Starting a new program can feel like a lot—new paperwork, new people, new routines. We built this page to walk you through exactly what to expect when you or a loved one is joining NeuSpark PDS, whether that’s one of our Site-Based Day Programs, Day Habilitation Without Walls (DHWOW), or Residential Services. Whether you’re a family member, a self-advocate, or a Care Coordination Organization (CCO) care manager helping someone through this process, you’ll find the steps, the paperwork, and the people to contact below.
Getting Started with NeuSpark PDS
How Intake Works
No matter which program you’re exploring, the process generally follows the same rhythm:
- We receive your referral or information packet. This is usually shared by a Care Manager, but families and self-advocates can also reach out directly.
- Our team reviews it. A team of program staff meets regularly to look at new referrals and make sure our program is a good fit for what you’re looking for.
- We schedule a screening visit. This is a relaxed, conversational meeting—not a test—where we get to know you (or your family member), talk about goals, and answer questions.
- We let you know the outcome. Sometimes we can share a decision the same day. If we need a little more time, we’ll follow up with you directly.
- If it’s a good match, we begin onboarding. This includes finishing up some paperwork, updating your Life Plan with your Care Manager, and setting a start date.
Below, we break down what’s specific to each program.
Site-Based Day Programs & Day Habilitation Without Walls (DHWOW)
Our day programs help individuals build skills, pursue goals, and stay connected to their community—either at one of our program sites or out in the community through DHWOW.
What Happens at Your Screening Visit
A member of our team will meet with you (usually in the morning) to talk through:
The individual’s personal goals and interests
How our program trial works
What to expect day-to-day
This is also when we’ll go over some questions about medical history, daily routines, and support needs, so our team can make sure we set things up safely and well from day one.
What to Have Ready
To help move things along smoothly, it’s helpful to have the following on hand before your start date:
What Happens at Your Screening Visit
A member of our team will meet with you (usually in the morning) to talk through:
- A copy of the Medicaid card
- Current Level of Care documentation (LCED)
- A recent annual physical
- A list of current medications (or MAR)
- A TB test completed within the last year
- A signed media release form
- Signed program consent (we’ll send this to you)
- An updated Life Plan naming NeuSpark PDS as your provider
Don’t worry if something is still in progress—our intake team will let you know what can wait and what’s needed before your first day.
After You’re Accepted
Most individuals start with a program trial so everyone can make sure it’s the right fit. From there, your Care Manager will work with us to finalize your Life Plan, and we’ll take care of the internal steps to get your program officially started.
Residential Services
Our residential program supports individuals in finding a safe, comfortable home and the right level of everyday support.
The Approval Letter
Once someone has been approved for residential placement, we’ll send an approval letter along with a packet of forms. We ask that these be reviewed, signed, dated, and returned in the enclosed envelope. This packet includes:
- Residential Admissions Documents
- Receipt of Financial Information
- Consent for NeuSpark PDS to serve as representative payee (if applicable)
Documents to Bring on Move-In Day
If you haven’t already provided these, please bring the original documents with you on the day of placement:
- Medicaid card
- Medicare card
- Social Security card
- Birth certificate
- Non-driver’s ID
- Proof of current food stamp benefits (if applicable)
- Social Security award letter
- Half-fare MetroCard (if applicable)
- A 30-day supply of medication along with a current prescription
- Copy of all immunization records
Making It Feel Like Home
We believe your new place should reflect you. As part of move-in, we’ll ask about your preferences for color, mood, and style so the space feels comfortable and personal from the start.
Your Rights as a Resident
Before move-in, we’ll walk through the Occupancy Agreement together, which covers things like room and board, house rules, and your rights as a resident—including protections around eviction notice and rate changes. You’ll always receive a copy for your records, and nothing in this agreement takes away any legal rights you already have.
Your Privacy Matters
At every step, we take the privacy of your health information seriously. When you join any NeuSpark PDS program, you’ll receive our Notice of Privacy Practices, which explains:
- How your health information may be used and shared
- Your right to access, review, and request corrections to your records
- How to request additional privacy protections or more confidential communication
- How to file a concern if you ever feel your privacy rights weren’t respected
If you have questions about your privacy rights, you can reach our Department of Quality Improvement & Compliance Department—contact information is included in the notice you’ll receive at intake. In some cases (such as applying for benefits), you may also be asked to sign an authorization allowing us to release relevant medical information—you’re always in control of that authorization and can withdraw it at any time, except where information has already been shared.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re a family member or self-advocate interested in learning more, or a Care Manager ready to submit a referral, click below to fill out our intake form.