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Policy Areas

October starts the PA Family Network’s series on technology. Technology has become a major part of all our lives. For people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, technology can offer opportunities for independence, entertainment, choice, and control. Remote Supports are also now offered, providing more opportunities for services that can increase independence. Join the discussion as we talk about how technology and remote supports and can impact an Everyday Life! These workshops are created by family members and self-advocates FOR family members and self-advocates.

Register for upcoming events here.

October Workshops

LifeCourse Workshops

Waiver Workshops

Community Engagement Workshops (These are offered twice each day and won’t be repeated.)

Support Groups

October is just around the corner, and that means the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity will be here before you know it! You’ll want to register today, as you’ll be able to reserve your seat in exciting, engaging workshops for CE credits as well as gain access to the mobile app when launched. Our mobile app will allow you to create your schedule, begin networking, and interact with sponsors and exhibitors up to a week prior to the first day of conference! View the registration brochure for full details, and note that hotel rooms are quickly filling, so if you have difficulties making your reservation, please contact Carol FerenzRegister directly to claim your seat at the conference today!

We also wish to extend our thanks to those organizations that have contributed and shown their support! View our full list of sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website! We look forward to seeing everyone at the Hershey Lodge!

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Governor Shapiro’s Office has launched a new phone number, which will allow him and his Administration to communicate directly with Pennsylvanians on important updates and hear from them on issues impacting them and their families. This communication is made possible through Community, an SMS engagement platform that connects elected officials, businesses, public figures, and sports teams to their audiences through unique 10-digit phone numbers. 

Why is the Governor launching this number?  

Governor Shapiro fundamentally believes there should be no wrong door to access government, whether you are calling an office, walking into a government building, or (now!) sending a text. The Governor has made meeting Pennsylvanians where they are a key aspect of his Administration — from connecting with Pennsylvanians everyday on social media to engaging content creators around important events and updates.  

How do I sign up to receive texts? 

Signing up is easy — all you have to do is text 717-788-8990, or visit this link! Make sure you follow the prompts after you text to continue receiving messages from the Governor. 

RCPA members are encouraged to participate in the ID/A Workforce Compensation study conducted by and in collaboration with the Center for Healthcare Solutions. The Center for Healthcare Solutions performed the survey that we supported last year, as well. This study is being done jointly with several other statewide and regional associations, and we are hoping that providers across Pennsylvania will participate in order to provide adequate data for use in advocacy efforts to improve conditions for our workforce. This also presents an opportunity to have comparative data.

The scope of this survey and the report generated from it will address compensation practices for 46 positions, including Direct Support Professionals (DSP), supports coordinators, frontline supervisors, clinical positions, program specialists, facilities staff, and administrative personnel. It will also provide data on staff vacancies and turnovers that continue to impact care and services across Pennsylvania.

Any ID/A employer in Pennsylvania is eligible to participate in the survey and will receive the published report, which will also be provided to the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). As always, CFHS follows all FTC/DOJ guidelines to de-identify data and maintain confidentiality. If you are a member of multiple associations, you only need to complete the survey once.

Two files are included: the input form and the general instructions for filling out the input form. Completed surveys may be emailed to Steve Forest or uploaded via SFTP (information included in the instructions) by Friday, September 22. The published report is expected to be issued on Friday, October 6.

Additionally, the workshop to review the survey on Thursday, September 7 was recorded and can be viewed if you would like more information.


Steve Forest, MPH | Director, Data Analysis and Special Projects
Center for Healthcare Solutions (formerly the Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania)
11279 Perry Highway, Suite 505 | Wexford, PA 15090 (new address)
Phone: 878-217-1764 | Email

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing is calling for support to address the ongoing mental health and substance use crises. They are organizing a virtual advocacy event called Hill Day on October 18 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST, where participants can urge elected officials to focus on key issues such as the behavioral health workforce shortage, establishing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) into federal law, expanding access to substance use care, and investing in crisis care infrastructure. Register for the event today!