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Policy Areas

Lawmakers are hearing from us.

Since the governor unveiled his 2022/23 budget proposal in February, more than 3,327 individuals have contacted their local state senators and representatives urging them to address the workforce crisis affecting Pennsylvania’s human services sectors.

Now we want them to see us, too.

Our new video is airing on television in select markets and getting shared widely across social media channels. VISIT HERE to watch the TV spot.

April is a critical month for us. With budget hearings finished, the House and Senate are in session for only a few weeks before they take a break again to campaign for the May 17 primary election.

Make sure they hear from you today.

If you haven’t done so already, please reach out and urge lawmakers to increase funding to support human services professionals so individuals and families in need get the support and care they deserve. Ask your networks to do the same.

And be sure to share our video on your social media pages, too.

It’s so important for us to share the story about how this workforce crisis is affecting individuals and families in need, as well as the providers and professionals who want to serve them.

To share the video, check out our Facebook and Twitter pages where we have the videos posted. Be sure to “like” it and share it with your followers. Don’t forget to tag @directcareworks and use the #DirectCarePA and #PABudget hashtags so we can ensure as many people as possible see it.

Most importantly, TAKE ACTION TODAY. Tell lawmakers to increase funding to address the workforce crisis facing Pennsylvania’s health and human services.

Thank you for your continued support.

RCPA invites you to sponsor, exhibit, and advertise for the in-person 2022 Conference: “Together!” Our event will focus on face-to-face sessions and networking, with a mobile app available for attendees to connect with vendors, sponsors, and exhibitors on-site. Please note that there will be no hybrid or virtual-only options. This event will be in-person only with no plans to change to virtual. We want to focus on being Together!

2022 Virtual Everyday Lives Conference

An Everyday Life in a Changing World: A Focus on Wellness and Resilience
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs invites you to register for the 2022 Virtual Everyday Lives Conference! The Everyday Lives Conference seeks to provide valuable information to individuals with an intellectual disability and/or autism, their families, and support professionals to help empower individuals to live their ideal everyday lives.

Registration
The conference is free for individuals and families, and $50 for professionals. Registration allows access to all virtual conference sessions. To register online, visit the Everyday Lives website and click on the Registration tab. You can also mail in your registration using the form attached.

Conference Lineup
The conference lineup, including presenters and presentation topics, is now available to view at the Everyday Lives website under the Schedule tab.

Conference Dates and Tracks

May 17, 2022
Communication and Connection

May 24–May 25, 2022
Community of Practice for Supporting Families
Regional Collaborative Summit

June 1, 2022
Supportive Technology

June 8–June 9, 2022
Dual Diagnosis

June 16, 2022
Employment

This announcement is to inform stakeholders of ARPA funds that are available to AEs to disperse in order to meet Respite and/or the Family Driven Support Services (FDSS) needs of individuals on the waiting list who do not currently receive waiver funded services. This communication is intended to:

  • Describe eligibility criteria for the use of these funds;
  • Describe eligible expenditures;
  • Describe responsibilities of counties in allocating funding; and
  • Describe reporting requirements.

An FAQ is included to address common questions about this program as well as a Family Support Funds tracker for reporting use of the funds.