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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

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PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR) Executive Director Ryan Hyde has released a memo regarding OVR implementing an Order of Selection (OOS) beginning April 1, 2025.

As detailed in the memo, any questions about the OOS should be directed to the OVR inbox for OOS questions. Any customers with questions about how the OOS may impact your case, please contact your vocational rehabilitation counselor at your local OVR District Office.

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RCPA is excited to share the 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 and on our Conference website!

There are still many opportunities available for sponsorship and exhibit booths, and we encourage your organization to view this year’s Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Advertisers 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. Please be aware booth self-selection will also be available for exhibitors and exhibiting sponsors. In order to be considered for self-selection, a completed contract with payment must be submitted.

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. Please contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, with any questions.

View our sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website!

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) wants to know what types of physical activities you will be participating in this spring! Fill out the media release form and send your picture with a short description and a quote about your activity via email with “Move Your Way®” in the subject line.

 

Benefits of Being Physically Active

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activity each week. Regular physical activity during the week and throughout your lifetime can help lower the risk of chronic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and boost immune function. Physical activity can also help you feel better right away. Being active can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, sharpen your focus, reduce your stress, and improve your sleep. Plus, being active with others is a great way to build strong social connections.

*If you have questions about how you or someone you support can get active safely, you can contact a healthcare provider to discuss.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-035. This communication provides important reminders of the standards, expectations, and requirements of an investigation conducted by an ODP Certified Investigator (CI) in the following areas:

  • Ensuring health and safety;
  • Visiting the scene;
  • Interviews;
  • Communication needs;
  • Process deviations; and
  • Requirements to monitor delegated tasks.

Please view the announcement for information and details.

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Capitol hill building in the morning with colorful cloud , Washington DC.

Yesterday, on March 26, House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), Rep. Robert Onder (R-MO), and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer requesting that the Department of Labor (DOL) withdraw the Biden Administration 14(c) rulemaking.

Of note, the Republican committee members highlight in the letter that “the proposed rule would have far-reaching consequences, disrupting vital employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and harming their families who depend on these programs.” The policymakers further note in the letter that, “[r]ather than eliminating critical opportunities, federal policy should focus on expanding workforce participation for individuals with disabilities, ensuring a range of employment options that accommodate their diverse needs.”

The letter comes after Republican committee members sent letters to former Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su urging the Biden Administration to withdraw the proposed rule, including a December 2024 letter expressing their concerns that the Administration had rushed the 14(c) rulemaking as well as a January 2025 letter urging the Administration to withdraw the rulemaking and at least extend the comment period for the same.

Please find here a copy of the letter. The press release is available here. Contact Tim Sohosky, Director of IDD, or Cathy Barrick, IDD Policy Analyst, know if you have any questions.

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HARRISBURG, PA — A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers joined members of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA), the Commonwealth’s largest health and human services trade association, at a press conference at the state Capitol in support of vital disability and human service programs. These programs serve millions of Pennsylvanians annually and play a transformative role in their lives.

At the March 26 press conference, RCPA and lawmakers pushed for continued funding and improved payment models, including Medicaid capitation, as well as decreasing administrative burden in the safety net system, as part of any final 2025/26 budget adopted by the General Assembly. These initiatives will help improve services and make the system work better for everyone. They also highlighted the need to invest in the workforce, ensuring strong support for licensed clinicians, direct support professionals, counselors, case managers and support/service coordinators, and peers.

Richard S. Edley, PhD, President and CEO of RCPA, spoke on behalf of members and those who rely on health and human services. Fady Sahhar, MBA, PhD, RCPA Director of Physical Disabilities & Aging, also communicated the need for Medicaid preservation and continued funding.

Richard S. Edley, PhD, President & CEO Fady Sahhar, MBA, PhD, Director of PD&A

RCPA members also raised their voices to stress the importance of not only maintaining but improving the systems in place. Speakers included Melva Fair, an RCPA Board Member and CEO of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS), and Annie Smith, Director of Early Intervention at RCPA member Strawberry Fields. Also in attendance were RCPA Board Members Susan Coyle of Chartiers Center and Gretchen Kelly of PLEA.

Melva Fair Annie Smith Susan Coyle and Gretchen Kelly

Representatives from both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate spoke in agreement with RCPA’s message, voicing continued support for vital services in Pennsylvania.

Representative Doyle Heffley Representative Joseph Hohenstein Senator Tim Kearney

Last but not least, RCPA thanks everyone who attended this year’s Capitol Day. Your support and presence made this year one of our most successful press conferences to date!
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