October is AAC Awareness Month
Cathy Barrick
Adult Community Autism Program Request for Information
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared communication ODPANN 24-090. This bulletin announces an RFI to gather input and information concerning the administration of the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), a voluntary managed care model that delivers physical health, behavioral health, and long-term services and supports to adults with autism spectrum disorder. The RFI can be found here.
Responses must be submitted electronically to this email account, with “ODP ACAP RFI” in the email subject line. All responses to this RFI must be submitted by 12:00 pm on October 21, 2024.
The Courage to Talk: Overcoming Discomfort in Discussions on Racism — Webinar on October 8
Join Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, PhD, as BHE’s guest speaker for the Speaker Series titled “The Courage to Talk: Overcoming Discomfort in Discussions on Racism,” moderated by BHE faculty member Karin Gladney, PhD, CAADC, as a live webinar on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am ET.
Systemic racism is deeply embedded in our institutions and communities, presenting significant challenges that require us to engage in difficult but necessary conversations about race. As James Baldwin famously stated, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” This moderated conversation aims to empower participants to confront their discomfort and engage in meaningful discussions on racism, fostering greater inclusion within our interpersonal relationships, workplaces and communities.
In this session, BHE will delve into the importance of discussing race and racism, providing strategies to overcome the emotional and psychological barriers that often hinder these conversations. Through real-life storytelling, participants will gain insight into ways that addressing racial discomfort can lead to personal and collective growth. The session will also explore the mindsets that inhibit authentic cross-racial connections and offer practical approaches to fostering more meaningful dialogues.
Join BHE for an engaging and enlightening discussion designed to equip professionals with the courage and compassion needed to tackle the challenges of race head on.
About Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, PhD:
Esther Hio-Tong Castillo, PhD, is a mental health and social justice advocate with nearly two decades of experience in education, community advocacy and government. She founded the award-winning Chinese Immigrant Families Wellness Initiative (CIFWI) at the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, recognized by the CDC Foundation for its impact on mental wellness in Asian immigrant communities. With a PhD in sociology, Dr. Castillo specializes in cross-racial solidarity work, particularly between Black and Asian communities. Her background as a biracial queer woman, first-generation college student and 1.5-generation immigrant informs her commitment to equity. As a former director of racial equity in city government and now CEO of Bridging Worlds Consulting, she provides DEI training and services, leveraging strategic thinking and community engagement to drive systemic change and promote equity across diverse communities.
CE Credits: APA-2; CPRP-2; LSW/LCSW/LPC/LMFT-2; NBCC-2; PA Act48-2; PCB-2; PSNA-2; IACET-.2
Training Fee: $18
Register Today
RCPA Member Achieva Family Trust Shares Upcoming Events on Changes to IDA Waivers, Medicare, and More
Update: Consolidated Waiver Fee Schedule Addition of Residential NG5 and Updated Rate Exception Process
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared an updated version of ODPANN 23-083. This bulletin announces the availability and criteria for Needs Group 5 (NG5) residential fee schedule rates and reissues the criteria, process, and procedures for residential fee schedule rate exceptions in the Consolidated Waiver. Please view the announcement for updated information, which has been highlighted red.
Update: MA Notification of System Upgrade and Lock-out Period Starting October 10
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-064, which notifies Trainers and Learners that the start of the Medication Administration (MA) system upgrade has been delayed. The upcoming system upgrade for the Medication Administration system will be starting Thursday, October 10, 2024, and ending Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Please view the announcement for details. Updates are indicated in red.
Access to Good Jobs for All: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate and promote inclusive work environments. Join the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for an insightful discussion on the history of NDEAM, the Employment First movement, and Pennsylvania’s commitment to advancing inclusive employment opportunities. Discover how Employment First has shaped ODP’s evolving supports and services, empowering individuals with disabilities to secure and sustain competitive, integrated employment, and supporting access to good jobs for everyone.
Audience:
All Stakeholders
Dates:
October 25, 2024
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register Here
ODP Welcomes New Director to BSASP
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced that on September 30 Lynn Pascoa will join ODP as the Director of the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP). Lynn is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in human services, specializing in mental health and community support. Lynn comes to ODP from Dauphin County, where she has served as the Children’s Mental Health Program Specialist playing a pivotal role in leading system planning for mental health services for children and adolescents, particularly children with autism. Read more here.
PATC 2024 Registration Now Open!
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) will be conducted virtually on a three-day schedule that will include presentations and panels from subject matter experts, providers, self-advocates, and families. This conference will provide professionals working directly with children and/or adults with autism with tools, strategies, and resources to help provide the most effective support. Personal narratives will be interspersed throughout the conference in an effort to highlight the perspective of the individual.
The conference schedule, including speakers, topics and session descriptions, is available at the registration link.
Full admission is $10.00 for professionals and allows access to all conference sessions over all three days. Admission is cost-free for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
For additional information about the conference, and access to resources, personal stories, and other features during the conference, please visit this page on MyODP.
Registration questions can be sent via email.
PBC Quarterly Residential Provider Forum on October 4
The Office of Development Programs (ODP) will be hosting the first quarterly residential provider forum to provide support for provider Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) preparedness. During this session, ODP will provide a status update on PBC applications; review the PBC presented to the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) Provider Performance Review Subcommittee; review the emerging themes or trends with the application submissions; and offer the opportunity for providers to ask questions.
Audience:
Residential Providers
Date:
October 4, 2024, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
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