The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared the latest External Acronym Guide. The Acronym Guide is a helpful tool to identify the many acronyms that ODP uses in their communications.
ODP Shares External Acronym Guide
Guide
Comprehensive Guide to EVV, Version 3.0, Now Available
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is thrilled to announce this updated guide, packed with valuable information to support you in navigating EVV requirements effectively.
What’s New in the Version 3.0:
- Clearer Guidance: ODP has improved the guide’s readability so you can locate the information you need more quickly.
- Improved Review: Version 3.0 ensures you are up-to-date with rules by providing a complete overview of the most recent EVV requirements.
- Enhanced Accessibility: To better serve a wide range of users, ODP improved accessibility features, making the guide easier to use for all.
- Streamlined Processes: Based on your feedback, ODP streamlined processes to help you enhance your EVV implementation.
Reminder: Update Your Administration Information!
ODP noticed that many of their quarterly EVV Manual Edit Compliance reports are being returned due to bad addresses. To ensure you receive important updates and reports, please update your administration information in the Sandata Aggregator with your current email address. If you have any questions or need assistance with updating your information, please contact the Sandata EVV Customer Care Portal (Sandata On-Demand).
If you have any questions about the ODP Comprehensive Guide to EVV, please contact the ODP EVV inbox.
ODP Submits PBC Waiver Amendments, Shares PBC Resources
ODP Announcement 24-071 informs stakeholders of the submission of the Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) 1915(b)4 Waiver and 1915(c) Waiver amendments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has included with this announcement multiple documents and resources that are essential for understanding and implementing PBC. The documents are:
- PBC Residential Services Implementation Guide
- PBC Residential Services Provider Self-Assessment Toolkit, which includes:
- Residential Performance-Based Contracting Attestation (fillable form).
Submitted amendments for Consolidated and Community Living 1915(c) and 1915(b)(4) Selective Contracting Waiver for Residential Services are available online. All significant changes resulting from public comments can be found in the PBC Implementation Guide under Appendix A, titled, “Significant Changes to Performance-Based Contracting Proposal as a Result of Public Comment April 20-June 4, 2024.”
As a reminder, all residential providers must sign and return the Residential Provider Agreement to ODP by July 31, 2024. Please direct any questions about this information to ODP electronically.
FEMA Releases Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared this important announcement from FEMA and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI).
In recognition of caregivers’ dedication and commitment to those in their care, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) have created the Disaster Preparedness Guide for Caregivers to help them navigate unique challenges that may arise during disasters.
When forced to evacuate, relocate to emergency shelters, or find temporary housing, care recipients and caregivers require support and services that meet them where they are and account for unmet needs. FEMA is pleased to announce this new guide that focuses on the lived experience of caregivers who often serve as a lifeline for others, whether the skies are blue or gray.
See the new guide for the three essential steps that can help caregivers feel more prepared and in control when disaster strikes.
State Releases New Suicide Prevention Resource Guide
The Jana Marie Foundation, Aevidum, Prevent Suicide PA, Pennsylvania Network for Student Assistance Services (PNSAS), STAR-Center at the University of Pittsburgh, and Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Youth Suicide Prevention Grant are pleased to share a resource guide for communities for National Suicide Prevention Month. Within the month of September, the week of September 10–16 is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Week, with Sunday, September 10 marking World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.”
The resource guide provides examples of activities that you can implement in your organization or community to raise awareness of the importance of suicide prevention. This includes ideas for events, training, social media posts, virtual backgrounds, a sample proclamation, and more.
Please feel free to share this resource guide with partners in your communities that can work together to create hope and prevent suicide.
If you have any questions, please follow up with Perri Rosen or RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
Resource Guide for Supporting Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Now Available
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced the third annual publication of the Resource Guide for Supporting Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Individuals. The purpose of this guide is to offer resources in one central location for those who support or care for someone who is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind and receives supports from ODP. The guide provides some of the most frequently accessed resources to assist in addressing the unique needs of these populations, such as information about American Sign Language (ASL) courses, home modifications, assistive technology, a foundational organizations directory, and so much more!
Development of this guide included input from individuals within the Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing, and hearing communities and will be revised annually by ODP’s Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Advisory Committee. This guide will also be available in the near future on MyODP under Training > Special Populations > Deaf Services.
For questions, please email ODP Deaf Services.
New Clinical Guide From SMI Advisor for Criminal Justice Forensics Populations
Find ways to best support individuals who have serious mental illness (SMI) and are involved with the criminal justice process.
There is a trend toward collaboration among behavioral health clinicians and the criminal justice system. Yet studies show that individuals who have SMI interact with the criminal justice system at higher rates than the general public. In fact, about two in five people who are incarcerated have a history of SMI.
This guide for mental health clinicians helps you better understand the criminal justice system process as it relates to individuals who have SMI. Learn what happens after an individual in your care is arrested or incarcerated. Gather insight on how you can best support and advocate for them.
If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
ODP Services Overview Quick Guide Now Available
ODP Announcement 22-071 serves to inform readers that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Services Overview is now available. This quick guide gives an overview of ODP, program eligibility, who to contact to establish eligibility, and what happens after.
Printable versions in English and Spanish are available. The quick guide is also available on the MyODP and Department of Human Services (DHS) websites.
Creating Inclusive Virtual and Hybrid Apprenticeships
The Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship released a guide on “Creating Inclusive Virtual & Hybrid Apprenticeships: What Apprentice Learned During COVID-19.” This guide discusses how Apprentice, a technology apprenticeship intermediary, successfully transitioned to a 100% virtual environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their experience shows how apprenticeship programs can actively transform their business models to recruit and support apprentices with disabilities. The guide offers valuable insights, approaches and lessons learned to help other organizations shift to remote work. Read “Creating Inclusive Virtual & Hybrid Apprenticeships: What Apprentice Learned During COVID-19” here.
New Edition! Guide to AT Funding Resources in Pennsylvania
NEW EDITION!
Includes 32 NEW Funding Resources for Assistive Technology
We are excited to announce the publication of the long-awaited second edition of our guide, Funding Your Assistive Technology: A Guide to Funding Resources in Pennsylvania.
Assistive technology (AT) empowers people with disabilities to live more independently, work, and participate in the community. However, one of the obstacles for obtaining AT is finding the money to pay for it.
We wrote this guide to help people with disabilities, older Pennsylvanians, and their families navigate the complex web of funding options for AT devices and services in Pennsylvania so they can acquire the AT they want.
We hope this guide will provide the information you need to fund the AT that will make a difference in your life. Download the guide.
New in this edition:
- 32 new public and private funding resources, with 66 total
- Comparison of saving options: PA ABLE and Special Needs Trusts
- Detailed information on how to access AT through PA waivers
Also included:
- Introduction to AT devices and services
- Questions to consider when choosing your AT
- Steps to create a successful AT funding strategy
In addition to the digital version in English (508-compliant PDF), this funding guide will soon be available in other formats:
- English in print
- Spanish in print
- Spanish digital (508-compliant PDF)
Get on the waiting list to receive one of the upcoming versions. Request a copy here.
About Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), founded in 1998, is a statewide non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Alternative Financing Program under the Federal Assistive Technology Act.
PATF provides financing opportunities, education, and advocacy for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians, helping them to acquire assistive technology devices and services that improve the quality of their lives.
