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Authors Posts by Cathy Barrick

Cathy Barrick

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is hosting a forum to support provider preparedness regarding performance-based contracting. ODP will review the quarterly forums and discuss data presented to the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) Provider Performance Review Subcommittee. ODP will also review the emerging themes or trends with the implementation of performance-based contracting.

Audience: Residential Providers

Date: June 16, 2025, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Register Here

RCPA Member Inglis’s Regional Housing Coordinators (RHC) offer a variety of FREE webinars each month on Zoom, focused on understanding and navigating the affordable housing system and resources for people with disabilities in housing.

If the training times listed below do not work for your organization, you can always use their Information and Referral form to request a private training.

  • Home Modifications: Thursday, May 15, at 1:00 pm
  • Navigating Income-based Housing Options: Tuesday, May 20, at 12:00 pm
  • Introduction to Housing Concepts: Thursday, May 29, at 11:00 am
Register With Their Training Calendar Here!

The Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) have announced a Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series, More Than a Smile: Why Oral Health Matters.

This session will provide an Empowering Presentation on Oral Health and Disability Care! Learn from experts behind Special Outreach Services (SOS), an oral health education program for caregivers of people with disabilities, and Special Smiles, Ltd., a dedicated dental clinic providing anesthesia-supported care for individuals with disabilities. This presentation will dive into the powerful connection between oral health and overall wellbeing — plus, you’ll walk away with practical, proven strategies to improve daily oral hygiene for individuals. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore inspiring stories, impactful outcomes, and the meaningful history of two organizations making a real difference.

The Virtual Session will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

REGISTRATION LINK: Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has released communication ODPANN 25-043. This communication shares the updated Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) Manual, which includes changes related to the Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy initiative.

Updates include:

  • Updated message from the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs;
  • Defining “Immediate Need”;
  • Who should have a PUNS;
  • Who should not have a PUNS;
  • Who should not have an Emergency PUNS; and
  • Paper PUNS forms and signatures are not required.

Please review the announcement for additional information and detail.

Some breaking news from ANCOR:

Late yesterday, we learned that House Leadership has postponed two mark-ups, one being with the E&C committee – until probably the week of 5/12/25. This is helpful, because it gives us more time for outreach and advocacy AND gives us time to prep statements for release following the actual mark-up!

The list of resources below is intended to be shared with your representatives!

Information is available on the Vigil to Protect Medicaid — in DC May 7 & 8 — come if you can, but this event is also being live streamed.

This date still applies, despite the delayed mark-up.

We will share more info as we get it — including the links for the renewed Action Alert, but please reach out if you have any questions!

Donna Martin, M.Ed., CAE (she/her)
Vice President, State Partnerships & Innovation
ANCOR
113 South West Street, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
571.781.0456
ancor.org

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

The PA Lifesharing Coalition has announced the 13th Annual Lifesharing Conference! The conference will be held at The Alloy, a Doubletree Hotel by Hilton, at King of Prussia, PA, on October 6 and 7. The early bird registration fee is $225 through July 30. After July 30, registration will be $250. You can view the Save the Date flyer for more details.

In addition, the PA Lifesharing Coalition has shared a Call for Proposals for the conference. Take the opportunity to present your knowledge to an eager audience looking to gain new skills and expand their knowledge. Each breakout session will be between 45-60 minutes long, including 10-15 minutes for Q&A and discussion. Topics of interest include but are not limited to: aging individuals, medically complex children, respite services, recruiting lifesharing providers/families, safe use of technology, self-care, and best practices. View the Call for Proposals for details. Proposal forms are due by Friday, May 30, 2025.

The Department of Human Services’ invites you to the Department of Human Services (DHS) Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting. Jointly hosted by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), this quarterly meeting aims to provide the most recent research and resources for people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to live an everyday life. Please see the flyer for detailed information.

Date: May 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Zoom Webinar

  • Morning Session: Run. Dance. Play. What’s Your Move? Promoting Physical Activity with the Move Your Way® Campaign
  • Afternoon Session #1: Unlocking Potential: An Overview of Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s Community Sport, Health & Fitness, and In-School Programs
  • Afternoon Session #2: What’s Strong With You? A Shift to Resiliency-Informed Care

Register Here

The Zoom link for joining the session will be sent to the email you used to register. This link will be unique to your registration. Please do not share this link.

Questions? Send via email to PATraining.

Please note that Certificates of Attendance are not issued for Statewide Positive Approaches and Practices Meetings.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-042. This announcement provides access to stakeholders to a DP 1077-S form in Spanish. Please note that if a provider agency has a current Spanish translated room and board contract in the individual’s file, provider agencies are required to complete this new Room and Board Residency Agreement form by June 30, 2025.

Please review the announcement for additional information on accessing the form.