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Policy Areas

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has updated the AAW Provider Information Table to reflect the following updates:

  • The addition of the American Sign Language (ASL)-English Interpreter Service. This new service has been added to ensure effective communication for those participants that utilize ASL.
  • Residential Habilitation Provider Qualifications have been updated to reflect additions designed to ensure all residential providers are financially prepared, new providers have prior experience before delivering residential services, and services will continue without interruption when organizational changes occur at the executive level.
  • Assistive Technology devices that cost less than $750 do not require an independent evaluation by a professional certified by SHIFT, an online education and accreditation platform, but may be completed if the service plan team believes it to be beneficial.
  • Transportation service limit has been increased to $10,000 per participant’s service plan year, which includes both Transportation-Trip and Transportation-Public.
  • The Transportation service section has also been updated to include guidance previously released in ODP Announcement 24-005: Adding the Transportation Service to an Individual Support Plan (ISP) in the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW). The information also includes a change to how Transportation-Public is added to the ISP.
  • The Community Transition service has been updated to allow for non-recurring set-up expenses for individuals who are transitioning from another provider-operated living arrangement to a living arrangement in a private residence where the person is directly responsible for their living expenses.
  • The Career Planning and Supported Employment services sections have been updated to include information previously released in ODP Announcement 20-004: Clarifications and Training Requirements for Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Employment Services.
  • Other updates and changes to AAW services due to the January 1, 2025, Waiver Amendment.

Please view the announcement and table for additional information and details. New services, updated language, and changes to services are highlighted in gray in the table.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has provided information on the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. This program is designed to support individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who are working or interested in working.

Information shared about the program includes:

  • When referrals to a WIPA program are required;
  • How to locate WIPA programs in Pennsylvania; and
  • Benefits Counseling services funded through ODP’s Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family Directed Supports (P/FDS) Waivers.

The WIPA program seeks to help individuals reach their financial and employment goals by:

  • Providing information about available work supports;
  • Offering individualized information about benefits and health insurance; and
  • Explaining the impact working may have on benefits.

Please view the announcement ODPANN 25-001 for additional information and details.

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Every 5 years, the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) is required to develop a State Plan to help guide the work of the Council. The process of creating the next 5-year plan requires PADDC to gather information on the current barriers and concerns in Pennsylvania for those with developmental disabilities and their families. One of the ways they are choosing to gather information is to ask residents of Pennsylvania with a developmental disability, their families, and other involved parties for their input.

The survey will take about 10 minutes of your time. They will use the information from your response to help develop their next state plan. Complete the 5-Year Plan Survey here. Please complete the survey by Friday, March 14, 2025.

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

RCPA is excited to host a Membership Benefits webinar on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes. This is not just for new and future members. For current members, there may be benefits associated with our membership that you may not be aware of, including targeted meetings and groups that occur throughout the year.

Registration is required; please register here to attend the webinar. Items we will review include the below and much more:

  • Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and RCPA lobbyists;
  • Discuss the 2025 Legislative and Administrative priorities;
  • Preview RCPA divisional committee and subcommittee meetings and what they offer;
  • View the RCPA member-only website;
  • Review exclusive yearly educational and networking events; and
  • Understand the value of the National Association memberships included with RCPA membership.

Visit the RCPA member benefits web page for more information, or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit details.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-128, which serves as a guide for American Sign Language (ASL) — English Interpreter services available starting January 1, 2025.

The American Sign Language (ASL) — English Interpreter Service is for individuals in an ODP waiver who utilize ASL. Interpreting is the process of conveying English in grammatically correct American Sign Language and the process of conveying American Sign Language in English.

This service is available to individuals in the:

  • Consolidated Waiver;
  • Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver;
  • Community Living Waiver; and
  • Adult Autism Waiver.

This guide provides information on the service and its requirements. It can be found under the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind section on MyODP.

Questions can be sent to the ODP Deaf Services inbox.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared communication ODPANN 24-129. This announcement informs potential providers and stakeholders of changes to the enrollment process for NEW providers seeking to offer Residential Habilitation, Life Sharing, and Supported Living services in the Consolidated or Community Living Waivers by December 31, 2024. Potential new providers will not be eligible to provide residential services effective January 1, 2025. Enrollment for new providers of these services is closed.

Please view the announcement for information and details.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared an important online training that is being offered through the Western Region Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) called “Internet Safety for Self-Advocates.”

This online training was developed for both those we support and their supporters. An overview of internet safety is reviewed and discussed. Different topics each week range from social media to dating sites to pornography use and even scams. Various safety skills are reviewed, and tips are provided on using the internet more wisely and safely.

There will be six sessions.

Who is expected to attend?
Self-advocates can attend privately or can have a support person with them.

Training Dates:

  • Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Tuesday, March 18, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

To enroll, please call 724-283-0990.

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Hands touching in a circle
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal.

This issue of the Positive Approaches Journal takes a deep dive into the importance of community safety and wellness for individuals and families. Topics include emergency preparedness, interventions and programs for youth, justice and community supports and services, and navigating crises situations. Remember, a community that prioritizes health, safety, and well-being is one that thrives and prospers.

This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading at MyODP’s website. To print a copy of the PDF, online journal, or a specific article, you will find these options within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page. A new window will open with your selected document. In your browser, you may click the Print button in the top left corner of the page, or by using the Print capability within your browser.

Please submit feedback regarding your experience with the Positive Approaches Journal on MyODP by selecting the feedback image on MyODP within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page.

The Positive Approaches Journal is published quarterly. For additional information, please contact ODP Training’s inbox.

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