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Programs

One trusted person to help you through the system

The path to disability services in New York involves many agencies, forms and waiting lists. A case manager carries that load alongside you.

ASHO's case management helps people with developmental disabilities and their families understand what they are entitled to, apply for it, and keep it. We explain each step in plain language, in the language you speak at home, and stay with you until the support is actually in place.

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ASHO staff speaking with community members at an information table
Person-Centered

"Nothing about me without me." Every plan starts with the person's own goals.

The Pathway

From first call to a plan that works

The New York process, step by step, with ASHO beside you.

Young volunteers filling in forms at an ASHO resource table

  1. Get in touch and confirm eligibility

    Share your situation in your own language. We help you gather the diagnosis and evaluations OPWDD needs and submit your request through its Front Door, the state's entry point for developmental disability services.

  2. Attend a Front Door information session

    Most OPWDD services cannot start until this session is complete. We explain what to expect, help you register, and join you if you would like support.

  3. Choose a Care Coordination Organization

    Families can choose from at least two care coordination organizations in their county. We walk through the differences so the choice is yours and informed.

  4. Build your Life Plan

    Your care manager meets with you and your family to complete an assessment and write a person-centered Life Plan: your goals, strengths, supports and who will provide them. You lead; the team follows.

  5. Connect to services and benefits

    We link you with providers, Medicaid, SSI, housing, school and employment supports, and help with applications, appeals and re-certifications.

  6. Follow up and adjust

    Needs change at 18, at 21, after a move or after a hospital stay. We keep checking in, and the plan is reviewed in person at least once a year.

Before Your First Visit

What to bring, if you have it

Do not wait until you have everything. Bring what you have and we will help with the rest.

  • Psychological, medical or developmental evaluations
  • Most recent IEP and school records
  • Medicaid card and any other insurance cards
  • Photo ID and proof of New York City address
  • Names and contacts for current doctors and providers
FAQ

Questions families ask us

Who is eligible for OPWDD services?

OPWDD serves people with developmental disabilities such as autism, intellectual disability and cerebral palsy that began early in life and are expected to continue. The state decides eligibility; ASHO helps you gather the records it needs and submit the request.

We do not have a diagnosis or recent evaluations. Can we still start?

Yes. Call us first. We help you work out which evaluations and records count, where to get them, and we begin on the rest of the paperwork while you wait.

What is a Care Coordination Organization?

A Care Coordination Organization (CCO) is the agency that assigns your care manager. Your care manager builds your Life Plan and helps keep your services in place. Families can choose from the CCOs available in their county, and we explain the differences.

How long does the process take?

It depends on how quickly records are gathered and on the state's own steps. Having documents ready helps, and we tell you what comes next at every stage.

Does it cost anything?

ASHO does not charge families for help with the application and navigation steps on this page. Services you later receive through OPWDD or Medicaid are arranged through those programs.