A TechOWL employee shows a woman how to find reading accessibility features on her phone

Supportive Technology Open House

August 6, 2024 between 10 AM and 2 PM ODP and the Temple Institute on Disabilities invites you to join a free event aimed at teaching participants about different types of Assistive Technology (AT). Assistive Technology refers to products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for individuals with

Erie Athletics participants stand in a line practicing javelin throws

Move Your Way – ODP Celebrated Sports & Fitness Month with Erie Athletics

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) celebrated Sports & Fitness Month with Erie Athletics, Erie's adult Special Olympics chapter. In May, ODP joined Erie Athletics team members Dion, Mary Ellen, Roy, Nicole, and their coach, Natalie, for track and field practice where they worked on javelin, shotput, standing long jump, and distance

a black and white portrait of Helen Keller sitting in a chair

DeafBlind Awareness Week

June 25 - July 1, 2024 This week is marked annually in honor of leading humanitarian Helen Keller's birthday on June 27. Being deaf and blind herself, Keller's work made a big difference in the lives of DeafBlind people. What is DeafBlindness? DeafBlindness is a combination of visual and auditory impairments. It

The lifesharing coalition logo

Save the Date for the 12th Annual Lifesharing Conference

The Pennsylvania Lifesharing Coalition invites you to save the date for the 12th Annual Lifesharing Conference on October 28 and 29, 2024. The conference will be held at the Eden Resort in Lancaster, PA. Building Connections, Building Community, Building a Life... For a Lifetime! The Pennsylvania Lifesharing Conference will feature family friendly

Sarah sits at a panel table giving a presentation

ODP Employment Symposium – Employment Spotlight

Each Summer the Office of Developmental Programs hosts a Regional Employment Symposium, inviting current and future employers, local education specialists, intermediate units, ODP employment/community participation supports, residential providers, supports coordinators, transition counselors and OVR business liaisons. At the symposium, a panel of employers, job coaches and self-advocates are compiled to share why

Two people using wheelchairs wearing black work uniforms pose with a man with down syndrome between them who is dressed in work attire. All are smiling for the camera.

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Disability Conference

Register today for the second annual PA Human Relations Commission Disability Conference! This hybrid conference will take place on July 9, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Harrisburg Hilton and online, and will offer engaging sessions on a variety of topics about how individuals with disabilities navigate various conflict

The communication corner logo with mazes inside two heads silhouettes

Communication Corner – Communication and Mental Health

May is celebrated as Mental Health Awareness Month. We all have mental health but sometimes our mental health struggles. Some people may develop a mental illness.  Mental illness has the capability to impact our ability to communicate effectively.  It can impact our expressive and receptive communication skills; how we interact with the

Behind the shoulder of a woman using an ipad

Provider Preparedness Webinar – Overview Of Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) For Residential Services Provider Kickoff

A informational webinar for residential service providers is now available. The webinar aims to prepare providers for the transition to the proposed Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) waiver model. Deputy Secretary, Kristin Ahrens and Director of the Bureau of Community Services, Lauren House provide a high-level overview of Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) for Residential Services.

Two men walking together. One man is smiling at the other who is smiling toward the ground.

2024 PA Community of Practice Transition Conference – Charting Your Course

A limited number of scholarships for in-person or virtual attendance for youth/young adults and family/caregivers are being offered to attend the 2024 PA Community of Practice Transition Conference. The PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and PaTTAN are pleased to offer a limited number of in person or virtual youth/young adult and

Secretary Val Arkoosh smiling with her arms crossed

ICYMI: Department of Human Services Secretary Highlights Governor Shapiro’s Historic Budget Investments in Intellectual Disability and Autism Services, Workforce 

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh recently published two opinion pieces highlighting the historic investments for intellectual disability and autism (ID/A) services and the ID/A workforce in Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 proposed budget. At events across the Commonwealth, Secretary Arkoosh has met with advocates, families, caregivers, and direct support

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