Grocery Store Simulator Helps Students With Autism Build Career Skills
Carol Ferenz
We Requested Services in Pa. For Our Autistic Child 27 Years Ago and Never Heard Back | Opinion
HCSIS Help Desk Transitions to New Vendor
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) shared a recent communication regarding the transition of the HCSIS Help Desk to a new vendor. As of May 2, 2022, the HCSIS Help Desk responsibilities will transition from the Public Consulting Group (PCG) to the new vendor, InspiriTec.
ODP: COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Reminders
ODP Announcement 22-046 reminds providers of information issued Wednesday, March 30, 2022, by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) as an update to their COVID-19 vaccine and booster eligibility guidelines. Questions about the reminder may be directed here.
ODP May External Training and Events Calendar Now Available
Statewide Provider Partnership Feedback to OVR
The Statewide Provider Partnership (SPP) shared feedback gathered from providers regarding the Pre-ETS provision throughout the Commonwealth. We would like to thank Joe Michener, Director of Employment Services at the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), for coordinating this response advocating for improved OVR services.
We would also like to congratulate Joe as the recipient of this year’s Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association’s Philadelphia Founders Award for demonstrating an outstanding community leadership role by supporting activities that have a far-reaching impact and that have made a contribution toward the rehabilitation of a considerable number of citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
You are an inspiration to all. Thank you, Joe!
NADSP E-Badge Academy Informational Webinar
Today we were joined by Joseph MacBeth and Dan Hermreck from the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals to learn about the E-Badge credentialing program for Direct Support Professionals. As many providers of IDD services are developing plans to use ARPA funds to assist DSPs in becoming credentialed, NADSP wanted to share the information about their established program. The slideshow from the presentation is available here.
You can also learn more about the E-Badge Academy at their website. During the webinar Joe referenced the document “Moving From Crisis to Stabilization,” also found on their website.
If you were unable to attend the webinar and are interested in viewing the recording, contact Carol Ferenz.
Direct Service Providers for Children and Families: Information for Home Visitors
SAU1 Announces SAPNA’s May Events
The Use of Public Transportation Services for Ridesharing Expenses
ODP Announcement 22-044 serves to clarify that ridesharing services, such as Lyft, Uber, or other similar transportation services, may be reimbursed through the public transportation service. Public transportation services are provided to or purchased for an individual to promote self-determination and enable an individual to gain access to employment, services, and activities specified in the Individual Support Plan (ISP). Public transportation may be purchased by an OHCDS or by an FMS organization for individuals who self-direct services. In addition, public transportation vendors may enroll directly with the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP).
For individuals receiving residential services (Residential Habilitation, Life Sharing, or Supported Living), transportation services may only be used to enable an individual to get to his or her competitive, integrated job. If the individual is using public transportation for other needs, such as community activities, volunteering, visiting family or friends, etc., the cost of this service is included in the rate paid to providers of Residential Habilitation, Life Sharing, and Supported Living.
The cost of ridesharing services, such as Uber, Lyft, or similar public transportation options, can be reimbursed through the Transportation service. If the Transportation service is under consideration by the individual and their ISP team, the team must determine if using a ridesharing service is a cost-effective, beneficial, and practical transportation option for the individual.
The team must consider other options available through the transportation service, including publicly available bus passes, rail service, taxi service, and Transportation Trip to ensure the most cost-effective, beneficial, and practical use of the service.
Please see the full announcement for more details about the use of these services.
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