Understanding OPWDD evaluations
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) funds and oversees services such as residential support, day programs, respite, community habilitation and care coordination. To access them, OPWDD needs evidence that a person has a qualifying developmental disability—such as an intellectual disability or autism—that began before age 22, is expected to continue, and substantially limits everyday functioning.
A psychological evaluation is usually a central part of that application. At Calmora, our licensed psychologists assess intellectual functioning with a standardized IQ test, and adaptive functioning—communication, self-care, daily living and social skills—with standardized rating scales, then write a report that speaks directly to OPWDD’s eligibility criteria. We see children from age 5, teens and adults, and families are welcome to take part.
Who may benefit from an evaluation
An OPWDD evaluation may be the right next step if you or your loved one:
- Is applying to OPWDD for the first time
- Needs updated or more complete testing
- Has an autism diagnosis
- Has, or may have, an intellectual disability that began in childhood
- Needs support with daily living skills such as cooking, money or travel
- Received a request for more information from OPWDD
- Is preparing to leave school-based services
- Has a developmental condition such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy
- Has difficulty communicating needs, understanding others or staying safe
- Relies on family or staff for help with personal care or routines
- Has never had a full evaluation of intellectual and adaptive functioning
- Is new to New York State and seeking services here
What does an OPWDD evaluation involve?
A calm, unhurried process with accommodations for each person’s needs.
We plan each evaluation around the person’s communication style, attention span and comfort. Most OPWDD evaluations at Calmora include:
- An intake interview with the individual and family or caregivers
- A standardized test of intellectual functioning, such as the WAIS or WISC
- Adaptive behavior rating scales
- Caregiver and teacher input
- Review of school, medical and prior psychological records, with your consent
- A report written to OPWDD criteria
- A feedback session to review results and the next steps of your application
Most evaluations are completed in one or two appointments, with breaks as needed. The written report is usually ready within a few weeks, and you decide when and where it is submitted.
After the evaluation: next steps
From Your Report to the OPWDD Front Door
Once your report is ready, it is typically submitted with your eligibility request through OPWDD’s Front Door, often with help from a care manager or your Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO). OPWDD makes the final eligibility decision; our role is to provide a clear, accurate and thorough picture of the person’s abilities and needs.
The evaluation is useful beyond the application, too. Its recommendations can guide school planning, day program choices and supports at home, and the report can be shared with other providers who help your family. If questions come up later, our Care Coordination team is glad to help.