Nominations for ANCOR’s 2025 DSP of the Year Awards Are Now Open!
RCPA to Recognize Outstanding Leaders in Human Services at the 2024 Conference
RCPA understands that it’s important to recognize those in health and human services who go above and beyond in their fields. That’s why, in addition to hosting the many workshops as well as keynote and plenary sessions, we are excited to present the following awards during our Wednesday Association Awards luncheon. RCPA is thrilled to honor and recognize these individuals for their dedicated commitment to health and human services.
Representative Eric Nelson: 2024 Legislator of the Year Award
For Consistent Support and Advocacy in Human Services
For Consistent Support and Advocacy in Human Services
Mike Hopkins: 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award
For Dedication and Commitment to the Human Services System in PA
For Dedication and Commitment to the Human Services System in PA
Kim Sonafelt: 2024 Outstanding Leadership Award
For Your Leadership, Innovation, and Commitment to Excellence
For Your Leadership, Innovation, and Commitment to Excellence
Register today to attend the luncheon and more! Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, or RCPA with any questions. We look forward to seeing you at the Hershey Lodge!
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OVR State Board Quarterly Meeting Announcement Released
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has shared information on their PA Labor and Industry (L&I) OVR hybrid quarterly board meeting, which is being held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Attendees can participate online or in-person at The Alloy (DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton), located in 301 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia.
The meeting agenda is available here. Online instructions for attending are available below:
Zoom for September State Board Meeting
Passcode: 721818
Or One tap mobile:
+13092053325,,86438463268#,,,,*721818# US
+13126266799,,86438463268#,,,,*721818# US (Chicago)
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
+1 309 205 3325 US, +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago), +1 646 931 3860 US, +1 929 205 6099 US (New York), +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC), +1 305 224 1968 US, +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose), +1 689 278 1000 US, +1 719 359 4580 US, +1 253 205 0468 US, +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma), +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston), +1 360 209 5623 US, +1 386 347 5053 US, +1 507 473 4847 US, +1 564 217 2000 US, +1 669 444 9171 US
Webinar ID: 864 3846 3268
Passcode: 721818
CART and sign language interpreters will be available during this meeting. Those using a screen reader can connect via this link. Additional auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please send your request to the inbox for Additional Auxiliary Aids and Services.
Access Rule Trainings Now Open for Registration
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced an upcoming training series on the Access Rule:
- September 16, 2024, at 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm ET: Incident Management Systems and Critical Incident Reporting
- October 9, 2024, at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET: HCBS Measure Set
- December 11, 2024, at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET: Grievance Systems
- February 12, 2025, at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET: Timely Access, Waiting Lists, Person Centered Planning Reporting Requirements & Minimum Performance Levels
- March 12, 2025, at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET: Website Requirements
- April 9, 2025, at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET: HCBS Rate Transparency
- May 14, 2025, at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET: Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) and Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC)
- June 11, 2025, at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET: Institutional Rule Provisions* (This refers to the ICF payment transparency provision of the nursing home staffing regulations.)
Registration is available here. When you register, select all the trainings you would like to attend from the checklist. You can register for one or multiple training dates.
PA ABLE Virtual NDEAM Education Day Announced — Save the Date
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) every October to celebrate and highlight contributions people with disabilities make to America’s workplaces.
The PA Treasury Department’s PA ABLE Savings Program is hosting a virtual event on October 1. Registration is open, and details will be available soon!
Register Today!
It’s DSP Recognition Week! Join in the Celebration by Using #DSPRW2024
Message from ANCOR:
Happy Direct Support Professional Recognition Week 2024! This week is a great opportunity to showcase the amazing, selfless, and often unsung work of the incredible professionals who make up the heart of our field.
Today and all week long, there are opportunities to share gratitude for DSPs and elevate the DSP workforce.
Let’s spread our message of thanks to DSPs as widely as we possibly can!
- All week long, use our DSP Recognition Week Social Media Toolkit to take action in support of DSPs, and access logos, sample social media messages and other resources.
- Remember to use the hashtag #DSPRW2024 so ANCOR can amplify your message and the essential work DSPs do every day!
- Check out these free DSP Week webinars hosted by our friends at NADSP.
- Be on the lookout for more resources coming later this week, and stay tuned for the opening of the 2025 DSP of the Year nominations!
Thank you for leveraging this week to express your gratitude for the essential work DSPs do every day to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they access their communities.
Thank you, DSPs! Our communities are made more inclusive because of you.
We couldn’t do what we do without you!
Register Today for the 2024 RCPA Conference to Learn and Be Inspired by Local and National Leaders!
The 2024 RCPA Conference Embracing Challenges, Empowering Success will be certain to educate and inspire all attendees when it comes to thinking about the challenges in health and human services. Online registration closes next Friday, Sept. 13, meaning time is running out on reserving your seat and seeing our impressive lineup of speakers. View our keynote and plenary speaker schedule below, which promises a wide variety of topics and lively discussions.
Tuesday, Sept. 24:
- Listen to a Pennsylvania State of the State from DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh, which will touch on key topics such as performance-based contracting and telehealth.
- Learn about data modernization and implementing AI/ML-enabled Cloud technology with Carlos Rivero of AWS.
Wednesday, Sept. 25:
- Hear from Lee Yaiva of Scottsdale (AZ) Recovery Center as he openly speaks on addiction treatment and navigating recovery as a Native American.
- Raise your awareness of human trafficking and its impacts with Amy Thurston and Melissa Knechel of Hope Inspire Love.
Thursday, Sept. 26:
- Fan favorite Michael Cohen returns to declare how employers can set themselves apart by going above and beyond the status quo.
- National updates will be provided from RCPA’s Association Partners the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and ANCOR, featuring Reyna Taylor and Donna Martin, respectively.
Friday, Sept. 27:
- Craig Dietz, who was born without limbs, will round out our conference on a high, humorous, and heartening note with tips on finding your inner potential and challenging yourself.
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Register Here for the 2024 RCPA Conference |
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Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, or RCPA with any questions. We look forward to seeing you at the Hershey Lodge!
Reminder of ISP Team Roles and Responsibilities Issued for Individuals Utilizing the VF/EA FMS
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-088. This is a reminder to stakeholders of their roles and responsibilities in the Participant Directed Services (PDS) model of service delivery using the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) Financial Management Services (FMS) option. Please view the announcement for information and details.
ODP Shares AAW SSD Update on MyODP, Requests Providers Review Contact Information
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing the most recent version of the Adult Autism Programs General Information on MyODP. They are also asking providers to review contact information in the SSD.
If it requires updating or if you have any questions regarding this communication or updates for the directory, send your corrected information via email with “SSD” in the subject line.
ODP Releases 2022-2023 Employment First Report
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced the release of the 2022-23 Employment First report. ODP believes that all people with an intellectual disability and/or autism must be encouraged to pursue their vision for an everyday life, which may include working in competitive integrated employment. Competitive integrated employment offers a person an opportunity to achieve economic independence, build self-confidence, enhance self-determination, and meet new people while building new skills. The Everyday Lives: Values in Action publication, developed by the ODP Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) which includes self-advocates, reads, “Employment is a centerpiece of adulthood and must be available for every person. The benefits of employment for people with disabilities are significant and are the same as for people without disabilities.” This report serves as an update to all stakeholders on the progress that has been made to support individuals served by ODP on finding and maintaining competitive integrated employment.
Access the 2022-23 Employment First report here. This document can also be found by visiting the MyODP Employment Home page.
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