"Understanding the Connection Between New York State OMRDD, Finger Lakes DDSO, and Ontario ARC"

I know its a cheesy cliche, but I truly do believe that knowledge is power.  While I was digging around in our archive of old ARC Connections this morning, I found an interesting FAQ-type piece entitled "Understanding the Connection Between New York State OMRDD, Finger Lakes DDSO, and Ontario ARC."  For members, it was in the February 2009 edition on page 10.  Its a great piece that breaks down how all three organizations are connected and what they do.

Understanding the Connection Between New York State OMRDD, Finger Lakes DDSO, and Ontario ARC
1. What is OMRDD?
The New York state office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities provides funding, legislation, and services through 13 regional Developmental Disabilities Service Offices in New York State for people with developmental disabilities and their families.  The New York State OMRDD also conducts research into the causes and prevention of developmental disabilities.

2. What is the Finger Lakes DDSO?
OMRDD divides the state into regional sections that are overseen by the Developmental Disabilities Services Offices called DDSOs.  The Finger Lakes DDSO is located within the Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Service Office catchment area.  The FLDDSO covers 10 counties, including Monroe, Wayne, Yates, Seneca, and Ontario.  It connects people with developmental disabilities to services and programs locally.

3.  What is the relationship between DDSO and Ontario ARC?
The FLDDSO is Ontario ARC's regional contact for funding, eligibility determinations, and oversights.  While Ontario ARC can make requests for eligibility and walk clients through the eligibility process, the FLDDSO has the final say in whether or not someone is eligible for Ontario ARC services.

Information provided by "Guide to Understanding Supports and Services" compiled by Parent to Parent of NYS -- www.parenttoparentnys.org.

It's a great resource for families and friends, who are new to the agency as well as its programs, services, eligibility requirements, and connection to DDSO and OMRDD.