';
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

November 19, 2025
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Register Here

Understanding Neuroplasticity and Recent Advancements in Enhancing Supports

The Offices of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and Developmental Programs (ODP) invite you to register for the 2025 Dual Diagnosis Conference, which is to be hosted virtually on November 19. Join them for this one-day virtual conference to gain a better understanding of neuroplasticity and recent advancements in enhancing supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

This year’s conference speaker will be Dr. Brandi Kelly. Watch the video to hear from her! Dr. Kelly provides an overview of her presentation on the intersection of wellness and mental health needs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Legislation. Wooden gavel and books in background. Law and justice concept

HB1939, the ID/A Market Index for DSP Services, was originally scheduled for a vote in the House Human Services Committee on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. However, the bill was removed from consideration prior to the vote due to identified deficiencies in the bill’s language. Revisions are currently underway to address these issues, and it is anticipated that the committee will reconsider the bill for a vote sometime in November 2025.

RCPA continues to closely monitor the bill’s progress and will provide updates to members as new information becomes available.

Please direct any questions regarding this legislation to Tim Sohosky.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is hosting a series of discussion boards and focus groups focused on 1-person licensed residential homes. The discussion boards will be online forums open for 48 hours, allowing participants to log in and out at their convenience throughout the two-day period. Total participation time is expected to be about 2 – 3 hours, and the forums will be semi-anonymous (participants will be identified only by first name). Focus groups will follow the discussion boards and will be scheduled at a later date.

ODP continues to seek participants for the DSP and family stakeholder group. Interested individuals should submit their name, agency (if applicable), and contact information to ODP’s Executive Assistant Jordan Kembel electronically.

Stakeholder Groups & Dates

DSP Group

Discussion Board Dates: December 4 – 5, 2025
ODP is seeking DSPs who:

  • Support individuals in 1-person homes and can share their experiences, successes, and challenges;
  • Have helped individuals transition from 1-person to 2+ person homes; and
  • Support individuals with significant behavioral support needs in 2+ person homes.

Family Group

Discussion Board Dates: December 11 – 12, 2025
ODP is seeking family members who have a loved one living in a 1-person licensed home and are willing to share their perspectives and experiences.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

The Pediatric Shift Care Initiative is hosting a stakeholder call on November 14, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am.

Leaders will review progress made on the Pediatric Shift Care Initiative. Guest speakers will include original and new collaborators who continue to bring the mission of the Pediatric Shift Care Initiative to reality.

Feedback from stakeholders regarding the Shift Care Initiative is requested by November 7. Please complete this survey; responses will be shared on the November 14 call.

Meeting information can be found below:

Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 389 339 493 158 2
Passcode: HM6wh7hd
Link to Meeting

Dial in by phone
+1 917-781-4388
Phone conference ID: 830 943 47#
83094347# United States, New York City
Find a local number

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is launching Human Services Helpers, a Substack that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities. Specifically, as DHS implements changes required by the federal government under HR1, Human Services Helpers will share resources and tips to help Pennsylvanians affected by these changes understand what is happening and what they must do to keep their benefits. News on the federal government shutdown and its impact on programs like SNAP and LIHEAP will also be shared through this platform.

Sign up for updates today and be a helper for PA!

Please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director with any questions.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-097 and its accompanying attachments. This communication informs all parties of the importance of supporting individuals in maintaining their eligibility for Medicaid and in verifying an individual’s eligibility for Medicaid prior to delivering services. Read the announcement for details, and view the attachments below: