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Technology For All Technology Training

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

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation New Publication – A Family Companion to Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management

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

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Behavioral Health Telehealth Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism Project

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

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Technology Task Force Newsletter: Technology Today Volume 5

ODP's Technology Taskforce has published its Technology Today: Volume 5 July 2023. The purpose of the newsletter is to seek out methods of supporting individuals with disabilities, family members, and providers with resources, events, and other important updates in the assistive technology world. This includes compilations of resources that support individuals through

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The Ins and Outs of Universal Design

You may have heard the term “universal design” before, but do you really know what it means? Universal design is when products, buildings, public spaces, and even learning materials are designed in a way that make them accessible to people with a wide range of abilities. Basically, its inclusive design practices that

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Libraries are for Everyone

During this year’s National Library Week, the Dauphin County Library systems celebrated by adding new assistive technology into some of their libraries. They unveiled new high-tech reading equipment for the blind and visually impaired. This allows more individuals to have access to the printed word and other library materials. Three local Lions

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Meet Demi – A Personal Story

In 2021, this Pennsylvanian family took a leap of faith and finally made a big decision regarding their daughter. Demi is 28 years old with Down syndrome and currently residing with her parents in their family home. However, she is living quite the independent life. During the winter months, Demi’s mother and

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Office of Developmental Programs Technology Usage Survey Results

ODP's Technology Task Force surveyed qualified providers serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism about current experiences with Remote Supports, Assistive Technology, Teleservices, and Video Monitoring. The survey results can be found below. A printable document with the survey results can be found here. Number of Provider Respondents:94Survey Date Issued:April 17, 2023Survey

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Affordable Connectivity Program 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a new landing page at GetInternet.gov for its Affordable Connectivity Program. AffordableConnectivity.gov will still exist as a resource for consumers and digital navigators with more detailed information about the program. The FCC is continuing its efforts to promote the program by providing grants to community

Scrabble tiles spelling Update

ODP Waiver Renewal Highlights

Effective January 1, 2023 The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the Consolidated, P/FDS and Community Living waivers renewals with some noted significant changes.  This information was communicated by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) per ODP Announcement 23-002. The waivers were approved for the next five years. The current

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