OMRDD Addresses Housing For People With Dev. Disabilities

ALBANY, NY (11/15/2007)(readMedia)-- OMRDD, along with members of other state agencies, voluntary organizations, parents and self-advocates, will meet today to discuss the opportunities – and challenges – of finding affordable and accessible housing for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Annual Policy Meeting on Housing Options for People with Developmental Disabilities, sponsored by OMRDD, will take place November 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crown Plaza in Albany.

Issues for discussion at the event include: homeownership opportunities; ways agencies can better coordinate services; and increased opportunities for independent living and individual choice for those with developmental disabilities.

OMRDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter and Deborah Van Amerongen, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), will be keynote speakers at the event.

“Affordable and accessible housing for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families is one of my top priorities at OMRDD,” said Ritter. “Housing is also a key priority for the Most Integrated Services Coordinating Council (MISCC), which Governor Spitzer appointed me to chair.

“MISCC has brought my sister state agencies, advocates and other stakeholders all together to implement a number of strategies to increase housing opportunities and accessibility for persons with disabilities,” continued Ritter. “Today, we are going into this meeting to discuss the ways we can work together to resolve this problem, and to help break down the barriers those with developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers often face when searching for housing.”

“I am thrilled that OMRDD is taking the lead as we attempt to address this vital issue,” Ritter said. “I am looking forward to finding solutions to these challenges.”

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