April 27, 2021
CP State News
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Mannion sends letter urging OPWDD to delay 5/1 cuts
Senator John W. Mannion, Chairman of the Committee on Disabilities, sent a sign-on letter urging OPWDD Commissioner Ted Kastner to delay the proposed vacancy rate cuts scheduled for May 1.
The letter, signed by 20 lawmakers, states
"[t]here is clear consensus that the proposed actions are not in the best interest of residents, families, and service providers."

CP State HR Conference is back!
CP State is proud to announce the return of the 4th Annual Human Resources Professionals Conference for the Disability Provider Community on September 14-15, 2021 at our traditional location, the Embassy Suites!
This two-day conference will feature HR subject matter experts who will discuss trending topics ranging from cultural diversity to recruiting in the current employment market. Rich Landau, a principal with Jackson Lewis, will join us once again as the Opening Session Speaker. A dynamic presenter, Rich has a wealth of practical knowledge about current labor and employment law practice. These information-packed sessions will also provide informal time to catch up with peers.
Register now and take advantage of the Early Registration Fee option!
Early Registration deadline is June 10.
Final Registration deadline is September 6.
May 14, 8:30 a.m.
Symposium on intersectional impact of disability, race and COVID-19
This symposium will explore the Intersectionality of Disability, Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Gender Identities, and the Political Determinants of Health and provoke a deeper discussion, a greater sense of shared responsibility and a better-defined road map for future action in partnership with people with disabilities.
Fight chronic underfunding of special education!
New York’s special education preschool 4410 and school age 853 programs are in trouble! Our schools serve children with disabilities whose local public school district cannot provide a free and appropriate public education as required by law. In this year’s budget, school aid funding was increased by $3 billion, but schools for children with disabilities are historically neglected.
This issue is picking up steam, so act now!
Late last week, Senator John Mannion sent a letter urging SED Commissioner Rosa and DOB Director Mujica to provide immediate financial help, 11% growth (commensurate with State Education funding increases) and initiation of tuition rate methodology redesign for our 4410 and 853 schools.
'Teena's Trunk' advocacy sessions rescheduled
Due to unforeseen circumstances, sessions of “Teena’s Trunk” have been rescheduled to the following dates. All sessions are on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. 
  • May 4: Family Members with I/DD
  • May 11: Guardianship & SSI
  • May 18: Medical Advocacy.
  • May 25: Domestic Abuse
“Teena’s Trunk” poignantly recounts Teena Fitzroy’s often funny, sometimes heart-breaking, personal journey. Audiences experience Teena’s struggles and successes in growing up while learning to live with a disability.
These sessions are free and open to everyone. This series is great for family members and self-advocates, so please share this information widely in your communities.
Participants should email Tim Ferguson at TFerguson@cpstate.org for the seminar links. 
DQI to phase back in routine activities starting May 1
The following was sent by OPWDD on April 16: Due to the demands placed on agencies related to responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic, for approximately the past year, OPWDD’s Division of Quality Improvement (DQI) reduced or suspended some of its routine activities while expanding its activities to include oversight of COVID-19 reporting and response efforts. Please be advised that, beginning May 1, 2021, and over the months to come, DQI will be phasing many of its routine activities back in. DQI will eventually resume all routine oversight functions, while continuing to monitor agencies’ COVID-19 response efforts, as appropriate. 
To the extent possible, DQI will continue to conduct some oversight activities remotely. When conducting onsite monitoring, DQI’s Bureau of Program Certification staff will take all necessary precautions to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19. 
OPWDD will continue to review oversight activities and make adjustments where necessary throughout the months to come.
Adoption of amended Annual Prevocational Assessment
OPWDD has adopted the proposed regulation regarding the Annual Prevocational Assessment. This regulation allows the assessment to be completed at a location chosen by OPWDD. The amendment to subparagraph (6) clause (i) to Subpart 635-10.4(c)(6)(i) reads as follows:
Funding opportunity for increasing COVID-19 vaccinations
The Development Disabilities Planning Council has announced the availability of approximately $219,000 to increase access to COVID-19 vaccinations for those that we serve. OPWDD is also seeking proposals from Provider Associations to provide to DDPC to obtain funding to break down barriers and unequal access in communities to vaccinate people with disabilities. 
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