A new episode of the ODP Podcast, A Supporter's Toolbox, is now available to listen to on MyODP. A Supporter's Toolbox is an audio series on a dedicated topic with a targeted audience in mind. Each podcast has a duration of 7-10 minutes and focuses on getting tools to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
The ASD@PSU seminar series brings university stakeholders together to discuss innovative work, explore new potential collaborations, and provide input into strategic initiatives in support of the autism community. The ASD@PSU Team invites you to join them for their Virtual ASD@PSU Monthly Seminar Series on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, from Noon-1:00 pm to
Tech First SHIFT announced this week that Sharon Thomas with KenCrest was chosen as a winner of the Dustin A. Wright Tech Champion Award. This award was established to memorialize Dustin A. Wright, Founder of Disability Cocoon, and pioneer in the Technology First movement. This Direct Support Professional embodies what it means
The ODP Training Calendar for September 2022 is now available. The full listing of available trainings is below. Click the session title to register. Be sure to keep up-to-date with schedule adjustments by checking emails from the ODP listservs. DateTimeSession TitleDescriptionAudience10/4/20221:00 PM - 2:00 PMVOH: Claim and Service DocumentationThis virtual office hour
PADDC is seeking nominations for Council members who are: Individuals with developmental disabilities Parents of children with developmental disabilitiesFamily members of adults with developmental disabilities The PA Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) empowers individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to help shape policies that impact them. They have reopened the application process
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) thank all direct support professionals for their tremendous efforts. Governor Wolf declared this week, September 11-17, DSP Recognition Week. You can read the full proclamation in the attached document. In honor of the occasion, we’d like to share
September Celebrates World Day of the Deaf! Please join us in celebrating World Day of the Deaf on September 25th, 2022. This very special day is meant not only to celebrate Deaf culture but also to bring awareness to the need for equity in communication and that communication is a basic human
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is accepting comments on Pennsylvania’s Final Statewide Transition Plan for Home and Community-Based Services. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Rule to ensure all individuals receiving services and supports through Medicaid waivers have full access to the benefits
Working on prosocial behaviors like helping, sharing, comforting, and cooperating, have so many benefits. We will talk about ways you can help someone hone their prosocial behaviors – simple things that you may already be doing to teach someone to do their laundry or cook a meal. Please note that some early
Governor Tom Wolf has signed an official proclamation dedicating the week of September 11th through September 17th, 2022 Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week. The proclamation, available to read here, recognizes the vital contributions DSPs provide to address the physical and mental health of individuals with disabilities, as well as veterans and