What We Do
IDDO helps individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities also known as IDD, their caregivers, and providers navigate supports and services through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). OPWDD is a New York state government agency. For more information about OPWDD, please see the article, “What is OPWDD?”
We have a free and confidential helpline that you can call to get help 1-800-762-9290. You can also send us a request for help by using our contact form.
How We Help
When you contact IDDO you will speak with one of our trained staff members. They will ask you some questions about the problem or question you are contacting us about.
Here are some reasons you can contact IDDO for help:
- I need to apply for OPWDD
- I want to know my rights
- I have a problem with my care manager, my program or my housing
- I want to better understand what services I can get
- I want to direct my services or learn more about Self-Direction
- I think I need to report abuse or neglect
- I do not agree with a decision that has been made about my Life Plan, Housing or other services
Remember, IDDO is only able to help with issues that are about OPWDD Supports and Services but if you call us about something else we will try to help you find the help you need.
Mission
IDDO’s mission is to act as a resource and advocate for individuals and families as they navigate OPWDD’s programs and services. The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) operates IDDO.
History
In 2023, Section § 33.28 of the New York State Mental Hygiene Law was passed to create an IDD Ombudsman to provide independent, conflict-free Ombudsman services to assist individuals with developmental disabilities and preserve their rights. In 2024, CSS was awarded the funding to build and operate the Ombudsman.
Our network covers all of New York State.
IDDO’s Regional Outreach Network funds community-based organizations—including groups led by self-advocates and parents—throughout the state to conduct education and outreach to spread the word about IDDO and educate New Yorkers on OPWDD supports and services.
Western New York & Finger Lakes
Central New York
Capital District, Taconic & Hudson Valley
New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island)
- INCLUDEnyc
- Community Inclusion & Development Alliance
- New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI)*
*New York Lawyers for Public Interest (NYLPI) is IDDO’s specialist organization. They provide technical assistance and training to our staff.
What people are saying about IDDO
“IDDO has given me more resources in two emails than my daughter’s life plan coordinator or broker have given me in a year! I have already made several very helpful connections based on resources IDDO has provided. I am so grateful to have been connected to IDDO and hope we can find the right training and support for my daughter through all of these new resources!”
—A Parent
“I will never forget you [IDDO] since you were very sympathetic to my needs. That day I was revealing a lot and you were like my therapist without the couch!”
—A Self-Advocate
“I am a case manager and referred a family to you [IDDO] for their child who was having issues with his day hab. [IDDO] was wonderful. I also have a family who stated today in their life plan meeting that they believe a call to the Ombudsman helped move along a housing subsidy that had been in a complete standstill for a year to move forward.”
—A Case Manager