Governor Shapiro Proclaims Sept. 8–14 DSP Appreciation Week
Proclamation
Governor Shapiro Proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month
Governor Shapiro and ODP Highlight the Move Your Way Campaign
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and Governor Josh Shapiro’s office invite you to Move Your Way! To acknowledge the National Day of Exercise and ODP’s new campaign to encourage physical activity, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a proclamation, which recognized April 18, 2024, as Move Your Way Day.
What is Move Your Way?
Move Your Way is the physical activity campaign based on the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. It offers tools and resources for individuals and professionals to learn about the Physical Activity Guidelines, share its key messages, and encourage individuals to become more active. Recognizing the health disparities and co-existing medical conditions experienced by many individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism, ODP is promoting Move Your Way in cooperation with the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Becoming more physically active can help lead to happier, healthier lives.
How Can You Move Your Way?
Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts. And it all adds up.
Find what works for you! Walking, dancing, gardening, swimming, and stretching are just a few suggestions for weekly movement.
Adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy: moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 150 minutes a week, and muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days a week. Do activities that make your muscles work harder than usual.
What’s Your Move?
Do you have a weekly movement routine? Share your story with us!
Email ODP, and they may feature your story on MyODP News Online!
Governor Issues Proclamation for Autism Acceptance Month
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a proclamation declaring April as Autism Acceptance Month. The proclamation recognizes the many individuals on the autism spectrum, their abilities and contributions, and their inclusion within the community. You can view the proclamation here.
Governor Shapiro Proclaims March 2024 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Governor Shapiro Proclaims March 2024 as Brain Injury Awareness Month
On February 20, 2024, Governor Shapiro signed the proclamation to signify March 2024 as Brain Injury Awareness month. Members are encouraged to share this proclamation or post it within their organizations so clients and families can be aware of this event.
Governor Shapiro Announces Juvenile Justice Week Proclamation
The Juvenile Justice Week proclamation, signed by Governor Shapiro, designates October 1–7, 2023, as Juvenile Justice Week, calling on Pennsylvanians, government agencies, institutions, and schools to raise awareness and understanding of juvenile justice. The proclamation highlights the mission and principles of Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system. It emphasizes the importance of providing balanced attention to community protection, offender accountability, and the rehabilitation of juveniles within the system. The proclamation also underscores the principles of restorative justice, with a focus on repairing harm to crime victims and communities and ensuring that all parties involved, including victims and offenders, receive tangible benefits from their interactions with the juvenile justice system. Lastly, it emphasizes fair and unbiased treatment in all aspects within the system.
Governor Shapiro Proclaims Sept. 10–16 as Direct Support Professionals Week
Message from ODP Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens:
It is a great source of pride for me that my career in this field began with work as a direct support professional (DSP). More than 30 years ago I was a DSP, first in a private family home and then in residential programs. I know firsthand how difficult the work can be, how exhausting it can be when pulled in to work extra shifts because of staffing shortages. I also know how rewarding it can be when you support someone to live life the way they want or help them achieve something they have worked for, no matter how big or small that achievement is.
The work of DSPs is challenging work. Here in the commonwealth, with our commitment to the vision of Everyday Lives for people with disabilities, we ask a great deal of our DSPs. We ask DSPs to support people with their often complicated medical and behavioral needs and with their physical, social and emotional needs. We ask DSPs to assist people to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with others in the community. We ask DSPs to support people, regardless of how high their support needs are, to live Everyday Lives like any other Pennsylvanian.
With this background, I am pleased to share with you Governor Shapiro’s proclamation that September 10-16 is Direct Support Professional Week honoring the profession and DSPs throughout the commonwealth.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month — View Governor Wolf’s 2022 Proclamation