Have you heard of the new Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Ombudsman (IDDO) program?
Ombudssam is a Swedish word for “representative” and this new program provides independent, conflict-free, services to assist people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) to preserve their rights. The mission of the Ombudsman is to act as a resource and advocate for people with I/DD and families navigating the OPWDD service delivery system. It is important to note that the Ombudsman Program does not replace your care coordination manager (CCM) or a Care Coordination Organization (CCO). We urge all members to contact their CCM for support prior to reaching out to the Ombudsman Program.
The Ombudsman Program is being operated by Community Services Society of New York (CSS) and has a helpline that is open Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. They can be reached by phone 1-800-762-9290 or by email iddo@cssny.org.
- Educate on OPWDD eligibility and the Front Door Process
- Explore certified and non-certified housing options and mediate certified housing disputes
- Explain how to get necessary assessments and documents
- Answer questions about the role of the CCO/CCMs and mediate disputes
- Navigate Self-Direction and other home and community-based services
- Advise on Fair Hearing and due process rights and provide referrals to legal services, as necessary
- Provide Care Management (IDDO does not replace CCOs)
- Provide Education (IDDO does not assist with IEPs, 504 plans or school-based services)
- Provide Behavioral Health (IDDO does not assist with early intervention services such as ABA Therapy)