OTHER SPECIAL PROJECT PROGRAMS

Early Intervention Mediation: The Early Intervention Program administered by the New York State Dispute Resolution Association, (NYSDRA), assists NYS Dept of Health in resolving disputes about the early intervention services and supports provided to infants and toddlers with developmental delay or disabilities who are under age three as well as their families. Established by Public Health Law, NYS Dept of Health is responsible for administration and oversight of the Early Intervention Program. The law established the right of a parent to enter into mediation to resolve disagreements with the Early Intervention Officer regarding the Individualized Family Service Plan.

Vocational Rehabilitation Mediation Program : Mediation is mandated for each state by the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1998. VESID (Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities) contracted with New York State Dispute Resolution Association, (NYSDRA) to provide mediation through the Community Dispute Resolution Programs such as ACCORD. Mediation is part of the due process policy available to an individual if they are dissatisfied with their vocational plan or services.

Mobile Home Park Mediation : Mobile Home Park Cases deemed appropriate for mediation are forwarded to ACCORD by a representative of the New Your State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, Office of Housing, Mobile Home Section. ACCORD's staff contacts the parties and is usually able to schedule a mediation within 10 days. Case outcomes/agreements are returned to New York State Dispute Resolution Association, (NYSDRA), and NYS Div of Housing & Community Renewal for follow-up. Any corrective action established through successfully mediated cases must conducted within a fixed time period. Cases not mediated are referred back to Mobile Homes section for fact finding and legal resolution.

Workforce Investment Act Equal Opportunity Mediation Program: New York State Dispute Resolution Association, (NYSDRA) has contracted with New York State Dept. of Labor (DOL) to provide mediators for discrimination disputes that arise within New York State's 32, Department of Labor investment areas. Individuals eligible for this program include those receiving WIA Title 1 Funds and those or employed by programs directly administered by DOL. ACCORD serves as regional case management coordinator for the following counties: Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, Tompkins. Mediation is voluntary and confidential. Once a referral is received, steps are taken to ensure mediation is conducted within 60 days. Written notification of the mediation is sent to all parties. Each party has the right to representation by an attorney or other individual of his/her own choice at his/her own expense. Within the 60 day period, the Equal Opportunity Officer will be notified of results of mediation.

Welfare to Work Conciliation Program: ACCORD assists the Broome County Department of Social Services in resolving client compliance problems. Conciliation is part of a client's due process rights when they may lose benefits due to non-compliance with Welfare to Work rules and regulations. ACCORD schedules a conciliation appointment for the client. At this appointment, a trained mediator is present to assist in a direct meeting between the client and their caseworker. The mediator acts as a neutral third party to ensure that the client is aware of both their program requirements as well as appeal options. The mediator makes sure the client has an opportunity to explain to the caseworker the situation that interfered with program compliance. In these circumstances, unlike a traditional mediation, the caseworker makes the final decision about continuation of the sanctioning process. At the conclusion of the conciliation process, if the caseworker determines a sanction may be appropriate, the client still has a right to an administrative hearing.

Surrogate Decision Making Decision Committee Program (SDM)  Mentally disabled persons who live in facilities licensed, funded or operated by New York State sometimes require major medical and dental treatment. The SDM program is authorized by NYS Mental Hygiene Law, Article 80, and is administered by the New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. SDM Committees are made up of volunteers including a family representative, medical or social work representative, legal representative, and patient advocate. The SDM Committees provide an alternative to the court to provide consent or refusal for medical/dental treatment for facility residents who are unable to provide their own informed consent and have no family or guardian to provide consent on their behalf. ACCORD serves a six county catchment area for this program, including: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Tioga and Tompkins counties. To learn more about volunteering for this program please contact ACCORD or go directly to the New York State Commission on Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities website: http://www.cqc.state.ny.us/sdmcforms/sdmcvol.htm

Early Intervention Mediation

Vocational Rehabilitation Mediation Program

Mobile Home Park Mediation

Workforce Investment Act Equal Opportunity Mediation Program

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