RCPA Member Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Opens Devereux Day Academy – Audubon
Carol Ferenz
ODP Announces Medication Administration Paper Course Discontinuation and Train-the-Trainer Fall 2023 Schedule
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has reached out to remind Medication Administration trainers that the 2004 paper course, as well as the 2004 and 2013 manuals, will be discontinued and no longer valid for use in training students after December 31, 2023. ODP also wishes to announce the Train-the-Trainer Fall 2023 Schedule. Read the full announcement for details.
OVR State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation Quarterly Meeting Scheduled for Sept. 14
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Start time: 10:00 am
End time: 3:00 pm
Break: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
This meeting will be held at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square. A virtual option will also be available via Zoom. The public is invited to attend in person or call in to this meeting using the following information:
Join the webinar: State Board Zoom Meeting
Passcode: 860094
Or One tap mobile :
US: +13017158592,,83975786874#,,,,*860094# or +13052241968,,83975786874#,,,,*860094#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 305 224 1968 or +1 309 205 3325 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 931 3860 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 719 359 4580 or +1 253 205 0468 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 360 209 5623 or +1 386 347 5053 or +1 507 473 4847 or +1 564 217 2000 or +1 669 444 9171 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 689 278 1000
Webinar ID: 839 7578 6874
Passcode: 860094
International numbers: International Zoom Numbers
CART and sign language interpreters will be available during this meeting. Those using a screen reader can connect via CART. Additional auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please send your request via email.
The agenda for this meeting can be found on the State Board’s web page. Anyone who would like to make a public comment prior to the meeting may submit their comments via email.
Arc of PA Shares Findings; Disability Community Involvement Key To Solving Health Disparities
RCPA Members Post Billboard Thanking DSPs During DSP Recognition Week
For those driving through Pennsylvania on Route 22 this week, be sure to keep an eye out for the Happy Direct Support Professional Week billboard! Several RCPA members were involved in the creation of this billboard, and we join them in thanking all DSPs for their hard work and dedicated service!
ANCOR Invites You to Celebrate Direct Support Professional Recognition Week!
ANCOR Shares Survey on Proposed Overtime Rule
PDE Announces A Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a new policy issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) that allows students who are eligible under federal IDEA to access a Free and Appropriate Public Education until their 22nd birthday. This means if a student would have traditionally exited from high school during or after the school term in which they turned 21 years of age, they now may remain in school until their 22nd birthday. This includes students that exited during or after the 2022/23 school term. Students can be reenrolled by contacting the school that the student will attend in the 2023/24 school term as soon as possible and requesting reenrollment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your school district. If you require additional assistance from PDE, please send your request via email to PDE.
Governor Shapiro Proclaims Sept. 10–16 as Direct Support Professionals Week
Message from ODP Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens:
It is a great source of pride for me that my career in this field began with work as a direct support professional (DSP). More than 30 years ago I was a DSP, first in a private family home and then in residential programs. I know firsthand how difficult the work can be, how exhausting it can be when pulled in to work extra shifts because of staffing shortages. I also know how rewarding it can be when you support someone to live life the way they want or help them achieve something they have worked for, no matter how big or small that achievement is.
The work of DSPs is challenging work. Here in the commonwealth, with our commitment to the vision of Everyday Lives for people with disabilities, we ask a great deal of our DSPs. We ask DSPs to support people with their often complicated medical and behavioral needs and with their physical, social and emotional needs. We ask DSPs to assist people to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with others in the community. We ask DSPs to support people, regardless of how high their support needs are, to live Everyday Lives like any other Pennsylvanian.
With this background, I am pleased to share with you Governor Shapiro’s proclamation that September 10-16 is Direct Support Professional Week honoring the profession and DSPs throughout the commonwealth.
ODP Announces Targeted Service Recovery and Expansion Supplemental Payments
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a recent 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.
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