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 20-066 UPDATE: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for Visitation in Residential Settings

-The purpose of this announcement is to: • Explain “Level of Community Transmission” and its impact on visitation both in and outside of the Community or Life Sharing Home

ODP Announcement 20-068 UPDATE: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Applying Department of Health Testing and Personal Protective Equipment Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities’ Residents and Health Care Personnel to Community and Life Sharing Homes

-This announcement provides guidance to Community and Life Sharing Home providers about how to apply updated COVID-19 testing guidance and infection control procedure guidance issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH): Updates to this announcement appear in red.

ODP Announcement 21-030: Open for Public Comment: Temporary Fee Schedule Rate Changes in Community Participation Support and Transportation Trip Services

-The purpose of this communication is to announce the public comment period for the temporary increases to the Fee Schedule Rates for Community Participation Support (CPS) services and Transportation Trip services effective January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021.

ODP Announcement 21-031: Prudent Payment of Claims Suspended April 2022

-The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance distributing the attached communication, ODPANN 21-031: Prudent Payment of Claims Suspended Until April 2022. Please review the announcement for additional information

ODP Announcement 21-032: Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2022 Individual Support Plan (ISP) Renewal Guidance

-This Office of Developmental Program (ODP) communication will provide guidance for the FY 2021-2022 renewal period. 

ODP Announcement ODPANN 21-029 - Quality Management (QM) Virtual Certification Classes: Registration Now Open for July - December 2021

-The purpose of this communication is to provide information on the registration process for ODP’s Virtual QM Certification classes to be held July-December 2021.

ODP Releases 2019-2020 Annual Comprehensive Employment Report

- The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the release of the second Annual Comprehensive Employment report.

Everyday Lives 2021 Virtual Conference: Conference Schedule and Speaker Lineup Now Available!

-This year’s Everyday Lives Conference merges ODP’s annual conference lineup into a single month-long event that offers two additional Everyday Lives recommendation tracks. 

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from April 2, 2021 through April 12, 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 21-02 Incident Management

-These webinars consist of the Incident Management Introduction Webinar related to the IM process and the Incident Management Overview Webinar that expands on the Introduction webinar. 

Registration Open for the Everyday Lives 2021 Virtual Conference!

-Early bird registration for the Everyday Lives 2021 Virtual Conference is now open! This year’s conference will be a virtual celebration offering learning opportunities for individuals, families, and professionals.

The Arc of Pennsylvania Customized Employment Job Development April 2021

- Attendees will learn how to develop an employer-focused approach to negotiating customized job descriptions on behalf of individuals with disabilities. 

2021 ASD Virtual Seminar - Registration Now Open!

-This seminar is intended for providers or any supporter in the disability system who is interested a) in understanding ways to reduce potential risk and b) in understanding the justice system focusing on the role of advocacy and intervention if an individual they support becomes involved in the criminal justice system. 

ODP Announcement 21-024 Reissue:  Open for Public Comment: Renewal of the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)

-The purpose of this communication is to announce that Appendices A through H of the proposed renewal for the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) are available for public review and comment. There is a 30-day public comment period that begins on February 27, 2021 and ends on March 29, 2021.

Autism & the Courts Regional Panel - Central PA

-Committed to access to justice for Pennsylvanians with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, along with the Department of Human Services (DHS) is pleased to announce an upcoming virtual forum – Autism and the Courts – a Regional Discussion, aimed at learning about court experiences from individuals with an ASD.

Positive Approaches Journal Volume 9 Issue 4 Now Available
-The articles in this issue aim to support and inspire new ways to address the needs individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism have with sexuality and social connectedness. 

New MyODP Podcast: Guest Series with Jordan Hollander- It's the Journey and Not Just the Destination

-The MyODP Podcast is now available on major Podcasting Platforms! Click on the links below and subscribe to get notified of recent episodes!

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from March 21, 2021 through April 1, 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 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.

Read full article

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.”

Read Full Article

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.

Read Full Article

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!