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Authors Posts by Cathy Barrick

Cathy Barrick

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Message from ANCOR:

Happy Direct Support Professional Recognition Week 2024! This week is a great opportunity to showcase the amazing, selfless, and often unsung work of the incredible professionals who make up the heart of our field.

Today and all week long, there are opportunities to share gratitude for DSPs and elevate the DSP workforce.

Let’s spread our message of thanks to DSPs as widely as we possibly can!

  • All week long, use our DSP Recognition Week Social Media Toolkit to take action in support of DSPs, and access logos, sample social media messages and other resources.
    • Remember to use the hashtag #DSPRW2024 so ANCOR can amplify your message and the essential work DSPs do every day!
  • Check out these free DSP Week webinars hosted by our friends at NADSP.
  • Be on the lookout for more resources coming later this week, and stay tuned for the opening of the 2025 DSP of the Year nominations!

Thank you for leveraging this week to express your gratitude for the essential work DSPs do every day to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they access their communities.

Thank you, DSPs! Our communities are made more inclusive because of you.
We couldn’t do what we do without you!

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-088. This is a reminder to stakeholders of their roles and responsibilities in the Participant Directed Services (PDS) model of service delivery using the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Financial Management Services (FMS) option. Please view the announcement for information and details.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing the most recent version of the Adult Autism Programs General Information on MyODP. They are also asking providers to review contact information in the SSD.

If it requires updating or if you have any questions regarding this communication or updates for the directory, send your corrected information via email with “SSD” in the subject line.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced the release of the 2022-23 Employment First report. ODP believes that all people with an intellectual disability and/or autism must be encouraged to pursue their vision for an everyday life, which may include working in competitive integrated employment. Competitive integrated employment offers a person an opportunity to achieve economic independence, build self-confidence, enhance self-determination, and meet new people while building new skills. The Everyday Lives: Values in Action publication, developed by the ODP Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) which includes self-advocates, reads, “Employment is a centerpiece of adulthood and must be available for every person. The benefits of employment for people with disabilities are significant and are the same as for people without disabilities.” This report serves as an update to all stakeholders on the progress that has been made to support individuals served by ODP on finding and maintaining competitive integrated employment.

Access the 2022-23 Employment First report here. This document can also be found by visiting the MyODP Employment Home page.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-087, which informs stakeholders of corrections to rates for select services provided through the ODP Consolidated, Community Living, Person/Family Directed Support, and Adult Autism Waivers and base-funding that were published as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Corrections were made to the following rates:

  • Community Participation Support Rates, Effective July 1, 2024; and
  • Life Sharing Without Day 1-Person Needs Group 3 and 4 Rates, Effective October 1, 2024.

The corrected final Fee Schedule Rates and Department-Established Fees for each service can also be found on DHS’s website. Please view the announcement for details.

NOTE TO INSPECTOR: The word "iridium" on the pen's nib is not a brand: it's the name of the metal of which the nib is made. Thanks. Inky old fountain pen on a $100 bill.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-086. This announcement provides the hourly wage and benefits ranges for specific participant directed services (PDS) provided to participants utilizing the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Financial Management Services (FMS) model, effective October 1, 2024. Please view the announcement for information and details.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-085. The purpose of the announcement is to provide the hourly wage and benefits ranges for specific participant directed services (PDS) provided to participants utilizing the Agency With Choice (AWC) Financial Management Service (FMS) model effective October 1, 2024. Please view the announcement for details and information.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared communication ODPANN 24-084, which informs stakeholders that rates for services rendered through ODP have been published as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

There is a 30-day public comment period. Comments may be sent to the Department via email using subject header ”PN Fee Schedule.” Written comments can also be sent within 30 days to the Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs, Division of Provider Assistance and Rate Setting, 4th Floor, Health and Welfare Building, 625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120.