Requires the office for people with developmental disabilities to create a staffing plan for workforce emergencies when experiencing staffing shortages.
Provides for due process procedures for persons who currently are placed in New York state education department approved out-of-state residential schools pursuant to the education law and the federal individuals with disabilities education act who have received an offer for transitional care or certain care prior to becoming eligible to receive such care.
Eliminates provisions exempting employees with disabilities from the minimum wage law; provides that laws or minimum wage orders that authorize an employer to pay a wage that is less than the minimum wage are valid provided that under such laws or orders an employee with a disability is paid the same wage as an employee in a comparable position that does not have a disability.
Requires the commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities to work with an independent firm to allow such firm to conduct a study on the OPWDD eligibility criteria and determinations following diagnostic evaluations by a licensed professional and distribution of services.
Requires the office for people with developmental disabilities to produce and publish a report to assess the staffing and other issues causing the continued displacement of individuals with developmental disabilities from various state-operated institutions under the jurisdiction of the office for people with developmental disabilities.
Establishes a pilot program to create an assistance hotline for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex behavioral needs.
Directs the independent developmental disability ombudsman program to establish a service delivery structure based in New York state that includes a toll-free telephone hotline, an interactive website, and availability of in-person, telephone and email access to ombudsman program staff or volunteers; to provide assistance for navigating and completing processes; to assist individuals in filing and preparing appeals; to assist individuals with any problems encountered; and to educate individuals on their rights and responsibilities with respect to access to services provided by the office for people with developmental disabilities and care coordination provided by health homes serving individuals with developmental disabilities or services provided by other providers.
Relates to the reimbursement of local services provided to persons with a disability; provides for retroactive reimbursement if local services were furnished prior to approval.
Requires the office for people with developmental disabilities to develop and maintain a community residence opportunities waitlist which include the names and contact information of all individuals seeking placement in a community residence.
Authorizes school districts that provide transition services to allow the delivery of such transition services, including integrated employment, during school hours.