The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) received 445 Autism Sensory Aid Bags from the Collaborative Autism Movement (CAM), which partnered with Amazon to equip all PSP stations with at least five sensory aid bags. The bags were created to better support individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities. For families of children with autism, an emergency
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will be hosting a public webinar for stakeholders to learn about the upcoming changes to services related to H.R.1, also known as "The Big Beautiful Bill" act. The webinar will be held on Friday, August 14th at 9:30 AM. The presentation will include: Overview of
May 18-19, 2027Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center The Pennsylvania Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports invites you to save the date for the 2027 Early Intervention Conference. The conference is open to everyone in Pennsylvania's Early Intervention community. Conference sessions will be designed for Early Intervention professionals, families and
Wildfire Smoke Expected to Impact Pennsylvania Smoke from large wildfires in Canada is affecting air quality across Pennsylvania. Air quality is expected to change from day to day over the next one to two weeks as weather patterns shift. While it is not possible to predict the exact air quality for each
Governor Josh Shapiro announced 28 appointments to the newly established Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. The Commission’s purpose is to recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for
Penn State College of Medicine's Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) invites ODP residential provider staff - who are directly supporting autistic adults with high support needs - to register for its free virtual program. Project ECHO's fall 2026 session will build competencies around: Managing severe and intense behaviors Medical and
EHR and HIO Funding Opportunity Pennsylvania Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP) has announced new funding opportunities for healthcare providers in rural areas. Under the new RHTP Funding Opportunity, $25,000,000 in funding is available for: Hospitals Long-term care nursing facilities Home health agencies Behavioral health providers Community homes for individuals with disabilities or
ODP's Special Populations Unit has published a new guide for communicating with individuals who are blind or have visual impairment. The purpose of this guide is to offer resources in one central location for those who support or care for someone who has a vision impairment. This guide provides some basic information
July is Disability Pride Month! To commemorate the July 26, 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we recognize July as Disability Pride Month in Pennsylvania and beyond. The ADA heralded increased equity in the lives of Americans with disabilities by ensuring equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state
November 4-5, 2026 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites you to save the date for its 19th annual Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC). The conference will be held virtually with an interactive schedule on November 4th and 5th of 2026. PATC invites professionals, clinicians, autistic self-advocates, and their families/caregivers to learn from
