{"id":40175,"date":"2026-04-15T14:11:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T14:11:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/?p=40175"},"modified":"2026-04-15T14:11:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T14:11:12","slug":"governor-hochul-announces-30-awards-statewide-totaling-25-million-to-expand-health-clinics-and-improve-access-to-healthcare-services-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/archives\/40175","title":{"rendered":"Governor Hochul announces 30 awards statewide totaling $25 million to expand health clinics and improve access to healthcare services for people with developmental disabilities"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul announced 30 awards with a $25 million investment to help address health equity for people with developmental disabilities who often find it difficult to find comprehensive healthcare that meets their needs.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This critical statewide initiative was announced as part of Governor Hochul\u2019s 2025 State of the State and enacted in the FY26 Budget.<\/p>\n

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) prioritized awards based on projects related to expanding access to dental care, improving physical diagnostic space to better accommodate wheelchairs, creating sensory-friendly areas for neurodiverse patients, and improving access to specialty physical health services in \u2018healthcare deserts.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder my administration, we\u2019re taking steps to close the health equity gap for New Yorkers with disabilities,\u201d\u00a0Governor Hochul said.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThis funding allows New York\u2019s providers to make life-changing upgrades to facility equipment and space to address some of the most difficult dental and preventative health access needs. This is innovation at work as we create a more inclusive New York for all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder Governor Hochul\u2019s leadership, we are tackling the difficulties people with developmental disabilities face in accessing comprehensive healthcare from a qualified professional in a setting that is appropriate to their needs. Initiatives like the expansion of NYU Dentistry\u2019s Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities will open literal doors for people who, for far too long, have been shut out of the equitable and quality healthcare they deserve,\u201d said New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer.<\/p>\n

The state\u2019s first award of $5 million was announced today at NYU College of Dentistry for their project, \u201cBridging the Gaps of Access, Transition and Workforce: Expansion of the NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n

This funding will enable NYU to create a dedicated treatment space for children and adolescents with disabilities, easing the transition of care from childhood to adulthood and improving access for people of all ages.<\/p>\n

The modernization project will include elements to reduce anxiety and specialized dental equipment to meet the needs of patients with autism, other developmental disabilities, and complex medical conditions. Wheelchair accessible and sensory-friendly spaces will also create a patient-centered environment. In addition to providing this much-needed dental service in the community, NYU is also training the next generation of dentists to comprehensively care for the dental health needs of people with developmental disabilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cNYU College of Dentistry has a long history of and commitment to improving oral health for people with disabilities. This expansion underscores our commitment to providing care across the lifespan, ensuring that young people with disabilities can receive the services they need and, most critically, maintain a \u2018dental home\u2019 as they grow into adulthood,\u201dsaid Herman Robert Fox Dean of NYU Dentistry Dr. Charles Bertolami.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs New York\u2019s Chief Disability Officer, I\u2019ve seen firsthand multiple times just how special the Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities at NYU Dentistry really is. They\u2019ve created something truly remarkable, a place where children and adults with disabilities can receive compassionate, high-quality dental care in an environment that actually understands their needs. This kind of dedicated ‘dental home\u2019 is still far too rare, and it makes a real difference in people\u2019s lives. I\u2019m thrilled that Governor Hochul\u2019s investment in Regional Disability Health Clinics will help expand this important work. It\u2019s exactly the kind of progress we need to see more of across New York,\u201d New York State Chief Disability Officer Kim Ridley.<\/p>\n

The expansion at NYU Dentistry will include eight new treatment rooms, nearly doubling the number of clinical areas dedicated to disability care, which will enable NYU to expand dental services for New York City and the surrounding areas to more than 3,300 pediatric patients with disabilities per year.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s estimated that upwards of 50 percent of patients will be people who utilize OPWDD\u2019s services, with care management incorporated to ensure continuity of care.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery patient deserves comprehensive care designed to meet their needs, especially our historically underserved community members. I applaud Governor Hochul and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) for investing in programs statewide, including those offered by the University of Rochester, Cerebral Palsy Association of Rochester, and Rochester School of the Holy Childhood that bridge the gap between need and access for our neighbors,\u201d said State Senator Samra Brouk.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo many people with disabilities lack access to basic healthcare needs such as dental care. NYU\u2019s Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities addresses this need by creating an accessible treatment center and training practitioners on how to serve this population. I congratulate NYU on this investment of $5 million and thank Governor Hochul and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities for recognizing the importance of expanding oral healthcare for people with disabilities,\u201d said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople with disabilities often face barriers when trying to access basic healthcare, from a lack of accessible facilities to providers who are not trained to meet their needs. Investments like these help expand specialized care, create welcoming and accessible treatment spaces, and ensure more New Yorkers receive high-quality healthcare. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for making investments to improve healthcare access for people with disabilities,\u201d said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m very proud to have fought for state funding for NYU Dentistry\u2019s Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities – and am thrilled it has been awarded. There\u2019s a huge gap in access to dental care for people with disabilities, due to the lack of accessible offices and dentists trained to treat patients with physical or behavioral issues. This $5.48 million grant will expand the center to help ensure that people with disabilities can get the care they need without having to be referred to hospital operating rooms for simple procedures,\u201d said Assemblymember Keith Powers.<\/p>\n

\u201cAccess to quality, specialized healthcare should never depend on your zip code, and this investment moves us closer to that standard. Families across the Bronx have long faced challenges navigating care for loved ones with developmental disabilities, and this funding represents meaningful progress toward a more responsive and inclusive system. The operatory expansion at the ADAPT Bronx Dental Clinic will ensure that more Bronx residents, especially children and youth, can receive quality, culturally competent care in a supportive environment. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued leadership and commitment to advancing health equity and delivering resources that make a real difference in our communities,\u201d said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor too long, New Yorkers with developmental disabilities have faced real barriers to accessing basic healthcare, from a shortage of specialized providers to facilities that aren\u2019t designed to support their needs. This investment is a meaningful step toward closing those gaps by expanding access, modernizing care settings, and improving the quality of services available. For Manhattan, these improvements will make a tangible difference for families who have too often been left out of our healthcare system. I\u2019m grateful to Governor Hochul and our state partners for prioritizing health equity,\u201d said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a time when even a basic visit required heavy medication, and proper exams with X-rays could only be done under general anesthesia. Now, Victor is able to sit for an exam and have his teeth cleaned \u2014 something we once thought was impossible. The team goes above and beyond, treating him with dignity, patience, and a deep understanding of his needs. From the moment you walk in and see the state-of-the-art sensory room in the waiting area, it\u2019s clear that this is a place that truly cares\u2014before you even step into the exam room. If only there were places like this across the country\u2014all children and adults with special needs deserve this level of care,\u201d said New York State Resident Joann Mostovoy.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter a previous traumatic experience, Liam wouldn\u2019t open his mouth for any dentist. When we came to NYU, my plan was for Liam to be sedated because I truly believed there was no other way. The dentist at the center, Dr. Serena Simone, gently asked if she could try to work with him first, even just by playing and building trust. What happened next was something I will never forget: Liam allowed her to work in his mouth and go through the entire process without sedation. Now Liam feels comfortable and safe every time he goes to the dentist. The environment at the center is incredible \u2014 it\u2019s organized, supportive, and designed in a way that truly helps children feel calm and understood,\u201d said New York State Resident Luisa Henriquez.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

NEWYORK: Governor Kathy Hochul announced 30 awards with a $25 million investment to help address health equity for people with developmental disabilities who often find it difficult to find comprehensive healthcare that meets their needs. This critical statewide initiative was announced as part of Governor Hochul\u2019s 2025 State of the State and enacted in the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":40178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1469,31,1378],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-york","category-news","category-us"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40175","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40175"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40175\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40177,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40175\/revisions\/40177"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40175"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40175"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40175"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}