March 27, 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 may be sent to: ra-pwmyodp@pa.gov.

Promoting Flexibility

COVID-19 requires us all to be flexible and tolerant of change as we aim to flatten the curve. 

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National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals Webinar

Direct Support Professionals are invited join NADSP (National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals) Medical Advisor Dr. Rick Rader for a brief update on supporting individuals through the COVID-19 pandemic. Read full article

Modifying Goals and Routines

Some individuals will struggle with the sudden changes in daily activities associated with COVID-19.

Don't Get Lax: Infectious Disease Reminder

As most of us hunker down at home and may be feeling well, many of us will become less vigilant with the preventative strategies and recommendations for infection control.

20-023: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Statewide Suspension of ODP Functions

-Functions managed by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) that will be suspended statewide for the next 14 days, effective March 17, 2020.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for CPS Providers: Second Session

-The 30-minute webinar will provide all providers with important information on strategies related to prevention and mitigation of COVID-19.

ASD SEMINARS 2020 NOTE: IMPORTANT CHANGE from Live to ONLINE

-In accordance with the Governor’s emergency disaster declaration,the 2020 ASD seminars will be offered as an online trainings.

20-024 - COVID Provider Tool Announcement

-The purpose of this communication is to announce the implementation of an on-line resource for providers.

20-025: Update on registration information for eCIS–ODP business partners

-The Department of Human Services (DHS) is moving from CIS to a different system (eCIS) for viewing client data.

Antivirus Power Connect Calendar of SAU1 Events

-Join as many calls as you can to connect with other people while we can’t meet in person during this tough time. 

20-026: Provider Re-qualification Deadline Extension of for Cycle 1 Year 3

-The purpose of this communication is to announce ODP is extending its requalification process deadline to October 31, 2020.

ODP's Weekly Digest of Announcements Sent Between March 16, 2020 through March 20, 2020

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Important - Date Change Notice - Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting - Formerly March 16, 2020 - Rescheduled for 6/1/2020

- The topic covered is Innovative Practices and Approaches for Support to Individuals in the Criminal Justice System

ODP Releases 2018-2019 Annual Comprehensive Employment Report

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

20-021 : Heightened Scrutiny Onsite Tools for Residential Service Locations Finalized and Now Available Online

- The purpose of this communication is to announce that the Heightened Scrutiny Onsite Tools for Residential Service Locations have been finalized and posted. 

20-020: COVID-19 Guidance Mont-Del-Bucks-Chester County - 03-16-2020 - UPDATE

- The purpose of this communication is to outline functions managed by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) that will be suspended and the essential functions that will continue.

20-019 Coronavirus Disease 2019 Operational Guidance and Recommendations for Providers of Intellectual Disability and Autism Services

- In response to growing concerns about the spread of COVID-19, BHS and ODP has developed the following operational guidance and recommendations for providers of intellectual disability and autism services.

ODP Update: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webinar

- Please join Deputy Secretary, Kristin Ahrens and Medical Director, Dr. Gregory Cherpes as they present information related to the Coronavirus(COVID-19).

Upcoming Trainings: Relationships! and Let's Talk About Your Vision for an Everyday Life! Philadelphia

-In this conversation. We’ll talk about healthy relationships, waiver services, and Life Course tools.

Let's Talk About Your Everyday Life! St. Mary's

-In this conversation, we’ll talk about waiver changes and use Life Course tools so you can make YOUR vision happen! 

Let’s Talk about Your Everyday Life!--New Castle, PA

- In this conversation. We’ll talk about healthy relationships, waiver services, and Life Course tools. 

Empowering Adults Through Supported Decision Making Webinar

-This training will specifically address delineating between the preferences of individuals receiving HCBS and those of families/guardians.  

ASD Seminar - Registration is Open!

-This training will focus on ways that, within your role, you can ensure that the behavioral support you are providing is sound and appropriate. 

ODP's Weekly Digest of Announcements Sent Between March 9, 2020 through March 13, 2020

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March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites you to visit MyODP to learn how ODP programs and initiatives support individuals achieving an everyday life.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

To provide important information and resources concerning preparations for a response to a possible Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the State.

The Arc of Discovery Training--May Session

This 3-day training provides a comprehensive overview of Discovery (an alternative to traditional vocational assessments) and how to complete Discovery.

ODP Releases 2018-2019 Annual Data Report

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) created this statistical report so taxpayers can see and measure how many individuals ODP serves, what services are provided, where the individuals live, and what costs are associated with services.

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Budget Briefing Available on MyODP

This presentation involves a briefing on the Governor's Proposed State Fiscal Year 2020-2021, as it pertains to the budget for ODP. Presenters were Deputy Secretary Ahrens and Rick Smith, Director Bureau of Financial Management and Program Support.

ODP's Weekly Digest of Announcements Sent Between March 2, 2020 through March 6, 2020

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20-018: Social Security Administration Announces 2020 Cost of Living Adjustment

To provide notice that the Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment will increase beginning January 2020.

Community Forums on Person-Directed Services

Department of Human Services Releases Guidance for Family First Providers

Session opportunities are 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on February 25 and 28. To register, email cwtpreg@pitt.edu. Visit www.dhs.pa.gov or email ra-PWFamilyFirst@pa.gov for more information.

Employment 1st and US Department of Labor - Get Empowered Webinar

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and America Saves Week, join the U.S. Department of Labor, America Saves and the LEAD Center for a webcast to learn about ways to improve your financial security. 

AAW Supports and Services Directory - February 2020

Please find attached the most recent “offline version” of the Adult Autism Waiver’s Supports & Services Directory (SSD) for February 2020. The online COMPASS SSD is still available but the attached directory is a more reliable source of up-to-date information.

Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting - March 16, 2020 - Capital Area Intermediate Unit 15

This meeting shall present and discuss innovative practices and approaches for support to individuals in the criminal justice system. Preregistration is required.

Save the Date! 2020 ASD Seminars

This training will focus on ways that you can ensure, in your role, that the behavioral support you are providing is sound and appropriate. We will be offering two sessions across four locations that focus on the role you play in this process.

Positive Approaches Journal February 2020 Now Available!

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is pleased to announce that the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal is now available! The theme of this issue is Maximizing Resources.

ODP's Weekly Digest of Announcements Sent Between February 24, 2020 through February 28, 2020

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February 28, 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 may be sent to: ra-pwmyodp@pa.gov

Recognizing Signs:  Mental Health First Aid Classes Available

Much like CPR training helps a non-medical professional assist someone following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) helps an individual who doesn’t have clinical training assist someone who is developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis.

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A LifeCourse Journey:  Crossing the Commonwealth with SAU1’s Renee Benise

Renee Benise first encountered the LifeCourse Framework at a presentation by Self-Advocates United as 1 in Hollidaysburg.

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Milestone HCQU West Presents Court Appointed Guardianship: A Basic Overview

Join us on March 17^th, 2020 from 1 pm – 2 pm for a webinar reviewing the role of a court appointed guardian, as well as the limitations of guardianship.

Upcoming Webinar - Expanding Integrated Employment: Early Lessons from Scaling Up Pathways to Careers

Join Mathematica’s Center for Studying Disability Policy on March 11, 2020, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET for an interactive webinar featuring a live-streamed discussion with program managers

DHS and DOH Bulletin on Medical Marijuana and State Licensure of Facilities and Agencies

The purpose of this bulletin is to clarify the storage, use, and administration of medical marijuana in facilities licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) in accordance with the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act.

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Contact Information for ID/Autism Coordinators

Please find attached, an updated version of this contact information. This version, dated 1/3/20, replaces all previous versions of Attachment 4

The Arc of PA Discovery Training - February and May Sessions

This 3-day training provides a comprehensive overview of Discovery (an alternative to traditional vocational assessments) and how to complete Discovery.

Provider Agreement Reminder Notice 

A copy of the Provider Agreement for Participation in Pennsylvania's Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support, Community Living Waivers and Adult Autism Waiver and accompanying letter from Deputy Secretary for Developmental Programs Kristin Ahrens is attached to this message.

ODP's Weekly Digest of Announcements Sent Between February 17, 2020 through February 21, 2020

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February 21, 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 may be sent to: ra-pwmyodp@pa.gov

#DisabilityCounts2020

#DisabilityCounts2020 is an online campaign to spread awareness as to the importance of being counted in the 2020 United States Census.

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Who Supports the Caregiver? Children with Medical Complexities and the Role of the Family Facilitator

A growing number of children are born with medically complex conditions; leading to developmental, social and medical vulnerabilities in the early years of a child's life.

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20-013: Quality Management (QM) Recertification for 2016 and 2018 ODP QM Certificate Holders

To announce QM Recertification requirements for 2016 and 2018 ODP QM Certificate Holders; to build and sustain quality management capacity by enhancing the knowledge and skills of staff who function as leaders in quality management throughout the service delivery system.

20-014: New ODP Regulation Update Clarification Regarding Medication Administration Requirements and Attachments

To announce that requested clarification has been developed regarding Medication Administration requirements in 55 Pa. Code §§6100.461 – 6100.469.

20-015: Using the Correct Medication Administration Website and Spring 2020 Face-to-Face Training Information

To provide guidance on accessing the correct Medication Administration Training websites and to announce 2020 Face-to-Face Medication Administration Course information

20-016: Open for Public Comment: Electronic Visit Verification for Personal Care Services

To announce the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for Personal Care Services bulletin is available for review and public comment. Public comment will be accepted until 11:59 pm on March 16, 2020.

Preparing for Life: Successful Transition to Adulthood with ASD Waiver

Please refer to the attached flyer for details on the online workshop scheduled for February 18, 2020 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm.

Tech Tuesday Webinar: PA's Assistive Technology Programs and Services

Learn all about TechOwl PA; PA’s Assistive Technology Act Program helps Pennsylvanians with disabilities get access to the technology they need. 

Provider Risk Screening Letter

Please find the attached letter from Deputy Secretary Ahrens announcing the Provider Risk Screening Process.

Everyday Lives: Values in Action - ISAC Recommendations, Strategies & Performance Measures

Members of Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC), working with the PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)  Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC), developed a series of recommendations to achieve the vision in Everyday Lives. 

ODP's Weekly Digest of Announcements Sent Between February 10, 2020 through February 14, 2020

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February 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 will be sent each Friday and contains our Front Page News stories.  All articles are contained within this digest. Story suggestions and/or comments may be sent to: ra-pwmyodp@pa.gov

Proposed Legislation Would Allow Payment for DSPs During Hospital Stay

The Ensuring Access to Direct Support Professionals Act would authorize states to reimburse DSPs for time spent supporting people who are hospitalized for short-term stays. Read Full Article

Experiences in Full Inclusion at Millersville University

Pennsylvania's Millersville University provides a robust model of the future of a four-year inclusive secondary education. The school's Integrated Studies Program provides all students, including those with disabilities, the same rights and responsibilities as all degree-seeking students. Read Full Article

Department of Health Information on Coronavirus Available

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has created a webpage with information and many resources about coronavirus.

Benefits Counseling Works!

Benefits counseling services are an important part of career planning for individuals with disabilities and their families. These services help you to take advantage of work incentives as you gain or maintain employment.

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