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Developmental Disabilities co-chairs warn of housing and workforce gaps as OPWDD shifts toward self-direction and acuity-based rates
Summary
James Bomano and Jeff Bowles, co-chairs of the Tompkins County Developmental Disabilities subcommittee, told the advisory board that closures of OPWDD-certified residences and low provider wages are reducing local capacity for residential services.
James Bomano, co-chair of the Tompkins County Developmental Disabilities subcommittee and assistant director of day services at Unity House, and co-chair Jeff Bowles of Finger Lakes Independent Center reported to the board that recent provider closures and workforce shortfalls are reducing local residential capacity and creating pressure on families.
Bomano said the subcommittee has organized four working groups focused on (1) transition planning for students aging out of school, (2) a provider fair to connect families with local services, (3) development of a family support network, and (4) youth services and camp inclusion. He said schools and BOCES partners are engaged and that the group plans a provider fair at Boynton Middle School to increase evening attendance and accessibility for families.
Provider closures and staffing: Bomano and Bowles described…
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