Governor Cuomo announced during his daily press briefing that group homes certified by the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) may resume visitations at their discretion beginning Friday, June 19. 

Visitors will be required to wear masks and will be subject to symptom and temperature checks. Cuomo indicated that providers must notify the state once they reopen for visitation and follow state guidelines, but the specific details remain unclear. We have reached out to OPWDD and anticipate further guidance within the week. 

While restrictions on visitation were understandable during this public health crisis, we realize they put immense emotional strain on loved ones who have been separated for months. In response to concerns from families, The Arc New York advocated with OPWDD senior leadership to move forward on reopening visitation in our residential programs, with appropriate precautions and procedures  to ensure the health and safety of the people we support, our staff and communities. 

We thank families for their patience and understanding throughout this challenging time, and staff throughout the state for finding innovative ways to sustain connections between family and friends. 

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