OMRDD Launches Statewide 'Listening and Learning' Tour

ALBANY, NY (06/20/2008)(readMedia)-- OMRDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter is coming to a town near you! She and other representatives from the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities are launching a statewide “listening and learning” tour to solicit community input on supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. The tour is part of OMRDD’s commitment to its motto of “Putting People First.”

“As OMRDD provides more individualized, person-centered care it’s vitally important that we receive ongoing feedback about the needs and concerns of the individuals and families we support,” said OMRDD Commissioner Diana Jones Ritter. “They know what works and what doesn’t, so we want their input!

“Last summer, I spent several days touring New York state with my fellow human service agency commissioners and simply listening to what the individuals we support had to say,” said Commissioner Ritter. “The information we gleaned from that tour was invaluable. I am certain these forums will be equally enlightening!”

The agency will use the feedback gathered at the forums to develop a draft Five Year Comprehensive Plan for Services for the Period of 2008 through 2012. The plan serves as a blueprint for future services offered by the agency. Self-advocates, parents of individuals with developmental disabilities, concerned family members, nonprofit providers, professionals, advocates, county authorities and other interested parties are invited to attend.

Although commentary will not be limited to any one topic, OMRDD particularly seeks comment on the following themes:

● Agency Vision Statement: “People with Developmental Disabilities enjoy meaningful relationships with friends, family and others in their lives, experience personal health and growth and live in the home of their choice and fully participate in their communities.

● Quality of services and customer satisfaction;

● Building community;

● Equity and access to services; and

● Workforce capacity into the future.

For more detailed explanations of the themes, visit OMRDD’s Web site, www.omr.state.ny.us. Speakers must register in advance, limit their comments to five minutes and submit three copies of their testimony at the event. For more information, contact OMRDD’s Bureau of Planning, (518) 474-4904; fax, (518) 473-0054; or email Cynthia.Redshaw@omr.state.ny.us. TTY users can access information by dialing (866) 933-4889.

Forum dates, times and locations:

● Binghamton, Monday, June 23, 2008, 4 to 7 p.m., Binghamton Regency Hotel and Conference Center, 225 Water St., Binghamton. Contact: Joseph Mahon, (607) 770-0255 or joseph.mahon@omr.state.ny.us

● New York City, Thursday, June 26, 2008, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 6 to 8:30 p.m., 75 Morton St., Manhattan. Contact: Yvonne Anglero, (212) 229-3081.

To register, get information, directions, or to arrange special accommodations, visit the OMRDD Web site at www.omr.state.ny.us. For information about the Five Year Comprehensive Plan for Services for the Period 2008 through 2012, contact Cynthia Redshaw at (518) 474-4904.

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