The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared an update to the following training: Sensory Regulation and Communication. The training will now be held on March 28, 2024, from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. In addition to the rescheduled date, please note that participants are now being asked to register for the session. You can register for the training here.
All sessions are scheduled from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
In this second annual ODP Employment Regional Symposium, participants will hear from employers about how, what, and why they hired individuals with developmental disabilities. Individuals who are employed and their teams will describe how having a job made a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. Representatives from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), and the Bureau of Special Education will discuss collaboration across systems and offices with a focus on things that you thought might not be possible.
Who should attend?
Anyone interested in advancing the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities including but not limited to: current and future employers, self-advocates, local education authorities, intermediate units, ODP employment/community participation support/residential providers, supports coordinators, administrative entities transition counselors, regional employment coalitions, and OVR business liaisons.
Boxed lunches will be provided. Morning beverages and snacks are on your own.
Registration information will be sent in a separate ODP Announcement.
This is a reminder that ODP is requiring Residential Providers and Support Coordination Organizations (SCO) to provide a PDF of their fiscal year-end financial statements. Providers and SCOs will be given nine months after the end of their fiscal year to make the initial submission. For example, if the provider’s fiscal year ended on 6/30/2023, their financial statements must be submitted by 03/31/2024. The link for the statement form is here. You can view the ODP announcement with further details and information here.
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.
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