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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Some breaking news from ANCOR:

Late yesterday, we learned that House Leadership has postponed two mark-ups, one being with the E&C committee – until probably the week of 5/12/25. This is helpful, because it gives us more time for outreach and advocacy AND gives us time to prep statements for release following the actual mark-up!

The list of resources below is intended to be shared with your representatives!

Information is available on the Vigil to Protect Medicaid — in DC May 7 & 8 — come if you can, but this event is also being live streamed.

This date still applies, despite the delayed mark-up.

We will share more info as we get it — including the links for the renewed Action Alert, but please reach out if you have any questions!

Donna Martin, M.Ed., CAE (she/her)
Vice President, State Partnerships & Innovation
ANCOR
113 South West Street, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
571.781.0456
ancor.org

TrueNorth Wellness Services announces the appointment of Chuck Smith as Interim CEO, while the Board of Directors begins a search for the next Chief Executive Officer. Along with Chuck, the leadership team of Cheryl Jones (CFO), Elspeth Williams (COO), and Senior Directors Michelle Shearer, Erin Glenn, and Cori Reed will continue to be available to stakeholders and staff alike. During this transition, we remain committed to the same level of quality and responsiveness that you’ve come to expect from TrueNorth. As we recognize the milestone of delivering services for 50 years, we are looking forward to the exciting possibilities that the future holds for our organization.

On Wednesday, May 7, ANCOR will be taking part in a 24-hour Vigil to Protect Medicaid in Washington, DC to share stories about how Medicaid is a critical lifeline for people with disabilities and why Congress should oppose cuts to the Medicaid program. This vigil will likely coincide with the House Energy and Commerce Committee markup of legislation that could lead to deep cuts to Medicaid.

You are invited to join us at this vigil for any time during the 24 hours that begins on May 7 at 1:00 pm and ends on May 8 at 1:00 pm. There will be a rally to kick off the vigil and a rally to close the vigil.

ANCOR will also be hosting a one-hour block where we will share stories about how Medicaid supports people with disabilities, families, and our communities. That hour will be on May 7 from 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm. We especially encourage you to join us for that hour and share your stories!

Details for the Medicaid Vigil:

  • Where: Washington, DC: The pathway at 3rd Street and the National Mall, directly across from the Capitol building
  • When: Wednesday, May 7 at 1:00 pm – Thursday, May 8 at 1:00 pm
  • Rallies: A rally will take place on May 7 at 1:00 pm and on May 8 at 12:00 pm
  • Story Sharing Hour: ANCOR will be hosting a story sharing hour at 8:00 pm on May 7

For more details from our partners, see the Ultimate Guide to the Medicaid Vigil 2025. If you are able to attend and want to share your story, please email Elise Aguilar.

Please share this with your networks, especially with people you support, family members, direct support professionals, and others!

RCPA is excited to share our growing list of sponsors and exhibitors who are committed to supporting our 2025 Conference Strive to Thrive! This event, which will be held September 9 – 12 at the Hershey Lodge, is a highlight for the PA health and human services fields. We would like to thank the organizations who have committed their support already; you can view them below as well as on our Conference website!

The conference is only four months away! We will soon be assigning booth numbers to exhibitors, and there are still many opportunities available for sponsorship and exhibit booths. Don’t delay! View this year’s Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Advertiser Brochure, which features detailed lists of all the ways your organization can thrive at our conference. These include networking opportunities in Connections Hall and new sponsorship items, such as the registration table!

Sign Up Now!
Sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers who wish to be listed on the website, the mobile app, and in the conference program must submit all materials by August 20. The association looks forward to welcoming you at the conference! Space and opportunities are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and no reservation is considered complete without payment. If questions remain, please contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator.

View our sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website!

Colleen Stuart, CEO of Venango Training & Development Center, Inc. and RCPA Board Chair, was presented the “Outstanding Community Partner Award” by the Venango County Human Services Advisory Board of Directors at an annual dinner on April 16. The award is given to community partners in recognition and support of reciprocal collaboration that align to enhance the quality of life for county residents. Colleen was recognized for going above and beyond in meeting the needs of the county residents. Board President Dr. Ray Feroz also recognized and thanked her for 35 years of dedicated service to Venango County. RCPA congratulates Colleen on her achievements!

Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

The PA Lifesharing Coalition has announced the 13th Annual Lifesharing Conference! The conference will be held at The Alloy, a Doubletree Hotel by Hilton, at King of Prussia, PA, on October 6 and 7. The early bird registration fee is $225 through July 30. After July 30, registration will be $250. You can view the Save the Date flyer for more details.

In addition, the PA Lifesharing Coalition has shared a Call for Proposals for the conference. Take the opportunity to present your knowledge to an eager audience looking to gain new skills and expand their knowledge. Each breakout session will be between 45-60 minutes long, including 10-15 minutes for Q&A and discussion. Topics of interest include but are not limited to: aging individuals, medically complex children, respite services, recruiting lifesharing providers/families, safe use of technology, self-care, and best practices. View the Call for Proposals for details. Proposal forms are due by Friday, May 30, 2025.