The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a flyer regarding a series of free technology trainings. The trainings, titled “My Tech For All,” will teach attendees how to use Zoom, Facebook, email, web browsers, Alexa, Google Search, SmartPhones, and tablets. Training starts Tuesday, October 10, and will occur weekly for six weeks. View the flyer for details and the full schedule.
At the August 2023 ISAC meeting, Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1) presented a tribute to Carolyn Morgan, who was an inspiring self-advocate who encouraged many others to speak for themselves. SAU1 has developed a Youth Empowerment Fellowship program in memory of Carolyn, and is seeking support for this program, including financial. Their presentation is now available and can be viewed here. If you would like to support or ask questions about the program, please contact SAU1 directly.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a list of current Agency With Choice (AWC) Financial Management Service (FMS) organizations that are available to support participants and surrogates who have chosen to self-direct some or all of their Participant Directed Services (PDS) using the AWC FMS model and are in the Consolidated, Community Living, or Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) waivers. Please view the announcement for additional information and to see the listing.
September continues PA Family Network’s series on Participant Directed Services. Join the team of Family Advisors to get your questions answered about Participant Directed Services and how you can choose to direct your own services under the Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) Waivers. These workshops are created by family members and self-advocates FOR family members and self-advocates.
Register for upcoming events online.
Community Engagement Workshops:
These will only be offered at these dates and times!
LifeCourse Workshops
Waiver Workshops
Support Groups
The Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) met on August 15, 2023. ODP staff shared several updates, including Deputy Secretary Ahrens. The public comment period regarding the Selective Contracting Concept Paper ended July 10, 2023. The Residential Strategic Thinking Group (RSTG) meetings are scheduled through September, and ODP intends to issue a survey to assist in developing performance measures and baselines. ODP will publish the 1915(b)(4) application and any accompanying 1915(c) amendments for public comment prior to submitting to CMS. The PowerPoint presentation reviewed at the meeting can be found here.
Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1) presented a tribute to Carolyn Morgan, who was an inspiring self-advocate who encouraged many others to speak for themselves. SAU1 has developed a Fellowship program in memory of Carolyn, and is seeking support for this program, including financial. For additional information on this fellowship, please reach out directly to SAU1.
ISAC/ODP strategies to address the following areas were reviewed during the meeting:
#1: Assure Effective Communication;
#2: Promote Self-Direction, Choice and Control;
#5: Promote Health, Wellness and Safety;
#7: Develop and Support Qualified Staff;
#8: Simplify the System;
#9: Improve Quality; and
#10: Expand Options for Community Living.
View the 2022 ISAC Annual Report.
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