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).

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) Virtual Training - Now Available on MyODP

ODPANN 20-081: Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) Virtual Training Now Available on MyODP

To announce the availability of a virtual FBA Training on MyODP.

ODPANN 20-082: Update  to the Adult Autism Waiver Provider Information Table

The purpose of this communication is to inform all interested parties that the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Information Table (PIT) is being released with updated procedure codes for the Specialized Skill Development: Behavioral Specialist service.

ODPANN 20-083: Provider Requalification for Cycle 1 Year 3

The purpose of this communication is to announce the requalification process for Cycle 1 Year 3. Below is an updated timeline to meet the extension based on the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s subsequent Proclamation of Disaster Emergency.

ODPANN 20-066 Update    Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):  Guidance for Visitation in Residential Settings Licensed by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in the Green Phase of the Process to Reopen Pennsylvania

Please assist the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs in disseminating the attached communication: ODPANN 20-066 Updated Guidance for Visitation.

Wolf Administration Announces Strategy to Ease Long-Term Care Facility Restrictions through Gradual Three-Step Process to Protect Vulnerable Populations

Masks: Cloth Face Coverings and Surgical Face Masks

Wearing a face mask has been recommended by the Secretary of Health to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is expected that staff who provide services wear a face covering or a mask during the entirety of service provision.

ODP Virtual Training Offerings July 2020

Virtual Training Offerings have expanded! Pre-registration for each session is required.

SAU1 - July Antivirus Power Connect Calendar

Use YOUR power to stay connected through our projects SASE (Self Advocate Support and Empowerment) and SAPNA (Self Advocacy Power Network for All).

Community HealthChoices Fact Sheet:  Continuity of Care

On June 30, 2020, the continuity of care period for long-term services and supports in the Northeast, Northwest, and Lehigh/Capital Regions ended. Community HealthChoices (CHC) is now fully implemented across Pennsylvania.

Reminder for all AAW and ACAP Behavior Specialists and SCs – New QuestionPro Link for PRE

This is a reminder to all Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Supports Coordinators, AAW Behavioral Specialist providers, and Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP) Supports Coordinators and Behavioral Health Specialists to use the new QuestionPro link to enter Periodic Risk Evaluation (PRE) assessments, effective July 1, 2020.

The Arc of PA - Making Employment Work:  ACRE Basic Certification Training

The Arc of Pennsylvania’s Making Employment Work course is an ACRE Basic Certification Training. To receive certification, participants must attend a 3‐day, live webinar training and then complete a self‐paced, online curriculum.

The Arc of PA - Discovery Training

This 3-day training provides a comprehensive overview of Discovery (an alternative to traditional vocational assessments) and how to complete Discovery. For those seeking to become certified providers of Discovery through Marc Gold and Associates, it is the pre-requisite training for certification.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from June 26th through July 4th, 2020.

Thank you for following MyODP Communications!

July 02, 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

Masks: Cloth Face Coverings and Surgical Face Masks

In Pennsylvania, masks must be worn whenever anyone leaves home. On July 1, Secretary of Health Rachel Levine signed an official order requiring the universal use of face coverings..

Read full article

Staycation vs. Vacation: How to Have Fun and Still Be Safe

This summer is certainly different from summers of the past, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on some good old summer fun!

Read full article

Why We Wear Masks in Public

Are you supporting someone who is struggling to understand the importance of wearing masks in public?

Read full article

CDC Updated Guidance for Direct Service Providers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its COVID-19 guidance for Direct Service Professionals based on frequently asked questions.

Read full article

Artists Who Have Found Creative Ways to Offer Hope Amid the COVID-19 Crisis

It is easy to get trapped in a sense of hopelessness these days, but art can be a wonderful way to get a much-needed pick-me-up.

Read full article

Compassion Fatigue

Today we want to highlight another recent AIDinPA resource, about Compassion Fatigue.

Read full article

CDC Communication Toolkit

Today we wanted to share a newly created resource from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Read full article

June 26, 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

Today we want to highlight a recentlyadded AIDinPA resource Emotional Pain During a Pandemic. 

Read full article

Recommendations for Supporting Individuals in Healthcare Settings During COVID-19

Today we want to highlight this article, Overcoming the Challenges of Autism During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Read full article

Assessing Telehealth Readiness

The attached file offers an example of a quick survey-based assessment tool to determine if an individual has the skills required to participate in telehealth service delivery.

Read full article

Guide to Transition: Something for Everyone

The Self-Advocate Transition Guide for community re-entry was released last week.

Read full article

There are Good Things Happening

In times like this, it is important to focus on good news to put our minds in a positive mental health state.

Read full article

Promoting Financial Health and Resiliency for People with Disabilities

The National Disabilities Institute (NDI) has created a simple two-page handout that captures their five strategies and resources to assist individuals in taking steps to maintain their financial health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Read full article

Recognizing Juneteenth

Today we recognize June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day in Pennsylvania.

Read full article

Handling Returning to Work Anxiety and Office Safety

As more and more businesses reopen, it is important to remain cautious and to practice safe strategies as many individuals will face anxiety or fear of returning to the workplace.

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).

-To communicate that new BSS procedure codes have been added to PROMISe and HCSIS to replace the procedure codes causing error codes and denials.

MyODP Announcement 20-074: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)--Community Participation Support (CPS) Retainer Payments Update

-To provide an update on the status of and requirements for CPS retainer payments.

ODP Announcement 20-075: Extension of Annual Practicum Deadline for Medication Administration Trainer Recertification

-To announce that the annual practicum deadline for any current staff who would be due to be Recertified on or before July 31, 2020 has been extended to August 31, 2020, and to announce upcoming Virtual Face to Face classes.

ODP Announcement 20-076: Coronavirus Disease - Diagnoses Associated with Elevated Risk of Severe Illness or Death Following COVID-19 Infection 6-18-2020

-To provide information about diagnoses and conditions associated with elevated risk for severe illness when an individual is infected with COVID-19.

Self-Advocate Transition Guide Now Available

-The Self-Advocate Transition Guide for community re-entry is now available.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from June 14th through June 20th, 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 resources from ODP.

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

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

-This announcement provides guidance to Community and Life Sharing Home providers about how to apply COVID-19 testing guidance issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

ODP Announcement 20-069: 2020-2021 Waivers Cap Exceptions Guidance for the Person/Family Directed Support and Community Living Waivers

-The purpose of this communication is to provide additional guidance to Individual Support Planning Teams on the criteria for requesting a cap exception for the Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) and Community Living Waivers.

ODP Announcement 20-070: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Funding for Providers of ODP Waiver Services 

-The purpose of this communication is to alert providers to the distribution of funds from the CARES Act

ODP Announcement 20-071: Pennsylvania ODP – Provider Staff COVID-19 Tracking Forms

-The purpose of this communication is to introduce the web-based provider staff COVID19 reporting and tracking forms.

ODP Announcement 20-072: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)--Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) At-a-Glance Reopening Guide by Phase 

-To provide guidance to stakeholders about Governor Wolf’s plan to Reopen Pennsylvania that includes service-specific guidance in the “Green Phase.”

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from June 7th through June 13th, 2020.

Thank you for following MYODP Communications!

June 12, 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

Communication During Risk

Today we continue our series highlighting Crisis + Emergency Risk Communication’s (CERC) Psychology of a Crisis resource. 

Read full article

Transitioning Into Green Phase

As some PA counties move to the Green Phase, it is important to remember we must still be vigilant in following CDC and DOH guidance to mitigate COVID-19 spread. While it is essential that we continue to wear masks to protect each other from COVID-19, there are many individuals who may find it challenging to wear one.

Read full article

CDC Releases Guidance for Individuals with Disabilities

Today we wanted to share newly created resources from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)

Read full article

Showing Community Appreciation

Feeling like you want to contribute to show the community how thankful you are for all they are doing during this time?

Read full article

Mental States in a Crisis

Today we continue our series highlighting Crisis + Emergency Risk Communication’s (CERC) Psychology of a Crisis resource.

Read full article

Taking Care of Yourself and Others During Times of Uncertainty

As the country responds to current events around the importance of equality for all, you may be thinking about how to support individuals in processing the information and reacting in a way that is meaningful to them.

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).

ODP Announcement 20-025: Registration Information Update for eCIS-ODP Business Partners

-The Department of Human Services (DHS) is moving from CIS to a different system (eCIS) for viewing client data. All business partners and their users are required to register for access to eCIS. 

ODP Announcement 20-061: Requesting Provider Information - New Process for Reporting COVID-19 for Provider Staff Due June 4

-To provide updated guidance for reporting COVID-19 for Provider Staff

ODP Announcement 20-064: AAW and ACAP Periodic Risk Evaluation (PRE) Revisions and Training

-To provide updated PRE resources and to announce revisions to the PRE tool in QuestionPro and an upcoming Virtual Targeted Training (VTT) that will replace the existing PRE training module currently posted on MyODP

ODP Announcement 20-065: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)--Clarification for Reporting Cases of COVID-19

-To provide supplemental guidance to stakeholders regarding reporting cases of COVID19 to the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for individuals registered or enrolled and staff. 

ODP Announcement 20-066: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)--Guidance for Visitation in Residential Settings Licensed by the Office of Developmental Programs in the Green Phase of the Process to Reopen PA 

-To provide guidance on establishing visitation policies in residential settings when a county transitions to the Green Phase of Governor Wolf’s Process to Reopen Pennsylvania. 

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

-This announcement provides guidance to Community and Life Sharing Home providers about how to apply COVID-19 testing guidance issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

The Virtual 2020 Pennsylvania Community of Practice Transition Conference

-Each year the PA Community of Practice Transition Conference brings together a diverse community of stakeholders to share information, explore resources, and gain knowledge regarding successful practices in secondary transition.

Positive Approaches Journal Volume 9, Issue 1 Now Available!

-The theme of this issue is Navigating the Justice System: Considerations, Best Practices, and Points to Ponder

Family Forum with PA Family Network By Families For Families

-Join other families and individuals with disabilities to discuss the current impact of the Coronavirus in our lives. Get the Latest updates - Answers to your questions - Discuss concerns - Network with other families

Learn about the PAABLE Savings Program

-The state and federal tax-free investment options are offered to encourage eligible Individuals and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life.

VTT-VOH June 2020 Schedule Update

-Pre-registration for each session is required.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from May 31st through June 6th, 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 resources from ODP.

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

ODP Announcement 20-062: ODP Administrative Entity (AE) Facility Based Community Participation Supports Readiness Tool for COVID-19

-The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of The Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) Facility Based Community Participation Supports Readiness Tool COVID-19.

ODP Announcement 20-063: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Reinstatement of the Supports Intensity Scale-Adult™ and Pennsylvania Supplement Assessments

-The purpose of this communication is to announce that effective June 1, 2020, the Supports Intensity Scale-Adult™ (SIS-ATM) and Pennsylvania (PA) Supplement assessments will be reinstated for counties that have transitioned to the yellow and green phases of Governor Wolf’s Plan to Reopen Pennsylvania.

VTT-VOH June 2020 Schedule Update

-Advanced registration for these trainings are required.

ODP Resuming Licensing Inspections

-Beginning May 28th, DHS will resume annual renewal inspections in alignment with the Governor’s plan to re-open parts of the state. This communication includes information about the phases for re-opening.

AIDinPA Family Transition & Resource Guides

-To assist with COVID-19 changes, AIDinPA - a collaboration between PA Healthcare Quality Units, ASERT, Community of Practice, and ODP – has compiled resources for easing community re-entry in compliance with state regulations while prioritizing an individual’s desires

How Do the Economic Impact Payments Affect the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) Participants?

-This document has been developed to provide guidance that has been released in multiple documents in one place. Updated material is found below.

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from May 24th through May 30th, 2020.

Thank you for following MYODP Communications!

June 05, 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

Preparing to go into the Community

Last week, we sent out an email about the Office of Developmental Program’s (ODP) Individual Transition Guide. Read Full Story

4 Ways People Process Information During a Crisis

In a crisis, affected people take in information, process information, and act on information differently than they would during non-crisis times. Read Full Story.

Economic Impact Payment Guidance

As we continue to receive questions related to participants and economic impact payments, we wanted to be sure you saw the recently updated Government Benefits and Representative Payee Services During the COVID-19 Emergency document. Read Full Story

Changing Internal Narratives

As Pennsylvania phases into reopening meaning more interactions with others, people may observe that there are some people that are not following recommendations aimed at decreasing the spread of COVID-19.  Read Full Story

Good News During COVID-19

Inspired by news articles like this and Some Good News, we are hoping to hear some good news from all of you. Read Full Story

Apps for Mindfulness

There are so many useful apps out there and one of the positive outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic is the creation of additional, useful apps. Read Full Story

Autism Research Institute COVID-19 Resources

Today we wanted to share another great resource page: Autism Research Institute’s (ARI) Coping with the Covid-19 Pandemic. Read Full Story

Using Clear Face Masks to Facilitate Communication

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidance regarding the difference between quarantine & isolation, and critical infrastructure for public health safety and community well-being. Read Full Story

Updated CDC Guidelines for Mitigation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated existing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Read Full Story

AIDinPA Family Transition & Resource Guides

Many things have changed as a result of COVID-19, and will continue to change in the coming weeks and months. Read Full Story

Wearing Masks When Wearing a Mask is a Challenge

Today we wanted to share an interesting article about a mother and her son's experience in meeting state orders to wear masks when in public. Read Full Story

More Resources for Dealing with Anxiety

Last week, we sent an email using The Marginal Gains Handbook: Ideas to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Coronavirus to explore the theme of Allowing Time For Anxiety. Read Full Story

Honoring Memorial Day

Memorial Day is usually a day that is highlighted by large gatherings of family and friends as we welcome the days of the summer while honoring military personnel who had. Read Full Story

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).

ODP Announcement 20-056 (UPDATE): Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)- Individual Transition Guide

--Please see the attached communication from the Office of Developmental Programs: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Individual Transition Guide. The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of The Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) Individual Transition Guide. The Individual Transition Guide is now available in Spanish.

ODP Announcement 20-055: Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-2021 Renewal Guidance 
--This Office of Developmental Program (ODP) communication is intended to provide guidance for the FY 2020-2021 renewal period.

ODP Announcement 20-054- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Guidance for Modifications to Medical Examinations for Residential Staff and Individuals and to Service Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
-To announce the temporary modification of regulatory requirements relating to staff and individual medical examinations and service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ODP Announcement 20-053: Revised Timeline for Incident Management Bulletin and Enterprise Incident Management System Enhancements
--To provide updated issuance and effective dates for the revised Incident Management Bulletin and subsequent changes to the Enterprise Incident Management (EIM) system.

ODP Announcement 20-052 UPDATE: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Counties Designated by the Governor as Yellow Phase
-To provide updated guidance to stakeholders about Governor Wolf’s announcement of counties that are moving to the “yellow phase” and provide service-specific guidance to ODP stakeholders.

ODP Announcement 20-051: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Available Behavioral Specialists
-To provide updated guidance to stakeholders about Governor Wolf’s announcement of counties that are moving to the “yellow phase” and provide service-specific guidance to ODP stakeholders.

ODP Announcement UPDATE 20-025: Registration Information Update for eCIS - ODP Business Partners
-The Department of Human Services (DHS) is moving from CIS to a different system (eCIS) for viewing client data.

VTT - Using Ecological Inventories to Support Skill Building During Transitions
-This training will discuss the process and provide examples and tools for goal development and practice during times of transition.

Reminder: Communication Matters Training Opportunity
-ODP will be holding four virtual sessions that will include information surrounding the complexity and importance of communication.

Registration link correction - ODP Virtual Training Offering Schedule Change May 2020
-This training will discuss the process and provide examples and tools for goal development and practice during times of transition.

Thank you for following MYODP Communications!

This is the ODP's Weekly Digest announcements from May 11th through May 15th, 2020.