Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Commack School District strives to help students and their families apply to outside agencies for any possible additional services. 

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) may be able to provide many services, if the student is deemed eligible. These services can include supports at home, in the community, independent living, and employment training that can help individuals transition into their adult life.  

STEP 1:  Register and Attend the Front Door Information Session:

 Attend a Front Door Information Session at OPWDD (click on the link below for dates):
https://opwdd.ny.gov/get-started/information-sessions 

or by calling:
631-434-6000 

or emailing Michelle Reichert:
Michelle.x.reichert@opwdd.ny.gov  

or Sandra Lorraine
sandra.lorraine.green@opwdd.ny.gov

STEP 2: Start the process, unless otherwise indicated at the Front Door, by selecting a Care Coordination Organization. You may choose one from one of the agencies located on the Care Coordination list below. These individuals can guide you through the eligibility process as recommended by OPWDD.  

Once you retain an agency please fill out the OPWDD Information Profile form located below so we can communicate with the Care Coordination Organization on your behalf and provide them with any necessary documents.  Scan and email this form to Dr. Shea at a pshea@commack.k12.ny.us 

STEP 3:  Work with your Care Coordination Agency to apply for Medicaid.  It is highly suggested and required for waiver services that the individual have Medicaid eligibility.  Please discuss SSI options with your Care Coordinator as well.

STEP 4:  In the meantime please complete the following forms located below:  

• - Transmittal Form

• - OPWDD Release Form

• - Commack District Consent Form

• - Social History Update Form

STEP 5: You also need for provide the following documents:

• - Updated Physical within 1 year of application (with the original medical diagnosis on letterhead signed and dated).

• - Medical Documentation stating Developmental or Intellectual Disability (Specialty Reports may be required depending on the  disability)

STEP 6:  Scan and email a copy of all these documents  and in the email include the Care Coordinator's contact information (including a Care Coordinator email), to:

pshea@commack.k12.ny.us

STEP 7:  Send the transmittal and 2 release forms to the Care Coordinator Agency you selected.

STEP 8:  The district will complete the Social History report based on the information you provide on the Social History located below.  Once complete the district will forward the following information to OPWDD/Care Coordinator Agency chosen by family: 

• - IEP

• - Psychological Report (Adpative Functioning Report when applicable)

• - Social History Report

STEP 9:  You will then be contacted regarding eligibility by OPWDD. Please inform Dr. Shea via email of your eligibility outcome, or with any outcome questions during the process.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Dr. Shea at:  pshea@commack.k12.ny.us

Front Door Information: 

Click on the link below for further Front Door Information

Front Door Website Information