During Direct Support Professionals (DSP) week, September 7-13, 2025, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) would like to honor and celebrate the extraordinary compassion and hard work of DSPs who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism in Pennsylvania. DSPs play a vital role in empowering the people they support
"Inspiring Advocacy, Awareness and Action within all Communities" On Friday, October 17th, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital will host a one-day virtual conference focused on improving accessibility in disability health care. This conference aims to highlight the critical importance of developing and strengthening cross-disciplinary partnerships in the care of our most vulnerable patient
Unlocking Untapped Talent: The Benefits of Hiring Employees with Disabilities The Office of Developmental Programs is hosting four regional employment symposiums across the Commonwealth. Through panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, ODP’s Employment Symposiums will build connections between local employers, individuals and families, and service providers. Please join us to learn how
This summer, thousands of athletes, coaches, families, and friends from across Pennsylvania participated in Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s annual Summer Games at Penn State University in State College, PA. ODP was invited to cheer on the athletes as they competed in the games. The Summer Games is Special Olympics Pennsylvania's largest statewide competition,
Summer is here! Summertime can be a fun and enjoyable experience, bringing warm weather, travel plans, vacations, and outdoor activities. However, for individuals with challenging communication, it can bring many risks and obstacles. Below are some communication tips to make summer an enjoyable season for all. Social Stories – Can be used
Families as Allies, Advocates, and Partners in Grassroots Systems ChangeAugust 21, 2025 2-3:30 p.m. (EST) The National Collaborative for Supporting Families invites you to register for it's upcoming webinar Families as Allies, Advocates, and Partners in Grassroots Systems Change. The Best Practice Series introduces and elevates innovative services, supports and policies directly related to supporting
Providers with any information are encouraged to contact PSP Washington at 724-223-5200. Washington, PA – To aid in an ongoing investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Bureau of Criminal Investigation is requesting health care agencies and providers in the state to review their employment records due to an investigation of suspected fraudulent activities involving
Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator is surveying Commonwealth providers on the state of technology supports in provider agencies. The survey will provide critical information to build and enhance programs to ensureproviders have the necessary information and tools to advance access to technology solutions fortheir clients across the Commonwealth. Data will be analyzed in aggregate
How many of us use emojis to communicate? Language comes in many forms and one of the most ancient types of language is visual symbols. Emojis are visual symbols that help enhance our written language. They can replace words or whole phrases and still be understood by many. Emojis were originally created
This Spring, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) celebrated Physical Fitness & Sports month with Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA). May was Physical Fitness & Sports month, and to celebrate, ODP visited SOPA's Central Spring Sectional competition at Saint Francis University. Athletes competed in six sports including aquatics, athletics (track and field), basketball,
