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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to offer a webinar regarding the Specialty Telehealth and Assessment Team (STAT) waiver service. STAT is a new waiver service available to individuals in the Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), Community Living, and Consolidated Waiver programs. STAT is a telehealth service that is consultative and provides disability-specific advice on when best to seek additional or in-person medical treatment for the participant. It provides 24/7 access to physicians with extensive education and experience within the IDA population 365 days a year, who triage and evaluate medical conditions as needed. This webinar will provide an in-depth look at the STAT waiver service, how it works, and the benefit to participants.

ODP Will be holding two sessions. The information will be the same at both. Pre-registration is required. Select the preferred session date to register.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared this important announcement from FEMA and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI).

In recognition of caregivers’ dedication and commitment to those in their care, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) have created the Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers to help them navigate unique challenges that may arise during disasters.

When forced to evacuate, relocate to emergency shelters, or find temporary housing, care recipients and caregivers require support and services that meet them where they are and account for unmet needs. FEMA is pleased to announce this new guide that focuses on the lived experience of caregivers who often serve as a lifeline for others, whether the skies are blue or gray.

See the new guide for the three essential steps that can help caregivers feel more prepared and in control when disaster strikes.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-031, which informs all interested stakeholders of the submission of the Consolidated, Community Living, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), and Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) amendments that contain Workforce Recovery Supplemental Payments to CMS and provides guidance for requesting these payments. The submitted waiver amendments are available on the Department of Human Services website.

Please view the announcement for information and details, and note that providers are required to complete ODP’s survey to request these payments.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-032. The purpose of this announcement is to communicate that the Administrative Review (AR) Course, which includes an online module and a live virtual case study session, is now available. All entities that complete investigations are required to conduct the AR process, as outlined in the AR Manual. This course is offered as an opportunity to support entities to complete high-quality ARs that help mitigate risks to individuals receiving services. Please view the announcement for information and details.

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

Full Diagnosis: Impact of Trauma, Physical Health, and Metabolic Health
Virtual Event
May 22 – 23, 2024

The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) invite you to save the date for the statewide Dual Diagnosis Conference. This year’s two-day conference will be held virtually. Nationally recognized speakers will provide perspectives on the impact of trauma, physical health, and metabolic health. Schedule and registration information will be available soon!

Visit the Dual Diagnosis Conference website for more information.

The PA Department of Health (PA DOH) Bureau of Family Health has announced a funding opportunity for community-based, non-profit organizations. From March 21, 2024, through April 25, 2024, PA DOH will be soliciting applications for the Community to Home (C2H) program in four program service regions: Southwest, Northwest, Northwest Central, and Northeast Central. One grant will be awarded for the four regions.

The C2H program improves the health of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) by assisting them, along with their families, to access the services and supports required to thrive in the community and develop to their full potential. C2H assists CYSHCN and their families to navigate systems and identify resources in order to receive services while empowering them to become strong advocates and self-reliant.

View the flyer for more information about the C2H program, and note that the Request for Applications (RFA) can be found on the PA eMarketplace.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Danielle Rhodes via email or at 717-772-2763.

The Inglis Impact Accelerator is dedicated to fostering a more accessible and inclusive world by investing in entrepreneurs within, and allies to, the disability community with disruptive ideas and business ventures.

To that end, RCPA member Inglis is looking for six businesses to participate in a 15-week virtual program that concludes with a virtual pitch event. The program includes interactive webinars, workshops, and both one-on-one and group coaching sessions about refining and testing business ideas, attracting and engaging customers, optimizing sales funnels, and more.

Each business that successfully completes the program and pitches at the virtual pitch event will receive a $5,000 cash prize provided by Highmark Wholecare.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Founder must reside in Pennsylvania.
  • Founder will ideally have identified a target market and created a minimum viable product/service or prototype.
  • The program does not require a legal business entity to apply, but we are seeking businesses that plan to file in the near future if they haven’t already.
  • Our rigorous selection process will prioritize ideas in three core areas — housing accessibility, assistive technology, and innovative healthcare models, as well as founders who identify as having a disability.
  • At least one member of the founding team should expect to spend a minimum of 4-6 hours per week participating in programming and dedicated work efforts for the duration of the 15-week program.

If you know any founders whom you think might be interested in participating in the program, please share the flyer and link to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar.