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Theory to Practice:
Real World Applications of PBS Strategies

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is requesting proposals that focus on the lived experience of professionals who provide support for individuals on the autism spectrum to present at the 2022 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference: #PATCImplement2022. We will be highlighting the concept of implementing Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) practices. We want to give you the opportunity to share your PBS experiences, challenges, and successes.

Deadline Extended!
September 26, 2022

For more information, including instructions on how to submit your proposal, see the flyer.

Early bird registration for the 2022 RCPA Conference Together! ends today! Be sure to register now to see our exciting workshops in person and earn continuing education credits. You won’t want to miss taking advantage of this opportunity!

Gathering in person at the Hershey Lodge October 11 – 14, 2022, attendees will see and learn from presenters from health and human services organizations all across Pennsylvania. Our full brochure is available, and some of our upcoming workshops include:

  • Employment Strategies for Those With Prader Willi Syndrome
    • Presented by Lisa Svidron of Mainstay Life Services
  • TCV Community Services and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health — A Case Study in Effective Affiliation
    • Presented by Carl E. Clark II, Fran Sheedy Bost, and Robert Dunne of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
  • Implementing Trauma-Informed Care in Children’s Mental Health Residential Treatment in Pennsylvania
    • Presented by Gordon R. Hodas and Caren L. Rosser-Morris of OMHSAS
  • Preparing for a Value-Based Payment (VBP) Future in Substance Use Treatment in PA: Using the Centers of Excellence (COE) as an Example
    • Presented by David Loveland of Community Care Behavioral Health
  • Managing Unique Challenges for Clients in the Workplace
    • Presented by Thomas Tirney of Arlington Heritage Group
  • Do Private Equity-Funded Start-ups and Services Have an Advantage Over Legacy Nonprofit Provider Organizations?
    • Presented by Stacy DiStefano of Consulting for Human Services
  • Ethical Considerations of Guardianship
    • Presented by Lesley Mehalick of McAndrews, Mehalick, Connolly, Hulse and Ryan, PC

Note that sessions will be recorded to allow registered participants to view content after the event concludes.

In addition to an amazing roster of speakers, our 2022 Conference will have an exciting array of sponsors and exhibitors. We thank those who have committed to our conference thus far! If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, visit here for more details.

We’d like to give a special shoutout to our Connections Hall sponsor Beacon Health Options as well as our Welcome Reception sponsor UPMC Community Care Behavioral Health Organization. Thank you for your support!

Questions about the conference may be directed to Carol Ferenz or Sarah Eyster, Conference Coordinators.

The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) has a new resource for health care providers that explains how to write a strong letter of medical necessity when requesting Personal Assistance Services (PAS).

The brochure includes some sample language that may be useful in describing your medial opinion. The guide outlines seven key steps:

  1. Introduce Yourself and Why You’re Writing
  2. Describe Your Patient
  3. Explain WHY the Requested PAS Hours Are Medically Necessary
  4. Expand on Your Opinion With Helpful Details
  5. Restate Your Conclusion
  6. Proofread
  7. Sign, Date, & Deliver

Read PHLP’s Guide for Physicians

Read PHLP’s Sample Letter of Medical Necessity

Join The Arc of Pennsylvania for two webinars presented by Disability Rights Pennsylvania on understanding disability voter rights and Pennsylvania’s rules. As the 2022 General Election gets closer, it is essential that all people with IDD and their caregivers understand their voting rights and the rules that govern elections here in Pennsylvania. The webinars will cover topics such as:

  • Important Election Deadlines;
  • Understanding Mail-in and/or Absentee Ballots;
  • Returning Mail-In and/or Absentee Ballots;
  • Accessibility at the Voting Locations; and
  • Other important information!

The first webinar, which is geared towards Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), will be on Tuesday, September 20, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Visit HERE to register for this webinar.

The second webinar, which is geared towards Caregivers and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), will be on Tuesday September 27, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Visit HERE to register for this webinar.

Both webinars will include closed captioning, and the recordings will be posted to The Arc of PA’s YouTube channel & social media accounts.

Image by Shotkitimages from Pixabay

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the following training opportunity:

The Nuts and Bolts of Job Coaching
Online Course
October 10, 2022 – December 5, 2022

This self-paced, five module, online course provides participants with relevant information regarding the role of a Job Coach to support students in community-based work settings.

Target Audience: Paraprofessionals, other support staff, teachers, transition coordinators, special education directors, or anyone interested in this topic.

Registration Information
Please register online by visiting the PaTTAN website.

For registration questions, contact:
Kristen Olszyk, 800-446-5607 x6848

For content related questions, contact:
Kaylee Wynkoop, 800-446-5607 x6888

Continuing Education Credit
Act 48 Clock Hours, Paraeducator Professional Development Hours

Individuals participating in this course must successfully complete and submit all required coursework before the end date of this course to receive Act 48 Professional Education hours and Paraeducator Professional Development hours.