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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 23-104: Webinar Recording Now Available: Community Participation Support (CPS) Waiver Amendment Changes in the Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) Waivers. This announcement provides details on accessing the webinar recording on CPS changes made in the recently approved ID/A waiver amendments. Please view the announcement for access information.

ODP announcements are now available on the MyODP website. These can be accessed by going to the Communications tab and selecting “ODP Announcements.” Please update your bookmarks to the ODP Announcements web page by January 5, 2024. The announcement database on MyODP will no longer be available after this date.

6100 Annual Training Course Certificate Refresh

All courses listed in the Annual Training Catalogue will have new certificates available on January 5, 2024. Courses listed in the catalogue will have updated links. Please visit the Annual Training Catalogue web page for updated links after January 5.

MyTranscript Replacing Download Certificates Block

The Download Certificates block will no longer be available to users after January 5, 2024. This block did not contain all certificates that can be received on MyODP. Users should now use the MyTranscript report to view all accessed certificates.

The MyTranscript report can be found in the Transcripts block available in the right sidebar of any MyODP web page.

As the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) continues moving quickly on plans to migrate towards a performance-based contracting system, RCPA believes there is value in developing a work group for our members to keep informed and to prepare for future changes. We anticipate continuing to share news regarding any developments and updates from ODP and Strategic Thinking Work Group members both at these work group meetings and also in our IDD Committee meetings. More importantly, in this work group, we are encouraging discussion from members, with the goal of sharing thoughts and developing prudent strategies in order to prepare for performance-based contracting.

The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. To begin this process, we will look at the proposed strategy from ODP and goals for the work group. As we move forward, we may determine it best to have meetings specific to Residential Services and Supports Coordination.

Please register here for the meeting, and come prepared to participate in a lively discussion. Questions can be directed to Carol Ferenz.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 23-103: Social Security Administration (SSA) Announces 2024 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This announcement discusses the upcoming COLA increase to the Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment, beginning in January 2024. Please view the announcement for further information and details.

Prescription, Addiction, and Prohibition: Our Love/Hate Affair With Opioids
January 9, 2024
9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Early bird rate: $35 (ends 1/2/24)
Regular rate: $45 (begins 1/3/24)
Location: Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA
Instructor: Karin C. Gladney, PhD, CAADC
CE Credits: 5 Hours
Register on the BHE Website

This course is designed to provide an overview of the cycle of use and abuse of opiates in the United States. The diagnostic criteria for opioid use disorders, including clinical presentation, epidemiology and treatment, will be explored. Participants will learn about the mechanisms of action of opioids, including how they affect the brain and nervous system. In addition, the course will cover strategies for managing opioid overdose and preventing relapse, as well as the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health conditions in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address opioid use disorders in their practice or community.


The Fundamentals: Trauma Definitions and Diagnoses
January 10, 2024
9:00 am – 3:30 pm

Early bird rate: $35 (ends 1/2/24)
Regular rate: $45 (begins 1/3/24)
Location: Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA
Instructor: Karin C. Gladney, PhD, CAADC
CE Credits: 5 Hours
Register on the BHE Website

Trauma is ever-present in the lives of many people who seek professional help. This training will provide a foundational overview necessary to understand the impact of traumatic experiences. Areas that will be explored include definitions, diagnostic criteria, prevalence data and brain changes. Participants will engage in discussions regarding their professional experiences in working with people with trauma histories. A vignette will be provided highlighting the lasting impact trauma can have on a person, as well as the healing journey toward recovery. Lastly, the importance of becoming trauma-informed practitioners will also be introduced.