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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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News from ANCOR:

Dear ANCOR members,

I write to call your attention to a segment that aired during Saturday’s episode of Good Morning America on the direct support workforce crisis. The story chronicling staffing shortages in group homes on Long Island and nationally included excerpts from an interview with ANCOR COO Gabrielle Sedor, as well as reference to ANCOR’s research on the State of America’s Direct Support Workforce Crisis. Overall, the show did an excellent job of packaging complex issues into an accessible, three-minute story.

View and share Good Morning America’s feature on the direct support workforce crisis.

GMA is the latest among several high-profile outlets showcasing the direct support workforce crisis, illustrating growing acknowledgment of the significance of our field’s recruitment and retention obstacles. To that end, I hope you will consider sharing the link to the video on social media and in your advocacy so we can help further amplify this important message.

Finally, this high-profile feature simply would not have happened without the contributions of Michael Seereiter, President & CEO of the New York Alliance for Inclusion & Innovation (who was also interviewed for the segment) who connected us with the producer, and Lauren Tilghman, Director of Strategic Communications for KenCrest who provided some of the photos that were used in the segment. Thank you, Michael and Lauren!

With gratitude,

Sean Luechtefeld, PhD, CAE (he/him)
Vice President, Membership & Communications
ANCOR

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared that the MyODP learning site will not be accessible from 4:00 pm on Thursday, October 26, 2023, until 9:00 am on Monday, October 30, 2023, due to site maintenance. During this time, the MyODP home page and resource site will continue to be available. Please plan accordingly for accessing and completing training resources.

This is a reminder that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) shared ODPANN 23-080: Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Residential Provider Survey for Selective Contracting. The purpose of this announcement was to notify ODP providers rendering residential services (including residential habilitation, LifeSharing, and/or supported living) that they are required to complete a survey. The survey must be completed no later than November 9, 2023.

Please review the announcement and survey for additional information and details. Contact ODP directly with any questions.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has provided the November External Training and Events Calendar.

Training information as follows:

Tuesday – Thursday, November 7 through 9, 2023 – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
2023 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference

The Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) will be held virtually. The conference will be conducted on a three-day schedule that will include presentations and panels from subject matter experts, providers, self-advocates, and families. Personal narratives will be interspersed throughout the conference to highlight the perspective of the individual which should remain at the core of what we do.

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. This year’s theme is PATC: Ignite. Join the virtual conference this fall to learn from individuals with lived experience, researchers, providers, and more!

Audience: All interested parties


Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Move Your Way Lunch and Learn

An initiative to promote physical activity to help everyone lead healthier lives. Please join us to learn about Move Your Way! Based on the CDC Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion developed a promotional campaign called Move Your Way. This training will provide an overview of the Move Your Way campaign and help the listener understand the importance of physical activity, the recommended amounts, and how it all adds up to better health.

Audience: All interested parties


Tuesday, November 21, 2023 – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Behavioral Support Plans (BSPs): Goals, Objectives, Desired Behavioral Outcomes and More!

This one-hour training will emphasize the connection between the BSP and the Individual Support Plan (ISP) with a focus on prioritizing behaviors and working with the team to implement the BSP.

Audience: Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Behavior Specialists

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 23-082: Registration Now Open for December Certified Investigator (CI) Forum & How to Access CI Forum Question & Answer (Q&A) Documents. This communication announces that the Temple University Harrisburg Certified Investigator Program and ODP will be facilitating forums for CIs and others involved in the incident investigation process. It also confirms the posting of Q&A documents from past CI Forums on MyODP. Please review the announcement for information and details.

The PA Department of Health (PA DOH), Bureau of Family Health is excited to announce a funding opportunity for community-based, non-profit organizations! From October 17, 2023, through December 19, 2023, PA DOH will be soliciting applications for the Community to Home (C2H) program.

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.

The flyer has more information about the C2H program, and the Request for Applications (RFA) can be found on the PA eMarketplace. If you have questions or need additional information, please send them via email or call 717-772-2763.