Thank you for visiting the webpage of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State (CDPAANYS), the only statewide group whose only interest is the protection and growth of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). 

I came to CDPAANYS because the members are committed to the original philosophy behind CDPAP – that of independence, self-direction and empowerment.  They are committed to allowing the consumer to make the decisions – and they do not try to impose their home care aides, or any unnecessary standards, on them.  Therefore, when you view this page, and see the organizations on it, you know these fiscal intermediaries are practicing not only according to the law, but according to the philosophy behind the law.  In fact, many of those involved in CDPAP were involved in the original creation of the program in the nation and New York State: first the pilot in New York City, then the enabling legislation, then the establishment of the first CDPAP programs outside of New York City, and finally in the development and implementation of Department of Health (DOH) regulations earlier this year.

And now is truly an exciting time for the organization, as we move forward in several areas at once.  We are currently on a dramatic expansion of the CDPAP program through a DOH grant to education consumers and stakeholders about the program.  As part of this effort, we will be developing new materials about the program to put on the website - including webcasts, informational sheets and presentations, FAQs, and more.  So be sure to check back often and see what’s new.

We also recently unveiled a new advocacy system where supporters of CDPAP can receive updates and reach out to their state and federal elected officials to voice their support for the program.  And this is just in time, as actions at both the state and federal level continue to proceed, and CDPAANYS members and supporters need to be out there making our voices heard to protect Medicaid and the CDPAP program specifically.  Click here to check in the advocacy section of our website to see if we are currently running any campaigns – and check back often to see if there is anything new.

We are increasing our visibility as an organization outside the halls of government.  We have begun an aggressive media campaign and have already received mention in news stories in multiple outlets.  We will also be developing many new member benefits, including a newsletter and a member section of the website full of materials and research that can be useful to the program.
So please, whether you are a member, a prospective member, a consumer, a personal assistant, or just someone who is interested in CDPAP, take some time to look around the website.  And if there is something that might make it more useful to you, let us know.

Bryan O’Malley
Executive Director