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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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RCPA, in collaboration with Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability (PAR) and The Provider Alliance (TPA), surveyed over 130 providers representing over 30,000 individuals served across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to measure the impact of the collapsing Intellectual Disabilities & Autism (ID/A) system in PA.

This data demonstrates that the care and support system for people with ID/A is failing and in crisis. Since before the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic underfunding has been a consistent problem. But today, providers bear many unreimbursed care costs because of inadequate funding. Individuals approved for services cannot find providers with the capacity to offer the services they need and are entitled to. Providers & Families are feeling the effects of this daily.

Providers are crippled by the workforce crisis as demonstrated in this report on the state of the ID/A industry workforce, based on a study conducted in 2022 by the Center for Healthcare Solutions, The Arc of PA, RCPA, and TPA.

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Amplifying The Voices Of Direct Support Professionals
Wednesday, May 3 – Thursday, May 4, 2023

On May 3 and 4, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) will embark on its second national advocacy event to bring the direct support professional (DSP) perspective to the forefront of Congress and the Administration during a time of unprecedented workforce challenges. Hardships from the pandemic and recent legislation have provided new insights and opportunities for the direct support workforce that supports people with disabilities.

The NADSP recognizes the previous absence and critical importance of lifting the voices of DSPs to federal policymakers, so that public policy can be informed by the people who are on the front lines of supporting people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in the community. On April 13, 2023, the NADSP will provide DSPs from all across the country with comprehensive advocacy virtual training. This will lead up to the 1.5-day virtual event in May that will culminate with virtual meetings with Congressional leaders and staff to educate and advocate on NADSP’s public policy priorities for 2023.

NADSP’s 2023 Policy Priorities

  • Establish a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for direct support professionals within the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
  • Assure effective implementation of workforce development initiatives, authorized through legislation, that leads to wages commensurate with the level of responsibility and the complexity of this work, as well as career ladder opportunities that lead to professional growth.

A detailed schedule of events along with the expectations of attendees is on the event landing page. Ready to answer their call to action? Use this link to learn more.

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PA Family Network has several workshops coming up in March on Waivers and using the LifeCourse Framework. Also being offered are two support groups including a NEW Caregiver Support Group. The deadline to register for their free Emergency Preparedness Summits is March 6, 2023 and spots are limited! Visit this web page to secure your spot today!

  • 3/1/2023, Peace of Mind
  • 3/1/2023, Support Group
  • 3/2/2023, LEAD the way to Healthy Relationships
  • 3/6/2023, Deadline to Register for Emergency Preparedness Summits!
  • 3/6/2023, Waiver Basics Part 1
  • 3/6/2023, Waiver Basics Part 2
  • 3/7/2023, Community Safety Siblings
  • 3/8/2023, Waiver Advanced Part 1
  • 3/8/2023, Waiver Advanced Part 2
  • 3/9/2023, Life Transitions
  • 3/13/2023, Using LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve
  • 3/13/2023, Waiver Basics Part 1
  • 3/14/2023, Waiver Basics Part 2
  • 3/15/2023, South Central Summit – York
  • 3/20/2023, Waiver Basics Part 1
  • 3/20/2023, Waiver Basics Part 2
  • 3/20/2023, Sibling Good Life Group
  • 3/20/2023, Support Group
  • 3/20/2023, Central Summit – State College
  • 3/21/2023, Western Summit – Pittsburgh
  • 3/23/2023, Northeast Summit – Wilkes-Barre
  • 3/27/2023, Life Transitions
  • 3/27/2023, Waiver Basics Part 1 – SIBS
  • 3/27/2023, Southeast Summit – Philadelphia
  • 3/29/2023, Waiver Basics Part 2 SIBS
  • 4/4/2023, Northwest Summit – Erie

For more information and to register for our free upcoming Spring Summits on Emergency Preparedness, visit this web page.

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ODP Announcement 23-016 Update provides additional information regarding the National Core Indicators (NCI) survey. In mid-to-late March, providers will receive an invitation to participate in the SoTW survey. Those wishing to participate will be furnished with a unique login that will enable providers to directly enter survey responses into the HSRI database. Each invitation is linked to one Master Provider Index (MPI) number; for provider contacts who receive more than one invitation, they are listed as the contact for multiple agencies and would need to complete the survey for each agency.

In addition to the standard survey, ODP has added a series of questions to address several areas in which it has a specific interest. These questions are identified in the PA Supplement section and have PA attached to the question number. The data collected for these will not be analyzed by HSRI but ODP will complete its own analysis. The insertion of these questions requires HSRI to take additional time to customize the survey for Pennsylvania. Any questions can be directed to Ms. Lee Stephens, ODP NCI Statewide Lead.

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Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash

The 2023 RCPA Conference, which will be celebrating our 10-year anniversary as a leader in shaping policy and enhancing lives, will be held October 10 – 13 at the Hershey Lodge for a statewide audience. The Conference Committee is seeking workshop proposals in every area for possible inclusion, particularly those that assist providers in developing and maintaining high-quality, stable, and effective treatments, services, and agencies in an industry where change is constant. The committee looks for presentations that:

  • Highlight new policy, research, and treatment initiatives, such as telehealth innovations, suicide prevention, and employing people with disabilities;
  • Provide specific skills and information related to individual and organizational leadership development and enhancement;
  • Discuss advanced ethics practices;
  • Address system changes that affect business practices, including integrated care strategies, value-based purchasing, acquisitions/mergers, and alternative payment models;
  • Provide guidance on building a culture of a committed workforce, including recruitment and employee development as well as effective remote workforce strategies;
  • Offer concrete skills and tools to operate more efficient, effective agencies; and
  • Inspire ideas for organizations to be leaders in their field.

The committee welcomes any proposal that addresses these and other topics essential to rehabilitation, mental health, substance use disorder, children’s health, aging, physical disabilities, and intellectual/developmental disabilities & autism. Members are encouraged to consider submitting and to forward this opportunity to those who are exceptionally good speakers and have state-of-the-art information to share.

The Call for Proposals (featuring a complete listing of focus tracks) and accompanying Guidelines for Developing Educational Objectives detail requirements for submissions. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 13, 2023, at 5:00 pm. Proposals must be submitted electronically on the form provided; confirmation of receipt will be sent. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

If the proposal is accepted, individuals must be prepared to present on any day of the conference. Workshops are 90 or 180 minutes in length. At the time of acceptance, presenters will be required to confirm the ability to submit workshop handouts electronically four weeks prior to the conference. Individuals unable to meet this expectation should not submit proposals for consideration.

Individuals are welcome to submit multiple proposals. Notification of inclusion will be made via email by Friday, May 12, 2023. Questions may be directed to Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator.

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Access, Empowerment, Experience: Driving Voice Behind Change

This issue of Positive Approaches focuses on the importance of advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and serious mental illness. Article topics include barriers to self-advocacy; the complicated language of autism advocacy; and the history, evolution, and importance of advocacy at state mental hospitals. Also presented is an article on two mothers’ experiences advocating for family members throughout their lifespan.

This issue of the Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading. To print a copy of the PDF, online journal, or a specific article, find these options within the left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page. A new window will open with the selected document. In the browser, you may click the print button in the top left corner of the page or use the print capability within your browser.

Please submit feedback regarding your experience with the Positive Approaches Journal on MyODP by selecting the feedback image on MyODP within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page. The Positive Approaches Journal is published quarterly. For additional information, please contact ODP Training.

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