Step 1
Contact your care manager.
You will want your care manager to document how you would benefit from Self-Direction in your Life Plan.
Step 2
Attend info session held by the Developmental Disabilities Regional Office.
Contact your local region for information on upcoming sessions.
If you do not have email or you cannot reach these contacts please call the IDDO helpline at 1-800-762-9290 for assistance.
- Region 1: Finger Lakes and Western NY
Email SPS.R1.SD@opwdd.ny.gov. - Region 2: Broome, Central NY, and Sunmount
Email SPS.R2.SD@opwdd.ny.gov. - Region 3: Capital District, Hudson Valley, and Taconic
Email SPS.R3.SD@opwdd.ny.gov. - Region 4: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens
Email SPS.R4.SD@opwdd.ny.gov. - Region 5: Long Island
Email SPS.R5.SD@opwdd.ny.gov.
Step 3
Complete the DDP2 to get a Personal Resource Account (PRA).
For more information on the DDP2 please see the article What are assessments?
Step 4
Find and hire a broker and fiscal intermediary (FI).
To find a fiscal intermediary in your area search for Self-Direction services on OPWDD’s Provider Directory.
A list of verified brokers can be found here. OPWDD Broker Verification List (9/3/2025).
Step 5
Make a budget.
Budgets need to be approved by a fiscal intermediary and OPWDD. Once the budget is approved you work with a fiscal intermediary to bill and pay for the services.
What services your Self-Direction budget can pay for depends on where you live.
If you live in a certified setting, you may only use your budget for services and activities that are during the day. It is expected that your group home will provide you with what you need during the evenings and weekends.
Here is a link to download an excel spreadsheet that includes a budget template.
Step 6
Get final approval.
Step 7
Launch meeting.
