Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As OPWDD continues to focus on providing a continuum of support throughout a person’s lifespan, we recognize that the needs of an aging population with developmental disabilities can be complex.  Supporting ways for people to age with dignity in their communities is critical and we are committed to supporting this ongoing quality of life.  To build upon New York State’s recent work on the Master Plan for Aging, I am hereby establishing a Commissioner’s Taskforce on Aging to develop actionable recommendations to address the increasing needs associated with aging for people with developmental disabilities in New York State.  The taskforce will be a time-limited subcommittee of the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (DDAC) and will be co-led by a member of the DDAC and my office.  Membership will include subject matter experts in health, aging, housing, and developmental disabilities, and will include self-advocates, family members, developmental disabilities providers, and Care Coordination Organizations, as selected by the Taskforce chairs.  Questions may be sent to DDAC@opwdd.ny.gov.  I look forward to working with this group to identify best practices that are responsive to the needs of aging New Yorkers with developmental disabilities and of those who support them.

Sincerely,

Willow Baer
Acting Commissioner