On Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh joined ODP providers and professionals for its Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy Forum. Secretary Arkoosh addressed the audience to reiterate Governor Shapiro’s strategy for eventually ending the waiting list for services.

At DHS, our mission is to help all Pennsylvanians live safe, healthy, and independent lives, and we can’t do that without our partners in county governments all across the commonwealth. I recently spoke with county staff as well as staff from our Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) at their Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy Forum as they work to learn about and implement Governor Shapiro’s transformative strategy to eventually end the waiting list for services for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A).

“We believe wholeheartedly in this vision for a better Pennsylvania for people with ID/A, and that is only possible through the work of our county partners and community advocates. We are stronger when we’re working together, and together, I look forward to continuing this work so that all Pennsylvanians can live the Everyday Lives that they deserve.” – Val Arkoosh, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services