The Office of Developmental Programs has created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage for stakeholders to stay up to date with updates and r-resources from ODP.

Please also visit MyODP News Online for new articles related Coronavirus (COVID-19).

ODP Announcement 21-018 REISSUE: Quality Management (QM) Recertification for ODP QM Certificate Holders

-To remind ODP QM Certificate Holders of QM Recertification requirements for those who were initially certified or recertified in 2019. Recertification is required every two years.

ODP Announcement 00-21-01: Guidance for Human Rights Teams and Human Rights Committees

-This bulletin clarifies requirements and provides best practice recommendations for the use of HRTs and HRCs to protect individual rights and for the review of restrictive procedures.

ODP Announcement 21-019: COVID-19--Updated Government Benefits and Representative Payee Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-To announce updates to the Government Benefits and Representative Payee Services FAQs.

ODP Announcement 21-020: Incident Management Bulletin Webinars

-The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will be releasing the new Incident Management Bulletin on March 1, 2021. 

ODP Announcement 00-21-01: Bulletin 00-21-01 Guidance for Human Rights Teams and Human Rights Committees - Reissue

-This bulletin clarifies regulatory requirements and provides best practice recommendations for the development and implementation of HRTs and HRCs. 

ODP Announcement 21-021: COVID-19--Managing the Impact of Temporary Enhanced Rates for Community Participation Support and Transportation Trip on Individual Support Plans (ISP) and Annual Fiscal Limits

-To provide guidance to stakeholders on managing the impact of temporary enhanced rates for Community Participation Support (CPS) and Transportation Trip Services on Individual Support Plans (ISP) and annual fiscal limits (also referred to as waiver caps).

Improving Patient-Provider Communication for Autistic Individuals with Complex Communication Needs

-ASD@PSU will hold their Monthly Seminar Series on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, from Noon-1:00 pm. 

Police and Autism Community Training and Resources

-Police Autism Community Trainings (PACT), a Kentucky based non-profit organization aimed at advocating and raising awareness about autism in the community, has a variety of relevant resources on their website.

BEST PRACTICE STANDARDS IN BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT

-The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) recognizes that effective, quality behavioral support must be grounded in and informed by basic, broadly accepted knowledge and processes. 

Immediate Action Required--COVID 19 Vaccine Information Needed!

-Complete the requested information for each home operated by your agency, save the sheet, and send it as an attachment to ra-pw6100regadmin@pa.gov.

PA Department of Human Services (DHS) COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

-The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is working closely with other commonwealth agencies to assist in the distribution of vaccines to the populations we serve and providers to those populations.

New MyODP Podcast: Guest Series with Jordan Hollander: A Few Thoughts About Thoughts

-This is the first episode in a three-part series with our first guest, Jordan Hollander.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from February 8, 2021 through February 23, 2021

Thank you for following MyODP Communications!

The Office of Developmental Programs has created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage for stakeholders to stay up to date with updates and r-resources from ODP.

Please also visit MyODP News Online for new articles related Coronavirus (COVID-19).

-To inform all AAW SCOs, whose last digit of their Master Provider Index (MPI) number is 0, 1, or 2 that they must submit their qualification documentation to the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP) after February 1st but no later than March 31st of this year in order to meet requirements of 55 PA Code.

ODP Announcement 20-101 UPDATE: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-- Temporary Closure of Older Adult Daily Living Centers, Structured Day Habilitation, and Licensed Facilities Where Community Participation Support is Provided Due to Community Spread

-To provide temporary closure guidance to Older Adult Daily Living Centers, Structured Day Programs, LIFE Day Centers, Adult Training Facilities and Vocational Facilities related to the community spread of COVID-19 

ODP Announcement 21-014: Notice of a Change to the Federal Requirement of Transportation Costs for 2021

-The announcement provides the 2021 Federal rate of reimbursement per mile for travel and provides instruction on how to modify claims to account for the new rate.

ODP Announcement 21-015: New Orientation for Adult Autism Waiver Supports Coordination Organizations

-To inform SCOs of a new orientation curriculum on MyODP for Supports Coordinators (SC) and SC Supervisors serving participants in the AAW.

ODP Announcement 21-016: COVID-19 - Guidance for Maintaining Regulatory Compliancy in CPS facilities

-This announcement provides guidance to licensed Community Participation Support (CPS) Facilities about maintaining compliance with 55 Pa. Code Chapters 2380 and 2390 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ODP 20-088 UPDATE: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)--Guidance on Masks, Close Contact, Screening, and Handwashing

-To provide updated guidance on face-coverings, close contact, screening protocols, and handwashing procedures for all stakeholders. 

ODP Announcement 21-017:Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)--Temporary Fee Schedule Rates for Community Participation Support and Transportation Trip Services

-To announce the implementation of temporary changes to the Fee Schedule Rates for Community Participation Support services rendered through the Consolidated, Community Living and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) waivers.

Vaccinations: Unpaid Caregivers Attestation Information

- The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is passing along this information for any unpaid caregivers in need of COVID vaccination. On January 19, 2021, Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan V.

ODP COVID-19 Update: Vaccination Webinar for All Stakeholders

-Join ODP Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens and Medical Director Gregory Cherpes for a general update on vaccination rollout.

Vaccine Information for Individuals Without Internet Access

-Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Human Services would like to share resources surrounding COVID-19 vaccine information for individuals that have limited or no internet access.

SAVE THE DATE: Everyday Lives 2021 Virtual Conference

-The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs, invites you to Save the Date and participate in the statewide Everyday Lives Conference. 

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from  through January 24, 2021 through February 6, 2021

Thank you for following MyODP Communications!

The Office of Developmental Programs has created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage for stakeholders to stay up to date with updates and r-resources from ODP.

Please also visit MyODP News Online for new articles related Coronavirus (COVID-19).

ODP Announcement 20-114 UPDATE (Obsoletes 20-102): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)--Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Modifications to Medication Administration Course Requirements as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic

- Per ODP Announcement 20-032, 55 Pa. Code Chapters 2380, 2390, 6100, and 6400 provide that a staff person can administer medications to individuals if the staff person successfully completes an ODP-approved medication administration training course.

ODP Announcement 20-115: Open for Public Comment: Proposed Amendments to the Office of Developmental Programs’ Waivers

- The purpose of this communication is to announce that the proposed amendments to the Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers are available for public review and comment. There is a 30-day public comment period that starts on December 18, 2020 and ends on January 18, 2021

ODP 20-116: Medication Administration Train-the-Trainer Course – Scheduled Maintenance

- To announce scheduled maintenance on the Medication Administration Train-the-Trainer course will occur 12/28/2020 from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Support Broker Certification Training January 2021

-This training provides prospective Supports Brokers with information they need to understand Participant-Directed Services (PDS) and the role the Support Broker plays in helping people be successful with directing their own services.

ODP Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) Protocols for Supports Coordinators Webinar

-Pre-registration is required. Please use the links above to register for the session.

A Message from the Secretary - COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan

- In recent weeks, the Department of Health has significantly ramped up efforts to prepare for a safe and efficacious vaccine rollout to Pennsylvania. During this preparation, DOH has assembled the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Interim Vaccination Plan. 

Bulletin 00-20-04 Participant Directed Services Agency With Choice Financial Management Services Model

-This bulletin obsoletes and replaces ODP Bulletin 00-08-08, Agency With Choice Financial Management Services (AWC FMS).

 Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) Guidance: Infection Prevention and Control Considerations for Healthcare Personnel with Signs and Symptoms Following COVID-19 Vaccination

- The Pennsylvania Department of Health is providing guidance for responding to signs and symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare personnel (HCP). 

COVID-19 Surge Contingency Planning: Guidance for AEs

-This guidance was developed  to support AEs to facilitate discussions with providers about staffing contingency plans in anticipation of extreme stresses on residential providers during and after the surge of COVID-19.

Joint Health Risk Screening/Office of Developmental Programs Protocol for Supports Coordinators Webinar

-These sessions will review ODP’s expectations related to the use of the Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST), as well as provide thorough instruction on use of the tool. 

Reducing Food Insecurity and Nutrition-Related Chronic Diseases During COVID Among Medicaid HCBS Beneficiaries

-ACL and CMS host a monthly webinar series that invites subject matter experts and practitioners from across the home-and-community-based services (HCBS) spectrum to share insights and best practices to develop high quality HCBS services and programs.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information from PA DOH

-This site contains important information regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine. Please share this information widely.

Thresholds for Community Spread Report

-The publication of the Threshold for Community Spread Report will follow publication of DOH’s updated Dashboard numbers, which is available on Friday of each week.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from  through December 14, 2020 through December 25, 2020

Thank you for following MyODP Communications!

The Office of Developmental Programs has created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage for stakeholders to stay up to date with updates and r-resources from ODP.

Please also visit MyODP News Online for new articles related Coronavirus (COVID-19).

ODPANN 20-106 REISSUE: ODP Non-Residential Heightened Scrutiny Announcement

--The purpose of this communication is to release for public comment the non-residential service locations.

ODP Announcement 20-107: Revised Timeline for Incident Management Bulletin and Enterprise Incident Management (EIM) System Enhancements

-To provide updated issuance and effective dates for the revised Incident Management Bulletin and subsequent changes to the Enterprise Incident Management system.

ODP Announcement 20-108: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Version 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) Requirements During the COVID-19 Pandemic

-To communicate additional and updated guidance through version 3 of “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ODP’s Requirements During the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

-ODP Staff and Contractors are encouraged to join Medical Director Dr. Gregory Cherpes for a brief webinar focused on safety measures for the upcoming holiday season in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New MYODP Podcast: Making Good Old Fashioned Happiness

-What is happiness and why is it important for supporters to think about how we help people make happiness in their lives? We will talk about those habits that can increase happiness and, in turn, positively impact one's physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Visual Gestural Communication: Module 1

-ODP is happy to announce publication of our first online Visual Gestural Communication (VGC) training module! Over 8,000 individuals supported in the ODP system have VGC listed as their primary mode of communication.

ODP Act 24 Allowable Costs and updated FAQs

-On May 29, 2020, Governor Wolf signed Act 24 of 2020, which allocates funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act – also known as the CARES Act – to assist providers with COVID-19 related costs.

Things to consider when supporting a Deaf-Blind individual during COVID-19

-Please see the attached resource from our friends in Special Populations and ASERT on things to consider when supporting a Deaf-Blind individual during COVID-19.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from  through November 2nd through November 13, 2020

Thank you for following MyODP Communications!

The Office of Developmental Programs has created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage for stakeholders to stay up to date with updates and r-resources from ODP.

Please also visit MyODP News Online for new articles related Coronavirus (COVID-19).

ODP Announcement 20-102 : Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Modifications to Medication Administration Course Requirements as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic

-The announcement provides guidance on medication administration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ODP Announcement 20-103: Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) New Individual Support Plan (ISP) Signature Form

- This communication notifies SCs, SC supervisors, providers and other interested parties of the new ISP Signature Form (DP 1032 AAW).

ODP Announcement 20-104: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Version 2 of the Operational Guide for Appendix K: Emergency Preparedness and Response for the Community Living, Consolidated, and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waivers

-To announce updated operational guidance to implement services through Appendix K flexibilities approved for the Community Living, Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ODP Monthly Trainings - November 2020 Virtual Trainings

-The Office of Developmental Programs is pleased to announce its November trainings.

Supports Broker Certification Training Virtual Classes

-This 2-part training provides prospective Supports Brokers with information they need to understand Participant-Directed Services (PDS) and the role the Support Broker plays in helping people be successful with directing their own services.

Interim Act 24 Reporting Extended to October 28, 2020

-DHS is extending the deadline for the Interim Act 24 Reporting to October 28. 

Person Driven Planning for Life after High School – Meeting the Needs of All

-4 Sessions sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education.

Thresholds of Community Spread Report

-Attached is the Thresholds for Community Spread Report as described in ODP Announcement 20-101.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from October 12th through October 23rd, 2020.

Thank you for following MyODP Communications!

The Office of Developmental Programs has created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage for stakeholders to stay up to date with updates and r-resources from ODP.

Please also visit MyODP News Online for new articles related Coronavirus (COVID-19).

ODP Announcement 20-095: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Community Participation Support (CPS)

-To provide a revision to Announcement 20-074 published on June 17, 2020 related to CPS retainer payments.

MyODP News Online Weekly Digest - September 18^th

- MyODP News Online Weekly Digest is sent each week and contains our Front Page News stories.

ODP Monthly Trainings - October 2020 Virtual Trainings

-Announcing the October 2020 Virtual Training Schedule.

PATC Reminder: Register Today!

-Registration is now open for the 2020 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC)

New MyODP Podcast: Beyond Keeping Someone Safe: A Supporter's Purpose

-We will discuss the influence you have on the people you support and challenge you to think beyond just safety

MyODP News Online Weekly Digest - September 25^th

- MyODP News Online Weekly Digest is sent each week and contains our Front Page News stories.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from September 14th through September 25th, 2020.

Thank you for following MyODP Communications!

September 14, 2020

Welcome to MyODP News Online Weekly Digest. If you previously received the monthly newsletter via listserv, you will now receive this abstract of our online news instead. MyODP News Online Weekly Digest is sent each Friday and contains our Front Page News stories. Story suggestions and/or comments about MyODP News Online may be sent to:  ra-pwmyodp@pa.gov

PATC 2020 Registration Now Open!

ODP's Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) will be taking the virtual stage in late September through early October.

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DSP Appreciation Week: September 13-19, 2020

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) assist, support, and care for individuals who require help in their daily lives and routines. The week of September 13 -19 is a chance to honor the contributions our DSPs make during Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Governor Wolf issued a proclamation to bring awareness to the extraordinary contributions these individuals make in the lives of the elderly, veterans, and those with intellectual, developmental, or other disabilities.

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Sexual Abuse During the COVID-19

Op-ed by Beverly Frantz, Temple University Institute on Disabilities Director of Criminal Justice and Sexuality Initiatives

As Pennsylvania has eased restrictions and begun to lift stay-at-home orders the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization expects the need for sexual assault support and services to increase as the pandemic continues. Scott Berkowitz, president of RAINN reported, “As we saw throughout the early weeks of the pandemic, many children lost access to trusted adults, like teachers, and parents of friends, who are typically the first people to spot and reports signs of abuse.”

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An Important Perspective on Race & Disability

Recently, there have been several high-profile cases involving interactions between police and individuals with mental health or autism diagnoses such as Linden Barton, Matthew Rushin, and Daniel Prude. As important conversations continue about the role of mental health, race, and disability in police reform, we thought it was important to share a recent article from Forbes.

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ODP Webinars

Did you know that you can view all of our previous webinars? In light of the current pandemic, ODP has been offering a greater amount of online webinars to keep providers, individuals, families, and stakeholders in the loop.

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The Office of Developmental Programs has created a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates webpage for stakeholders to stay up to date with updates and resources from ODP.

Please also visit MyODP News Online for new articles related Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from August 17th through August 21st, 2020.

Thank you for following MyODP Communications!

July 17, 2020

Welcome to MyODP News Online Weekly Digest. If you previously received the monthly newsletter via listserv, you will now receive this abstract of our online news instead. MyODP News Online Weekly Digest is sent each Friday and contains our Front Page News stories. Story suggestions and/or comments about MyODP News Online may be sent to:  ra-pwmyodp@pa.gov

COVID-19 MythBusters

It seems like new theories about all things COVID-19 seem to pop up in our news feeds and social media almost daily.

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Competitive Integrated Employment Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Special Education is now accepting applications for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) grants for the 2020 - 2021 school year.

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Supporting Medically Complex Children

COVID-19 has been tough for everyone, but for families with medically complex children, COVID-19 can be especially scary.

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Small Business Toolkit for Retention of Employees with Disabilities

The Northeast ADA Center has developed a toolkit designed for employers looking to hire and retain staff with disabilities.

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Social Media: When and What to Post

In times of heightened emotional responses and potential divide in values and opinions, it is important to consider what we are posting to social media platforms.

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What is Contact Tracing?

We have heard the term "contract tracing" a lot throughput this pandemic. Contact tracing is the process of identifying, notifying, and monitoring anyone who came in close contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 while they were infectious.

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More COVID-19 Distractions

This article is for those of us who are still spending most of our time at home and could use a good distraction from everything going on in the world.

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July is Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month and this year it is even more special due to the 30th anniversary of the passing of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).

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July 13, 2020

Welcome to MyODP News Online Weekly Digest. If you previously received the monthly newsletter via listserv, you will now receive this abstract of our online news instead. MyODP News Online Weekly Digest is sent each Friday and contains our Front Page News stories. Story suggestions and/or comments about MyODP News Online may be sent to:  ra-pwmyodp@pa.gov

Resilience and Recovery in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Last week we shared an article on How to Build Resilience.

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Loneliness and COVID: A Self-Advocate's Perspective

It is important we look to self-advocates for guidance and stories of their experiences when considering how best to support individuals.

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Social Stigma Associated with COVID-19

Today we wanted to share this resource from the World Health Organization (WHO) that addresses social stigma in the context of COVID 19.

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Understanding Transition Stress

This year seems like an endless cycle of transitions.

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COVID-19 Individual Health Action

Today we wanted to share a helpful tool when planning for care related to possible COVID-19 related treatment or hospitalization.

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Tips for Managing Conflict Over Social Distancing

Unfortunately, even after the expansion of Governor Wolf’s mask-wearing order, there continues to be conflict between people about the safety measures recommended to combat COVID-19.

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Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence Day everyone!

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How to Build Resilience

Though some of the individuals we support are among the most resilient people we have ever met, others may lack the requisite skills and characteristics needed to recover from adverse experiences.

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Masks: Cloth Face Coverings and Surgical Face Masks

In Pennsylvania, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home.

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A Champion of Supporting Families

ODP’s Everyday Lives recommendations outline the office’s commitment to creating equitable and fulfilling lives for individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism.

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