About Our Admissions
Camphill Village Copake is an active community where work, social, and cultural events go hand-in-hand. We nurture responsibility and independence among people who desire to contribute to a healthy, vibrant community.
Admission Process Overview
We encourage families to tour our community before beginning the application process. You can learn more about how to join one of our guided tours here. These are the steps of our admissions process:
OPWDD Eligibility
Application
Interview
Trial Visit
Step 1.
Acquire OPWDD eligibility
In order to begin the admissions process, you must first have support eligibility through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Some who are approved to receive services as children become ineligible when they seek to reapply as adults, so it is imperative that you make sure you are eligible in adulthood.
Step 2.
Fill Out the Application Form
This application is our introduction to the person who is applying to live in Camphill Village. It lets us know your basic information, as well as medical and other needs, hobbies, interests, and concerns. This is also an opportunity to provide contact information for your guardians and family members.
Step 3.
The Interview
After reviewing your application, we may invite you to Camphill Village for an interview. The interview involves your family, parents, guardians, and/or social workers, and one or two members of the Camphill Village Admission Committee. Usually, applicants receive a personal tour during the interview.
Step 4.
Trial Visit
After the interview, you may be invited for a four-week trial visit, during which time you will fully experience Village life. If you and our community are a good fit for each other, you will be invited to join us.
During your trial visit, you will live in an extended family household, take on household responsibilities, share wholesome meals, and spend the day in productive contribution to our community.
Trial visits last four weeks. Throughout the entire admission process, we look for basic compatibility. We try to determine your needs and strength, and assess what our capacities are to meet your needs. We look at what you may bring to our community in terms of sociability and other qualities, as well as what you can offer and contribute to Camphill Village’s work life. We will assess your care and emotional support needs, as well.
Admissions FAQs
No, there is not. While Camphill Village relies upon the generosity of many of our families to support our annual operating expenses, there is no requirement. Camphill Village is committed to equity and diversity, and provides residential opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities regardless of economic status.
We do, however, require a $7,500 fee at the beginning of trial visits because we’re unable to bill OPWDD for those who are not yet residents of Camphill Village.
