C4SD Housing Initiative

C4SD is elevating the standard for affordable, integrated, and supportive housing for Participants in OPWDD’s Self Direction communities across New York State. Due to our Family Support Members, we strive for integrity, focus on attention to detail, and we have a total commitment to quality housing options. Our dedication to sustainability will result in transformative and equitable housing options for Self-Direction Participants, related communities, and industry partners.

The initial purpose of C4SD Housing Initiative is to:

• Compare and contrast existing Self Direction Housing models, issues and lifestyles across New York State. Staff is an obvious need, and our Mandate is to answer the contact question that hovers over many Special Needs Families - “What happens when we (the Parents) die?;

• Fix existing OPWDD rules and limitations using our Albany Lobbyist Vinny as a first entry point - https://www.coalition4sdf.org/lawyers

• The BIG WIN - Our Legal Team goes to federal or state court and carve out Self-Direction into its own “Waiver Program”. Roger Bearden talks about this here - https://www.coalition4sdf.org/news/olmstead-briefing-by-roger-bearden

• Our New York State Regional Representatives - Buffalo to Southampton

C4SD Sponsorship

US Autism Homes Conference Registration - September 8, 2024 - Southampton, NY

US Autism Homes was created to solve the many issues facing a parent of an adult with Autism. Through a first of its kind and unprecedented partnership with the Archdiocese of the Greek Orthodox Church, USAH is bringing together faith-based organizations and academic institutions to provide a scalable model ensuring sustainable lifelong care for our residents.

USAH homes tailors the experience to the specific needs of each of our adult residents. Homes will range in size and footprint to address various preferences of our residents. USAH’s goal is to provide these adults with the same feeling of independence that their peers receive when they get their first apartment or home.

USAH is a replicable model, seeking to help thousands live their best life! Conference talking points include;

1. The physical home - repairs, maintenance, food…

2. The direct staff support.

3. The professional oversight (not adequately funded) - nursing, Speech, OT, dental, exercise physiologists, psychiatrists, Behavioralist, other healthcare professionals and clinical researchers.

4. The organizational support of the non profit/entity to assist in oversight, developing community bridges and opportunities for the residents - see insurance, legal, budgeting and also to fund raise and to help others replicate.

5. Affordability of housing in NY for many/most in SD. This is a BIG conversation.