OMRDD Announces a series of Public Forums for the Statewide Comprehensive Plan: 2009 – 2013

OMRDD will incorporate the ideas, suggestions, and comments received through these Public Forums to update the 2008 Statewide Comprehensive Plan to cover the upcoming five year period 2009 through 2013. The 2008 Plan documented OMRDD’s strategic mission and vision. As a result, OMRDD developed many activities and initiatives that reflect its mission statement, “We help people with developmental disabilities live richer lives” and its vision to assist people to enjoy meaningful relationships, experience health and growth, live in the home of their choice, and fully participate in their communities. The 2008 Comprehensive Plan, corresponding Strategic Framework and subsequent Interim Report can be reviewed on the OMRDD web site at http://www.omr.state.ny.us/507plan/index.jsp.

Now OMRDD wants to hear from self-advocates, parents of people with developmental disabilities, other family members, non-profit providers, professionals, advocates, and other interested parties about how well our system of services and supports is achieving its mission, and how the system can further improve. OMRDD is particularly interested in hearing about the following themes, but commentary is not limited solely to these themes.

1. Given the current fiscal downturn the federal and state governments are experiencing, what are the most important needs we should be addressing?

2. Tell us about what is working well across the state. What should we be trying to do more of?

3. What steps can we take to make the developmental disabilities service system more person centered and individualized? How can we make change happen?

4. How can we support more people with developmental disabilities to be employed?

5. How do we achieve quality delivery of services while maximizing cost effectiveness and efficiency?

6. If you are a person with a developmental disability, what supports do you most need to live the life you want?

Speakers will be asked to register in advance of the forum, limit their comments to no more than three (3) minutes, and bring two (2) copies of the testimony. Written testimony can also be submitted to Cynthia Redshaw at OMRDD, 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12229.

Speakers will be asked to register in advance of the forum, limit their comments to no more than three (3) minutes, and bring two (2) copies of the testimony. Written testimony can also be submitted to Cynthia Redshaw at OMRDD, 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12229.

Please also note that for the first time, OMRDD is collecting information for the Plan through a very brief survey of priorities that can be accessed at its website www.omr.state.ny.us. Please take a few minutes to complete that anonymous survey, especially if you cannot participate in the Forums or do not wish to submit written testimony.

A schedule of the Public Forum dates, times and locations is listed below. Please register using the following contact information. Speaker opportunities are limited; the DDSO will confirm individuals and times prior to the Forum. A video synopsis of the forums can be viewed online at www.omr.state.ny.us following the events.

For general information about the Public Forums, please contact OMRDD’s Bureau of Planning: Phone: (518) 474-4904 Fax: (518) 473-0054 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Kingston event is on:

Monday, June 15, 2009 – 3 pm to 5:30 pm

Kingston: Taconic DDSO, 521 Boices Lane
(Contact: Ann Woody (845) 471-9226 x142 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )