The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced a Statewide Quarterly Positive Approaches & Practices Virtual Meeting on October 12, 2023. It will be held from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm and will be regarding “Navigating Crisis Intervention in Human Services.” View the flyer for complete details.
This is a reminder that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) shared an announcement that provides eligible providers with the application to receive supplemental funds as part of the ongoing systemic recovery of services for people with an intellectual disability and autism. You can view the announcement here. Eligible providers who are interested in receiving these supplemental payments must complete the application and submit it to Rick Smith by September 30, 2023.
Registration for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity will be closing this Friday, September 29, 2023, so register today to reserve your seat! By registering, you will gain access to engaging workshops for CE credits, networking opportunities in Connections Hall, and live entertainment. When launched, the conference app will also become available, so you can create your schedule, engage with exhibitors, participate in our Connections Hall game for prizes, and more! View the registration brochure for full details, and note that hotel rooms are quickly filling, so if you have difficulties making your reservation, please contact Carol Ferenz. Register directly to claim your seat at the conference today!
We also wish to extend our thanks to those organizations that have contributed and shown their support. View our full list of sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Hershey Lodge!
RCPA members are encouraged to participate in the ID/A Workforce Compensation study conducted by and in collaboration with the Center for Healthcare Solutions. The Center for Healthcare Solutions performed the survey that we supported last year, as well. This study is being done jointly with several other statewide and regional associations, and we are hoping that providers across Pennsylvania will participate in order to provide adequate data for use in advocacy efforts to improve conditions for our workforce. This also presents an opportunity to have comparative data.
The scope of this survey and the report generated from it will address compensation practices for 46 positions, including Direct Support Professionals (DSP), supports coordinators, frontline supervisors, clinical positions, program specialists, facilities staff, and administrative personnel. It will also provide data on staff vacancies and turnovers that continue to impact care and services across Pennsylvania.
Any ID/A employer in Pennsylvania is eligible to participate in the survey and will receive the published report, which will also be provided to the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). As always, CFHS follows all FTC/DOJ guidelines to de-identify data and maintain confidentiality. If you are a member of multiple associations, you only need to complete the survey once.
Two files are included: the input form and the general instructions for filling out the input form. Completed surveys may be emailed to Steve Forest or uploaded via SFTP (information included in the instructions) by Friday, September 22. The published report is expected to be issued on Friday, October 6.
Additionally, the workshop to review the survey on Thursday, September 7 was recorded and can be viewed if you would like more information.
Steve Forest, MPH | Director, Data Analysis and Special Projects
Center for Healthcare Solutions (formerly the Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania)
11279 Perry Highway, Suite 505 | Wexford, PA 15090 (new address)
Phone: 878-217-1764 | Email
2023 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference
#PATCIGNITE2023
November 7 – November 9, 2023
PATC will be conducted virtually for three days. The schedule includes presentations and panels from subject matter experts, providers, self-advocates, and families. Personal narratives will be interspersed throughout the conference in an effort to highlight the perspective of the individual.
This conference offers professionals working directly with children and/or adults with autism the tools, strategies, and resources to provide the most effective support.
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 MyODP.
Registration questions? Email for details and assistance.
The State Fiscal Year 2022/23 Q4 Report required by the Work Experience for High School Students With Disabilities Act (Act 26 of 2016) is now available. A copy of the report can be viewed here, and it can also be found on the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR) website under the Act 26 Information tile.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is notifying all interested stakeholders that the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has approved Pennsylvania’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Statewide Transition Plan. View the ODP announcement as well as the Statewide Transition Plan Infographic for details.
October starts the PA Family Network’s series on technology. Technology has become a major part of all our lives. For people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, technology can offer opportunities for independence, entertainment, choice, and control. Remote Supports are also now offered, providing more opportunities for services that can increase independence. Join the discussion as we talk about how technology and remote supports and can impact an Everyday Life! These workshops are created by family members and self-advocates FOR family members and self-advocates.
Register for upcoming events here.
October Workshops
LifeCourse Workshops
Waiver Workshops
Community Engagement Workshops (These are offered twice each day and won’t be repeated.)
Support Groups
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