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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

The 2024 RCPA Conference Embracing Challenges, Empowering Success kicks off in just a few days, and it’s your very last chance to contact RCPA and register to gain access to speakers who work on the cutting edge of health and human services.

In addition to keynote and plenary speakers as well as educational and interactive workshops, RCPA is hosting a variety of events throughout each day that will only be available to those onsite at the Hershey Lodge!

Tuesday, Sept. 24:

  • During the afternoon, the Oral Health + Disability Exhibit will highlight the urgent need for inclusive dental care for people with disabilities.
  • Attendees will join RCPA staff, Conference Committee members, and colleagues at the Welcome Reception for hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and plenty of networking opportunities!
Wednesday, Sept. 25:
  • The Association Awards Luncheon will recognize Rep. Eric Nelson, Kim Sonafelt, and Mike Hopkins for their dedication, commitment, and leadership in health and human services.
  • Throughout the day, the Bodhana Group, a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in York, will be on hand to discuss their mission of using tabletop games for education, skill building, and therapy.
Thursday, Sept. 26:
  • With Connections Hall open, attendees will have the day between sessions to explore exhibit booths, participate in the mobile app game, and enjoy both breakfast and lunch with RCPA staff and colleagues.
  • Silent Auction items will be distributed this day. Attendees will have a chance to earn prizes while supporting the RCPA PAC, which provides financial support to state legislators who have demonstrated a strong, consistent, and positive interest in our issues and priorities.

All of these and more will only be available onsite for in-person attendees. If you haven’t registered yet, registrations with credit card information included may be faxed to the office until September 20 at 5:00 pm, fax number 717-364-3287. Registration and payment for the RCPA conference is accepted on-site at the Hershey Lodge and Conference Center, provided space and materials remain available. Questions regarding registration should be directed to Allison Brognia, Conference Registrar.

Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, or RCPA with any additional questions. We look forward to seeing you at the Hershey Lodge!

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared an updated version of ODPANN 23-083. This bulletin announces the availability and criteria for Needs Group 5 (NG5) residential fee schedule rates and reissues the criteria, process, and procedures for residential fee schedule rate exceptions in the Consolidated Waiver. Please view the announcement for updated information, which has been highlighted red.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-064, which notifies Trainers and Learners that the start of the Medication Administration (MA) system upgrade has been delayed. The upcoming system upgrade for the Medication Administration system will be starting Thursday, October 10, 2024, and ending Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Please view the announcement for details. Updates are indicated in red.

October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate and promote inclusive work environments. Join the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for an insightful discussion on the history of NDEAM, the Employment First movement, and Pennsylvania’s commitment to advancing inclusive employment opportunities. Discover how Employment First has shaped ODP’s evolving supports and services, empowering individuals with disabilities to secure and sustain competitive, integrated employment, and supporting access to good jobs for everyone.

Audience:
All Stakeholders

Dates:
October 25, 2024
11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Register Here

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced that on September 30 Lynn Pascoa will join ODP as the Director of the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP). Lynn is a dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in human services, specializing in mental health and community support. Lynn comes to ODP from Dauphin County, where she has served as the Children’s Mental Health Program Specialist playing a pivotal role in leading system planning for mental health services for children and adolescents, particularly children with autism. Read more here.

Online registration has officially closed for the 2024 RCPA Conference. Registrations with credit card information included may be faxed to the office at 717-364-3287 until September 20 at 5:00 pm. Registration and payment for the RCPA conference is accepted on-site at the Hershey Lodge and Conference Center, provided space and materials remain available. Questions regarding registration should be directed to Allison Brognia, Conference Registrar.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) will be conducted virtually on a three-day schedule that will include presentations and panels from subject matter experts, providers, self-advocates, and families. This conference will provide professionals working directly with children and/or adults with autism with tools, strategies, and resources to help provide the most effective support. Personal narratives will be interspersed throughout the conference in an effort to highlight the perspective of the individual.

REGISTER TODAY

The conference schedule, including speakers, topics and session descriptions, is available at the registration link.

Full admission is $10.00 for professionals and allows access to all conference sessions over all three days. Admission is cost-free for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

For additional information about the conference, and access to resources, personal stories, and other features during the conference, please visit this page on MyODP.

Registration questions can be sent via email.