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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities


It’s official! The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals’ Annual Conference is back in person in 2023. For the first time since 2019, NADSP will host a two-day in-person conference with keynotes, breakout sessions, and opportunities to celebrate, connect, and learn the leading developments in the workforce.

On September 8, 2023, the Sixth Annual NADSP Conference will commence at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square. Additional details, including a request for session proposals, hotel booking information, and sponsorship opportunities, will be shared in the next few weeks.

ODP Announcement 22-116 releases updated protocols for the Health Risk Screening Tool. The accompanying document is an update to the previously released protocol for HRST. It contains information regarding expectations, timelines, and reflects changes in the process since the initial protocol was distributed. Additionally, it provides guidance regarding roles and responsibilities for those expected to use the tool.

Assistance can also be obtained by contacting HRST support and HRST Assistance.

ODP Announcement 22-114 reports that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) contracts with Temple University Harrisburg to deliver the ODP Certified Investigator Program. ODP and Temple University are conducting Certified Investigator Friday Forums. These forums are an opportunity for current Certified Investigators and other interested parties to receive up-to-date information about the incident investigation process. See the announcement for full details.

Concept of important day, reminder, organizing time and schedule - red pen marking day of the month on a calendar

Power up your December with the Self Advocacy Power Network for All (SAPNA)!

SAPNA is a project of the PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), managed by Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1). See the flyer for info on December events. Each item below is linked to the event, or you can join from the SAU1 Events Calendar.


Friday, December 2, 2022
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Let’s Talk About Your Vision for YOUR Everyday Life

  • What do YOU want in your life?
  • How do you make it happen?
  • Who can help?
  • Learn how to plan for, and get, the life YOU want!

Monday, December 5, 2022
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Let’s Speak Up!

  • Do you know your rights?
  • Are you getting what you want and need?
  • Join us to learn all about speaking up.
  • Tell us ways YOU speak up!

Monday, December 12
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
All About Jobs!

  • Your rights
  • Planning to work
  • Finding a job
  • Keeping your job
  • Workplace accommodations
  • ODP-funded supports
  • Other supports
  • Work and your benefits

Friday, December 16
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Power Talk With ODP!

  • Join us to talk about services, issues, and COVID.
  • Get the answers you need to speak up, and live your life, your way.
  • Call or email us by December 1 with your questions and comments,, and we will share them with ODP!

Date: November 16, 2022
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm EST

The Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Final Rule was made effective on March 17, 2014. The settings rule set specific requirements for settings presumed to have institutional characteristics, including settings in institutions, settings on the grounds of or adjacent to a public institution, and settings that have qualities that isolate Medicaid beneficiaries. Referred to as “presumptively institutional settings,” states are required to assess these settings and, where the state has determined that the setting overcomes the institutional presumption and the setting complies or will comply with the settings rule by March 17, 2023, submit to CMS documentation that demonstrates the setting’s compliance. CMS has launched a series of heightened scrutiny site visits to presumptively institutional settings in states. This training will cover:

  • An overview of CMS’ heightened scrutiny site visit process;
  • Overarching themes identified during CMS’ heightened scrutiny site visits; and
  • Considerations for states moving forward.

Following the presentation, webinar participants will have the opportunity to share any questions, comments, experiences, or suggestions with CMS and the presenter.

Please register for this webinar here.
Conference Line: 844-875-7777; Access Code: 715810#

Please note that closed captioning will be provided.