The CANS-NY manual is public and available on the OPWDD website.

It is the responsibility of the Care Manager to notify the family of any scheduled CANS assessments and then notify the assessor of any planned attendance/decline by family.

If the family is unable to attend a scheduled appointment, they should inform their Assessor and Care Manager as soon as possible, and coordinate a new date/time with the assessor that is convenient to the person and any family that wishes to attend.

The assessor will reschedule the appointment to a new date and time so that all participants are able to attend.

Once you are determined eligible to receive OPWDD services, an assessment is completed to help identify your strengths, needs, and the natural or community supports available to you.

OPWDD currently uses two tools when assessing service needs: the Developmental Disabilities Profile (DDP-2) and the CANS Assessment.

Eventually, the CANS will replace the DDP-2. Until that time, both will continue to be used.

OPWDD requires a reassessment at least one year after the initial assessment or last OPWDD completed assessment. The CANS is repeated yearly to capture any updates or changes in the child/adolescent and caregiver's lives.

A valid email address, internet connection and either a computer, smart phone, or tablet with video capabilities.

If the individual does not have access to these, perhaps a Care Manager, Staff, or Family member can assist.