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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-115, to announce that registration is now open for ODP’s January–April 2025 Virtual QM Certification Classes.

2025 WINTER/SPRING CLASS DATES:

  • January 8–9, 2025
  • January 22–23, 2025
  • February 5–6, 2025
  • February 19–20, 2025
  • March 5–6, 2025
  • Mar 19–20, 2025
  • April 23–24, 2025

Classes are held over two consecutive days, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Participants must attend, with camera on, the entire time and complete the post-test with a score of at least 84% to obtain ODP QM certification status. Please review the announcement for additional details.

In our continuing unified efforts to advocate for the needs of individuals, families, direct support professionals, and everyone across the ID/A community, we are pleased to announce our participation in a joint study of the ID/A workforce to compile the latest data and information. Following our September 25 letter to Governor Shapiro, we believe it is critically important to complement our budget request by collecting current data following the enactment of the current state fiscal year budget, and the recent implementation of new fee schedule rates. You may download the survey and the instructions for its completion here.

The deadline to submit completed surveys is Friday December 20, and the final report will be published on January 17, 2025. Questions and completed surveys should be sent directly to Steve Forest, who is the lead analyst compiling our data and producing the final report. All information and data will be maintained in the strictest confidence, and no individual provider information will be identified in the final report or disclosed to any other parties. The final report will be issued publicly and available for your individual needs and use as well.

We encourage everyone to complete the survey so that we may all work together to advance our budget advocacy, and use the acquired information to continue our meaningful dialogue with public officials and stakeholders across our community. Thank you in advance for your participation.

With gratitude and appreciation,
The ID/A Associations

Let’s Celebrate! It’s Assistive Technology Awareness Month

It’s officially Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, a time to celebrate how assistive technology (AT) empowers people to control their lives and their futures.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is committed to helping Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older adults acquire the AT devices and services they need to live, work, and thrive.

We are extremely grateful to receive Governor Josh Shapiro’s proclamation declaring November AT Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. The proclamation reads in part:

 

“Whereas, Pennsylvanians with disabilities of all ages may need assistive technology devices and services to live independently and productively, as well as to participate fully in affairs of their communities…and assistive technology devices and services allow people to work, attend school, play, and live in the community of their choice…”

“Whereas, Pennsylvania is a leader in the development and implementation of assistive technology programs for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older residents, through assistance from organizations that provide valuable information and assistance, financial education, and the financing for the purchase of assistive technology and services.”

“Therefore, I, Josh Shapiro, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim November 2024 to be Assistive Technology Awareness Month. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to become aware of the many ways in which assistive technologies contribute to the health, happiness, independence, and future of our family, friends, and neighbors.”

 

CEO Will Hall says the proclamation is a testament to the important work we do at PATF:

“We are honored to have received the Governor’s proclamation. Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation is a steadfast advocate for people with disabilities and older adults who have unmet needs for AT. Meeting these needs is necessary to ensuring Pennsylvania is a place where people can contribute to their own growth and to the growth of our communities,” says Hall.

Registration for the January–April 2025 CI Initial Certification Course classes (also known as cohorts) is now open in MyODP. The Initial CI Certification Course was created to ensure that all incidents requiring an investigation receive a systematic review that meets established standards. To perform investigations, the CI candidate must successfully complete all requirements of the CI Initial Certification Course. Please see communication ODPANN 24-114 for additional information and details.

Thank you for sharing these important workshops and Good Life Groups with your network! Register for upcoming events here.

Support Groups

LifeCourse Workshops

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), in collaboration with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), would like to invite you to monthly NADSP meetings. These meetings will provide you the opportunity to:

  • Gather information;
  • Network and learn from providers who have been utilizing NADSP; and
  • Learn what the NADSP accreditations has to offer your agency.

Join your region’s sessions to network with your peers who are utilizing NADSP and have the opportunity to speak directly with Kathy Brown from NADSP and Shauna Blee from ODP/NADSP State Lead.

NADSP Region Work Group

These work group meetings are held biweekly on Teams, either join by your region or the meeting time that works best for your schedule. Below are the links for each region.

Central Region:

Fourth Tuesday of the month 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
(starting December 24)
Teams Meeting ID: 286 161 118 136 Passcode: oTdFRx
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 607 776 646#

Southeast Region:

Fourth Wednesday of the month 11:00 am – 11:30 am
(being held on December 26 due to holiday)
Teams Meeting ID: 242 883 857 637 Passcode: cGHrGc
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 190 449 027#

Northeast Region:

Third Wednesday of the month 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
(being held on December 26 due to holiday)
Teams Meeting ID: 214 554 253 188 Passcode: qvyY8D
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 133 202 186#

Western Region:

Second Thursday of the month 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
(starting December 12)
Teams Meeting ID: 210 442 181 474 Passcode: f6RU3u
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 671 818 960#

Western Region:

Third Friday of the month 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
(starting December 20)
Teams Meeting ID: 263 772 563 305 Passcode: LsChA2
or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 452 857 919#

NADSP Special Topics Work Group
Navigating the NADSP E-Badge Academy for Local Admins
Tuesday November 19, 2024, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Teams Meeting ID: 273 361 077 264 Passcode: cL2YqD
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 961 377 039#

Need assistance joining the meetings or have questions?
Email Shauna Blee.