The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-027. The purpose of this communication is to announce that effective March 1, 2024, PPL is accepting new enrollments and referrals in the VF/EA model of service. Please view the announcement for additional information and details.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-026. The purpose of this announcement is to communicate that registration for the May – August CI Initial Certification Course classes (also known as cohorts) is now open on MyODP. Please view the announcement for information on how to access and register for the trainings.
RCPA submitted comments to the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) regarding the proposed amendments to the Consolidated, Person/Family-Directed Support (P/FDS), Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers to allow providers to request a one-time supplemental payment to cover recruitment, retention, and any unusual staffing expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic for direct support professionals, frontline supervisors, or supports coordinators.
ODP will review and consider all comments received by 11:59 pm today.
While we are grateful for the opportunity for members to access additional funds this fiscal year, we wanted to express our strong belief that the calculation of the dispersal of funds includes the NEA rates. There has been discussion with ODP staff that indicates they may not be including those amounts in the calculation.
Please see our comments and feel free to share your thoughts with ODP as well by 11:59 pm tonight.
ODP Announcement 24-025 provides information regarding the accreditation of MyODP trainings by the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). The NADSP credentialing process is important to DSPs, as it puts them on a path for portable credentialing, creates a career ladder, and is an opportunity to demonstrate an up-to-date and relevant skill set, highlight professional achievements, and document the DSP’s value to the employer and supported individuals.
Training hours (certificates) that were achieved for accredited ODP trainings prior to ODP’s accreditation approval will be accepted and applied towards DSP E-Badge requirements. Accredited trainings available in MyODP will be identified with the “NADSP Accredited DSP Training” icon. The list of Accredited trainings can be found here. Please contact ODP via email with any questions.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce that the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal is now available!
This issue of the Positive Approaches Journal focuses on the aging process in those with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism (ID/A) and mental health. Pennsylvania has seen significant growth in their older adult population, and this trend certainly applies to those with ID/A and mental health.
The articles presented in this issue of the Positive Approaches journal offer insight and expertise into several aspects of the issues that Pennsylvania’s aging population is confronting. Discussion on such key topics as dementia, social isolation, mental health and substance abuse, and the Pennsylvania Master Plan on Aging are addressed.
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 Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) announce the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series, aimed at supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) and mental health needs. The series features presentations on best practices and promising approaches, with session topics chosen based on identified needs and stakeholder input. Registration is free for all professional stakeholders, offering three hours of training credit and a certificate of achievement. Register here. Please send all questions regarding registration electronically.
If you have any further questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
House Resolution 212 (2021), which was adopted June 29, 2022, created a legislative task force on services provided to individuals with intellectual disability, developmental disability, and autism. It directed the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the impact of the Commonwealth’s current needs and system capacity for providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disability, developmental disability, and autism.
The Commission was further directed to establish an advisory committee to assist in its study. The advisory committee included representatives from the Commonwealth agencies, who were charged with the responsibility of overseeing these services, namely the Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Other representatives included individuals and family members of individuals who are receiving home and community-based services or who are on waiting lists for services. Service providers, advocates, self-advocates, a physician, and a representative of the Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services, as well as other interested persons, were also on the advisory committee. Richard Edley, President and CEO of RCPA, and several RCPA members served on this committee.
The committee has completed their work, resulting in their finalized report and one-page summary.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-024. This announcement is to provide instruction to trainers on uploading a new Trainer Attestation grade in the online student courses that will go in effect on March 1, 2024, to provide instruction to trainers on grading observation checks in the Online Student courses, and to advertise the Train-the-Trainer Q2 2024 face-to-face schedule. View the announcement for details.
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