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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-008. The purpose of this communication is to provide clarification regarding new residential qualification requirements in waiver amendments, effective November 1, 2023, including the release of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. This clarification includes the requirement to have prior experience providing non-residential waiver services. Please view the announcement and FAQ document for information and details.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-007. The purpose of this announcement is to inform all waiver providers and vendors whose last digit of their Master Provider Index (MPI) number is 0, 1, or 2, as well as new providers who enrolled in the 2022/23 fiscal year, that they must submit their qualification documentation to their Assigned AE and/or ODP’s Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP). This documentation is due between February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Please view the announcement for information and details.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) Ben Laudermilch has announced his resignation, effective February 2, 2024.

Laudermilch succeeded founder Susan Tachau as PATF’s CEO. He continued PATF’s mission of supporting and advocating for people with disabilities. In his role as CEO, Laudermilch continued to grow PATF’s mission across Pennsylvania, and into new states, working with public and private stakeholders and partners.

PATF Senior Lending and Operations Director Tracy Beck and Board Member Evan Davis have been named as interim co-CEOs of the organization while a search is conducted to select a permanent CEO who will sustain PATF’s mission and leadership.

Tracy Beck is the long-term PATF Senior Lending and Operations Director who has been vital to PATF’s growth and a consistent leader in PATF’s mission. Evan Davis is an executive with a proven successful track record as a COO and CFO for multiple organizations. Evan assisted PATF as a board member and led the recent PATF strategic planning process.

“We are grateful to Ben for continuing to promote assistive technology through meaningful programs for members of the disability community. We are confident in Tracy and Evan’s leadership and their excellent working relationships to sustain PATF through the transition. We look forward to successfully identifying and onboarding a new CEO and to continue making an impact in the disability community,” says Nancy Murray, President of PATF Board of Directors.

PATF remains dedicated and passionate about growing its mission to help older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities by providing valuable services that allow everyone to have more independent and equitable lives.

Image by photosforyou from Pixabay

Starting January 1, 2024, all SIS-A Assessments will be conducted using the Supports Intensity Scale-Adult® 2nd Edition. The Arc of PA is partnering with the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in hosting a webinar on February 7, 2024, from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. The webinar will educate individuals and families on the changes and enhancements to the SIS-A evaluation. Register here.

The PA Department of Labor & Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has developed a draft of the Audiological Services policy. The draft will be posted on OVR’s website for public review beginning January 15, 2024. Virtual meetings will also be held via Zoom at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, to provide an overview of the policy and take questions and comments. Please note that content will be the same in both meetings.

The public is invited to comment on the draft policy for 30 days. Comments may be sent electronically through February 16, 2024.

Meeting information:
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

CART and sign language interpreters will be available for these meetings via the Zoom link. Additional auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please send your request via email.