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Brain Injury

Please find the agenda for the CHC Partnership Meeting that is scheduled for June 23, 2021, from 10:00 am–12:00 pm.

During the meeting we will:

  • Provide training on Hoarding
  • Discussing collaboration between providers and the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
  • Provide information on Behavioral Health services available through the Behavioral Health Managed Care Organizations to individuals in Nursing Facilities

We are excited to see you at the CHC Partnership Meeting.

RCPA’s Jim Sharp, Rep. Schlegel Culver, and Rep. Mehaffie received awards

HARRISBURG (June 9, 2021) — The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) congratulates the recipients of the ABA in PA Initiative’s 2021 award recipients. The ABA in PA Initiative is a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to changing the future for all children in Pennsylvania with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by ensuring access to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy via Medical Assistance. Each year, the organization recognizes several individuals who have gone above and beyond for the autism and special needs children’s community. The 2021 award recipients include distinguished legislative advocates as well as the director of RCPA’s Children’s Division.

The ABA in PA Initiative today recognized the following award recipients:

  • RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp received the Pioneer and Key Collaborator Award;
  • Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver (R–Northumberland) received the Advocate for Excellence Award; and
  • Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie III (R–Dauphin) received the Champion for Behavior Analysts of Pennsylvania Award.

You can view the full press release here.

Photo by Headway on Unsplash

SAVE THE DATE for the next OMHSAS stakeholder meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, June 15, 2021 from 3:00 pm–4:00 pm. This webinar will be directed to providers, provider affiliates and associations, and consumers, family members, and advocate stakeholders. The next webinar for counties and county affiliates is scheduled for Friday, June 11, 2021 from 1:00 pm–2:00 pm. We ask stakeholders to join in only one monthly meeting, the meeting which would best suit their interests.

If you have suggestions for agenda topics, please submit them via email to OMHSAS. We will monitor the account and will reply to the sender if more information is required. Please be advised that responses will not be provided if additional information is not needed.

Please register for the OMHSAS Provider/Provider Affiliate/Advocate Stakeholder Meeting on June 15, 2021 at 3:00 PM EDT.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. If you have any questions, please contact your RCPA Policy Director.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today released the latest issue of the Positive Approaches Journal, which aims to provide the most recent research and resources for people with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities to live an everyday life. This edition focuses on sexuality and connectedness.

“Part of DHS’ mission is to ensure that people, regardless of disability, have the resources and information they need to live an everyday life. But too often, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities do not receive the support or education they need to be safe and healthy while exploring and experiencing social connections and sexuality,” said Acting DHS Secretary Meg Snead. “We hope that this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal will provide some of those resources and will chip away at myths and misconceptions about socialization and sexuality within the disability community.”

This edition features research and articles on the following:

  • Embracing Inclusion: Prioritizing LGBTQIA+ Inclusion for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: This article outlines the barriers and lack of supports that LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities face and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the needs of people who live at the intersection of these two identities.
  • Responding to the Victimization of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism: This article details how sexual education and resources for people with disabilities can improve relationships and reduce the risk of victimization.
  • Detangling Sexuality Information: Misinformation, Confusion or Hope: This article outlines the importance of comprehensive sexual education, as lack of such education can create a dangerous lack of understanding of consequences and a misinterpretation of sexual nuances.
  • Approaching Sexuality in Service Spaces: An Invitation to Deeper Inquiry: This article explores ways both behavioral health providers and clients can express vulnerability in discussing sexuality and the sensitivities that surround it.
  • Building a Socially Fulfilling Life with a Mental Health Diagnosis: A Firsthand Perspective: A Certified Peer Specialist’s personal story of how helping others in managing their mental health was a crucial part of understanding social needs and their own recovery.
  • Social Skills for the “Real World”: Lessons Learned from the Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training (ASERT) Social Skills Groups: This article highlights research on effective social skills intervention methods to help caretakers address identified challenges for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The journal is a collaboration of DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and collects resources, observations, and advancements in mental and behavioral health in order to better serve people with dual diagnoses in their communities.

Read this edition of the Positive Approaches Journal.

For more information visit DHS’ website.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin James

Horizontal view of worried disabled senior man

ACL will host a webinar in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 16 at 3:00 pm ET. Dr. Laura Mosqueda, a national and international expert on elder abuse and neglect, will present. Register here to participate.