OPWDD and guardianship evaluations
Families often need a psychological evaluation for two reasons at once: to establish eligibility for services through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and to support a guardianship petition under Article 17-A of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act. Both rely on a clear, current assessment of intellectual and adaptive functioning.
Article 17-A guardianship allows a parent or other caring adult to make legal, medical or financial decisions for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability who cannot manage those decisions on their own. The petition must be supported by certifications from two qualified professionals, usually a physician and a licensed psychologist. Calmora’s psychologists complete the evaluation and the psychologist’s certification, and plan the testing so the same findings can also support an OPWDD application where appropriate.
When families reach out
Families usually contact us about this evaluation when their loved one:
- Is turning 18 soon
- Needs help with medical decisions
- Needs help managing money
- Has an intellectual disability, autism or another developmental condition
- Is applying for OPWDD services at the same time as guardianship
- Has older testing that no longer reflects them
- Has an attorney preparing a 17-A petition
- Struggles to understand risks, contracts or consent forms
- Is moving from school to adult services and programs
- Depends on others for safety, health care and daily routines
- Was asked by the Surrogate’s Court for updated documentation
- Has a family exploring guardianship or supported decision-making
What does the evaluation involve?
Testing that meets both OPWDD and Article 17-A needs, in a calm setting.
We plan each appointment around your loved one’s comfort and communication needs, and family members are welcome to stay nearby. The evaluation usually includes:
- Interviews with the individual and parents or caregivers
- Standardized intellectual testing suited to the person’s age and communication
- Adaptive functioning measures
- Questionnaires from family and staff
- Review of school, medical, OPWDD and prior testing records, with consent
- A written report and psychologist certification
- A feedback meeting to review findings and answer your questions
Most evaluations take one or two appointments. The report is usually ready within a few weeks, and we are happy to plan timing around your attorney’s filing schedule.
Planning ahead with care
What Happens After the Evaluation
Your report and certification are usually filed with the 17-A petition in Surrogate’s Court, by your attorney or by you directly, and the report can also go to OPWDD with an eligibility request. The court and OPWDD each make their own decisions; our role is to describe your loved one’s abilities and needs accurately and respectfully.
Guardianship is a significant step, and it is not the only option. Depending on the person’s abilities, some families also consider supported decision-making, a health care proxy or a power of attorney. We are glad to talk through what the findings suggest so you can weigh the choices with your attorney.