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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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The Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) met today and discussed several items of interest. Deputy Secretary Ahrens provided an update on the budget and Performance-Based Contracting, including changes made to the program based on public comment. The Deputy Secretary reported that more than 95% of current residential providers have signed a new contract, and a small number have submitted their data to be evaluated for a tier assignment in the first submission period. The majority of providers appear to be waiting until February 2025 to submit data for tier assignments.

UPDATE: The PowerPoint presentation is now available and can be viewed here.

ODP is still in the procurement process of finding a Performance Analysis Service (PAS) provider.  Madeline Wagner has joined the ODP staff as the PBC Measure Coordinator and began in July. The Supports Coordinator Strategic Thinking Group is planning to reconvene on September 11, 2024.

ODP staff provided updates on the strategies that are being utilized to work toward ISAC recommendations. Recommendation #2, Promote Self-Direction, Choice & Control, and Recommendation #14, Racial Equity were reviewed.

Recommendation #1, Assure Effective Communication, and also Recommendation #8, Simplify the System, were also discussed.

The PA Department of Labor & Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has developed a draft of the Financial Needs Test (FNT) policy. The draft will be posted on OVR’s website for public review beginning August 30, 2024. Virtual meetings will be held via Zoom at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, to provide an overview of the policy and take questions and comments. Please note that the content will be the same in both meetings. The public is invited to comment on the draft policy for 30 days. Comments may be directed to OVR’s Public Comment Resource Account through September 20, 2024.

Meeting Information

CART and sign language interpreters will be available for these meetings via the Zoom link. Additional auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please send your request to OVR’s Public Comment Resource Account.

The Technology Accelerator Project is looking for providers to partner in developing a new Change Readiness Tool. Shea Tanis will be coordinating several provider readiness focus groups, which will lead to the development of a Change Readiness Tool to support the successful adoption of remote support/monitoring and assistive technology solutions for providers statewide.

The project is looking for providers across Pennsylvania to join them for a 90-minute virtual session to discuss promising practices, human and fiscal resources, existing policies, implementation barriers, and agency needs to adapt and employ remote supports/monitoring and assistive technologies.

View the flyer for additional information and how to get involved with this project. Contact Carol Ferenz with any questions.