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Wednesday, June 21, 2023
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Register Here

The PA Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) will be hosting a webinar on June 21 discussing real-life stories from those utilizing smart home technology. People with disabilities will share how they use smart home technology for streaming videos, watching TV, gaming, exercise, and more.

Following a decade of service as CEO of SpArc Philadelphia, Laura Princiotta will be retiring effective June 30, 2023. Laura has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations and worked for 34 years at SpArc, initially as a Direct Support Professional, then steadily moving up through the organization. Laura’s most notable accomplishments are best seen through the vibrant programming and advocacy services offered to all individuals with disabilities and their families, and the many successes that span her tenure.


Effective July 1, 2023, Nofre Vaquer will take the reins as CEO for SpArc Philadelphia. Nofre has been serving the organization for more than 14 years, and has moved up in various roles with increasingly more responsibility, most recently as Chief Operating Officer.

Before joining SpArc, Nofre worked at CoreStates Bank in Philadelphia and at Bank of New York, where he was responsible for managing national and international sovereign financial management. He also held senior positions in supply chain organizations, in publishing and in the hotel industry, with national and international operations spanning three continents. Nofre has also worked in project and finance management for the commercial real estate development industry in Florida.

Nofre brought this broad experience and vast knowledge to SpArc, and throughout his tenure has helped elevate the organization by methodically bringing it into the 21st century, creating and implementing a detailed technology plan, streamlining business process, and improving program tracking capabilities. Nofre also helps keep the organization fiscally sound by working on budget management and cost saving measures.

Nofre is driven by the mission of supporting individuals with disabilities to be included in their communities and have access to resources that help them reach their potential, and has a deep personal connection to the mission as a family member of individuals with disabilities.

Nofre is a strong advocate focused on making sure that disability services are top of mind to federal, state and local legislators and ensuring dedicated funding and resources are available to service providers. Nofre’s advocacy and leadership are evidenced by his service on the boards of RCPA and UniqueSource Products and Services.

Originally from Mallorca, Spain, Nofre moved to the Philadelphia area to attend St. Joseph’s University where he earned his bachelor and master’s degrees. Nofre resides in Flourtown, Pennsylvania, with his wife Cheryl and their daughters Lydia and Margot.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has announced a funding opportunity for $1.5 million to support the first year of a cooperative agreement for a policy development center focused on advancing employment opportunities and outcomes for disabled youth. The funding will support research, engage with the workforce system and its partners, and identify effective policies and practices that support disabled youth employment. It will also help provide resources and training to help support their transition to adulthood.

The funding will continue the work of the Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth. DOL created the center in 2019 to improve employment outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities by helping states expand their delivery of youth services and strengthening workforce systems.

DOL anticipates the availability of $7.5 million in funds for a five-year period, subject to federal fund availability, at $1.5 million per year. Apply by Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

Contact Andrea Hill with questions. Learn more about the funding opportunity here.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023
2:00 pm ET
REGISTER NOW

Often, providers and direct support professionals (DSPs) working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) aren’t sure how to support clients with their sexuality or feel uncomfortable addressing this topic. Individuals with IDD deserve to live healthy, full lives within their community of choice.

Join Relias to hear Nellie Galindo, MSW, MSPH, and Rémy Jodrey, MS, LCMHC, discuss ways for DSPs to comfortably support IDD individuals with their sexuality.

Learning Objectives

  • What topics to consider when providing support for sexual health and identity?
  • How to identify your own values around sexuality?
  • How to best support individuals with IDD when issues of sexuality arise in their daily lives?

Can’t attend the live event? Register anyway, and you’ll receive a follow-up email with a link to the recording. 

CMS Webinar: June 14, 2023
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm ET
Register here

States can use outcome-based payment arrangements as an alternative or supplement to traditional fee-for-service (FFS) payments to incentivize 1915(c) waiver program providers with meeting targeted milestones or achievements. States offering outcome-based payment arrangements establish targeted outcomes that align with participant or program goals. This training will help states by:

  • Providing an overview of outcome-based payments in 1915(c) waiver programs;
  • Highlighting examples of outcome-based payments from 1915(c) waiver programs and outcome-based payments methodologies;
  • Discussing the impact of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and state responses using outcome-based payments; and
  • Discussing considerations for states implementing outcome-based payments in 1915(c) waiver programs.

Today, June 5, members of the Coalition for the Preservation of Employment Choice and RCPA urged the PA General Assembly to preserve protections and programs meant for those with IDD, including preserving Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Those speaking detailed how a loss of such programs would limit those with IDD to education and workplace options.

Richard Edley, PhD, President and CEO of RCPA, defended the programs, stating, “When you systematically limit choice, you are taking away a basic principle of helping people with disabilities.”

Also speaking at the rally was Colleen Stuart, CEO of Venango Training and Development Center, Inc., President of the Coalition for the Preservation of Employment Choice, and incoming Board Chair for RCPA. Colleen spoke of those with IDD in the workforce and education, asserting, “Without adequate rates that cover the cost of services, they will lose this choice, as providers will not be able to maintain.”

George Gwilliam of Cori’s Place, who also serves as an RCPA Board Member, was present, as well, speaking on behalf of those with IDD who would be impacted by the loss of protections.

Read the full press release here.