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The term developmental disability can refer to a range of conditions that affect an individual’s ability to speak, move, learn, develop social relationships, and participate in typical activities of daily life. Developmental disabilities are chronic conditions that last throughout an individual’s life and are generally diagnosed during early childhood.
Some of the most common developmental disabilities are Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
To qualify for services, an individual needs to carry a diagnosis of a developmental disability or mental retardation. Determining whether your child meets that criterion requires a professional evaluation, which can usually be obtained through the Board of Education of your local school district. In some cases, there are also agencies that provide evaluations. Please note that being eligible for services doesn’t necessarily mean automatically being approved for a program or service. There is a multi-step approval process facilitated by our Intake department.
Certain services are geared to specific age groups. However, you may ask your Intake Coordinator for further details and explanations regardless of your child’s age.
Rayim is not a provider through the New York State Office of Mental Health. However, if the individual carries a dual diagnosis of developmental disability and a mental illness, services may be obtained through the Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
No. Educational services are the sole responsibility of the local school system. However, as part of Rayim’s commitment to providing and supporting a network of services for individuals, we work hand in hand with all parties involved to ensure that proper education takes place.
People usually reach out to Rayim upon receiving a diagnosis from a professional, or in the event that there is a concern by a parent or caregiver related to a child’s global development.
Aside from the services Rayim offers directly to individuals with special needs, Rayim’s primary goal is to empower individuals, families, and caregivers by providing them with chizuk and support to ease the emotional burden of caring for a family member with a disability. Throughout the year, Rayim hosts weekend retreats, support groups, occasional outings, and other gatherings that cater to parents as well as siblings. These events grant participants the opportunity to network with others and gain valuable knowledge that helps them go forward.
Yes, Rayim maintains a close relationship with Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and local Developmental Disabilities Regional Offices (DDRO), and has been a provider within their network since 2003. All of Rayim’s services are regulated and supervised by OPWDD on an ongoing basis.
Because Rayim is an OPWDD provider, the services we provide are funded by New York State Medicaid. An individual must maintain eligibility to receive Medicaid in order to be qualified for a service. In the event that an individual receives a service without Medicaid coverage, that person is legally liable to pay for the service.