Service Eligibility Support (Service Access)

Service Access provides a staff person dedicated to helping families navigate the Front Door and the beginning stages of eligibility determination from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD.) Staff also help families by meeting immediate needs and assessing their future needs.

The Service Access team assists with:

  • Being a liaison between families and OPWDD
  • Assisting the family to gather required documents for eligibility
  • Providing and/or directing families to information sessions
  • Referrals to needed services or evaluations for disability diagnoses as needed

Eligibility: Services Access support is available for people with disabilities who:

  • Live with a parent or caregiver
  • Reside in Cortland, Tioga or Tompkins county
  • Have a qualifying developmental disability
  • Have a need for services and supports

How to access: Individuals with a disability may be referred by:

  • Early Intervention Care Coordinators,
  • School Social Workers and Psychologist,
  • Physicians or
  • Human Service Professionals

Families and caregivers may also self-refer by contacting Jen at ServiceAccess@racker.org