SAPNA is the Self Advocacy Power Network for All. It is a project of the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). SAPNA is managed by Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1), a PA non-profit run by and for people with disabilities. SAU1's mission is to support the self advocacy of people with disabilities
Governor Josh Shapiro has signed an official proclamation dedicating the week of September 10th through September 16th, 2023 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
Draeger Medical, Inc. is recalling its Carina Ventilators due to the presence of contaminants in the device’s airpath. The contaminants exceed acceptable levels if used by pediatric patients for more than 30 days. During testing, the firm found polyether polyurethane (PE-PUR) in the airpath of the Carina ventilator. This results in the
Technology For All is offering free technology training to individuals with disabilities. Technology For All is an organization that helps people with disabilities learn how to navigate the internet and new technology safely and productively. This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC). The free weekly training series will
ASERT and the Penn State College of Medicine invites direct support staff and their supervisors to register for a no-cost, training-hour eligible continuing education course. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an evidence based approach to continuing education and tele-mentoring that leverages the power of sharing knowledge across miles and
The Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC) is hosting a new webinar series in honor of National Preparedness Month. Key topics and available resources will focus on preparing DeafBlind people for emergencies. Sessions will be held every Wednesday in September 2023 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm EST.
The 2024 Everyday Lives Conference Steering Committee is inviting all Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) stakeholders to submit poster proposals for the conference poster symposium. The topic of the poster symposium will focus on Everyday Lives Recommendation Number Five - Promote Health Wellness, and Safety. Individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability/autism
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) has released its new publication A Family Companion to Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management. PATF's mission is to help people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians get the assistive technology they need with low-interest and 0% interest financial loans, and information and assistance about
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) in collaboration with Mercer Government Human Services Consulting have released an initial report on the Behavioral Health Telehealth Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism Project. The project seeks to: Outline recommendations to optimize
September is FASD Awareness Month (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder). This is an expansion of FASD Awareness Day that has been held each year on September 9th since 1999. People all around the world gather for events to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy and the challenges of individuals
