. Swierat, executive director of The Arc Westchester. “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty and families are concerned about the future care of their loved ones. We remain dedicated to being transparent about how we will care for our individuals, and look forward to working with the talented team from Care Design New York to continue to offer the highest quality of support to those we serve.”

Following the keynote, the event will feature three additional sessions focused on issues of interest and importance to attendees and their families:

  • Supported Decision Making – A summary of alternatives to guardianship, including the Supported Decision Making New York Pilot Project.
  • Will Self-Direction Work for Me? – Providing an overview and examples of self-directed services.
  • OPWDD’s Front Door Process – A walkthrough on the OPWDD’s Front Door process on accessing services. This seminar will fulfill the required 2-hour class for families seeking eligibility and services.

Partners Health Plan: A Managed Care organization, will be available for individual consultations during the event. In addition, attendees can stop into the Drop-in Technology E-Café for personal demonstrations on iPads, APPS and Web Resources for families from The Arc Westchester’s technology experts.

The Arc Westchester provides more than 2,000 people with developmental disabilities the vital and necessary tools they need to build strong well-being. Through this support, these individuals can reach their potential and fully contribute to their community throughout their lives.

Family Resource Day is free to attend, but registration is required. Sessions are expected to fill up quickly, so secure your place and register by calling (914) 495-4531 or at https://www.arcwestchester.org/family-resource-day-2018.

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The Arc Westchester
The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Over 800 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.

The mission of The Arc Westchester is to empower children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities and interests.

The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc and The Arc New York.

Kayleigh Lentz, Co-Communications, Inc., +1 914-666-0066, [email protected]