Shapiro Administration Launches New Security Feature Allowing SNAP Users to Digitally Lock EBT Cards and Prevent Public Benefits Theft
Cathy Barrick
Registration Now Open for June CI Forum
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-045, which states that the Temple University Harrisburg Certified Investigator (CI) Program and ODP will be facilitating forums for CIs and others involved in the incident investigation process. These forums are an opportunity for current Certified Investigators and other interested parties to receive up-to-date information about the incident investigation process.
Next Session Date and Time:
Friday, June 13, 2025
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Topic: Investigation Standards and Expectations (ODP Announcement 25-035)
Register at MyODP
Postings of Q&A documents from past CI Forums are also now available on MyODP.
Please review the announcement for additional information and details.
New Assessments Required for AAW Participants
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-044. This communication is to inform all interested stakeholders about the new assessment protocol that is replacing most of the previous assessments required for participants in the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW), effective July 1, 2025, and to announce a mandatory training for AAW Supports Coordinators (SC) and SC Supervisors.
Beginning with assessments conducted on July 1, 2025, participants in the AAW will no longer be assessed using the SIB-R, Quality of Life Questionnaire, Baseline Outcomes, or Parental Stress Scale. All participant ISPs with plan effective dates beginning October 1, 2025, are subject to the new assessments.
All AAW participants will be assessed using the following five assessment tools, all of which are completed via QuestionPro:
- Autism Supports Assessment Protocol (ASAP);
- Periodic Risk Evaluation (PRE);
- Waisman Activities of Daily Living Scale (W-ADL);
- Social Responsiveness Scale, 2nd Edition (SRS-2); and
- Online Readiness Checklist.
Mandatory Training for AAW SCs and SC Supervisors on New Assessment Protocol
SCs and SC Supervisors are required to register for and attend one of the following two training sessions. Content is the same for both sessions, so attendance is only mandatory for one session.
Please review the announcement for additional information and details.
PBC Quarterly Provider Forum to Be Held June 16
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
RCPA Member Inglis Offers Free May Webinars
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!
New Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report on Potential Medicaid Cuts
Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series Zoom Session: Why Oral Health Matters
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
Updates to the PUNS Manual for Individuals with ID/A
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.
Your Advocacy Needed Ahead of Mark-Up
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!
- Preserve Medicaid, ANCOR one-pager
- April letter to E&C leadership
- Provider taxes fact sheet
- Medicaid work requirements
- Stories from members, families, advocates
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
PA Lifesharing Coalition Shares Save the Date and Call for Proposals for 13th Annual Lifesharing Conference
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.
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