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Authors Posts by Cathy Barrick

Cathy Barrick

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-032. The purpose of this announcement is to communicate that the Administrative Review (AR) Course, which includes an online module and a live virtual case study session, is now available. All entities that complete investigations are required to conduct the AR process, as outlined in the AR Manual. This course is offered as an opportunity to support entities to complete high-quality ARs that help mitigate risks to individuals receiving services. Please view the announcement for information and details.

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

Full Diagnosis: Impact of Trauma, Physical Health, and Metabolic Health
Virtual Event
May 22 – 23, 2024

The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) invite you to save the date for the statewide Dual Diagnosis Conference. This year’s two-day conference will be held virtually. Nationally recognized speakers will provide perspectives on the impact of trauma, physical health, and metabolic health. Schedule and registration information will be available soon!

Visit the Dual Diagnosis Conference website for more information.

The PA Department of Health (PA DOH) Bureau of Family Health has announced a funding opportunity for community-based, non-profit organizations. From March 21, 2024, through April 25, 2024, PA DOH will be soliciting applications for the Community to Home (C2H) program in four program service regions: Southwest, Northwest, Northwest Central, and Northeast Central. One grant will be awarded for the four regions.

The C2H program improves the health of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) by assisting them, along with their families, to access the services and supports required to thrive in the community and develop to their full potential. C2H assists CYSHCN and their families to navigate systems and identify resources in order to receive services while empowering them to become strong advocates and self-reliant.

View the flyer for more information about the C2H program, and note that the Request for Applications (RFA) can be found on the PA eMarketplace.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Danielle Rhodes via email or at 717-772-2763.

The AoD Disability Employment TA Center’s National Community of Practice (CoP) webinar, “Engaging Diverse Communities Through Financial Education and Empowerment, will be hosted Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET.

Join the AoD Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center (DETAC) for a webinar to increase awareness about National Financial Capability Month. Financial education is a key first step on the pathway towards financial health and wellbeing to live more independently in the community. The Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities funded a three-year initiative with the National Disability Institute (NDI) called Financial Wellness for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). The panel will highlight how this train-the-trainers model in Illinois provided training to individuals with I/DD and their family members to manage money, reduce debt, and use credit wisely. The training was customized based on individualized needs ranging from a short class to a 10-module curriculum. While we often focus on helping people with disabilities find jobs, this webinar will highlight a model to ensure we also provide a roadmap on the importance of making good financial decisions to further increase independence.

Presenters:

  • Kimberly Mercer-Schleider: Director, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
  • Michael Roush: Director, National Disability Institute
  • Tyson Bedford: Council Member, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
  • Curtis Harris: Council Member, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities

Registration is required. Please register for this webinar here.

On April 30, 2024, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am, the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights for a webinar entitled “Effective Communication in Healthcare Settings for Individuals Who Are D/deaf or Hard of Hearing.” You can view the flyer for more details, including registration information.

Please reach out to ODHH with any questions. You can also call the following numbers:
717-783-4912 (v/tty)
717-831-1928 (videophone)

The Office of Developmental Programs encourages you to Spring into Action with Move Your Way!!! Taking steps, big or small, towards increasing your physical activity can improve your health.

Physical activity has lots of long-term health benefits. You can:

  • Reduce risk of dementia, type 2 diabetes, heart disease,
    and certain cancers
  • Help manage chronic conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Ease symptoms of arthritis, anxiety, and depression

Physical activity can also help you feel better right away. You can:

  • Boost your mood
  • Sharpen your focus
  • Reduce your stress
  • Improve your sleep

Visit this website for more information!