Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities

OPTS Initiative - Options for People Through Services


New York State OMRDD (Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) has started an OPTS (Options for People Through Services) Initiative.

OPTS is an innovative approach to service planning, development and funding sponsored by NYS OMRDD. By providing more choices, OPTS enables people with developmental disabilities, as well as their families and service providers, to develop programs that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

The OPTS initiative abides by the following guiding principles:
  • Maximizing opportunities for individual choice
  • Advancing independence and inclusion
  • Assuring the highest quality of services for all individuals
  • Promoting the health, safety and protection of individuals
  • Improving access to needed services and supports
  • Enhancing flexibility within the service system
Heritage Centers is actively engaged in creating and implementing OPTS-funded programming and services, with the direct input of the individuals we serve and their families (or advocates). For more information, please contact us.