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
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
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.
This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services rule (Access Rule). The Access Rule will strengthen the home and community-based services (HCBS) that make community living possible for millions of people. It includes important new requirements related to the direct care workforce, health and
Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation recognizingApril 18, 2024 as Move Your Way Day The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and Governor Josh Shapiro’s office invite you to Move Your Way! To acknowledge the National Day of Exercise and ODP’s new campaign to encourage physical activity, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed the
Nicholas “Nick” Smith, member of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) will be testifying in front of the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging on the topic of “The Long-Term Care Workforce: Addressing Shortages and Improving the Profession” on Tuesday, April 16, 10:00 AM. Nick is
On Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be an eclipse event, and parts of Pennsylvania will have a view of a total solar eclipse. The Office of Developmental Programs is reminding everyone that it is not safe to directly view an eclipse with the unprotected eye. Severe eye damage or blindness can occur. It
On March 15, 2024, Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) released a health advisory about the CDC New Respiratory Virus Guidance (which is a general guidance for community settings). Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) provides this guidance based upon available information and is subject to change. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
April is Autism Acceptance Month! Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed a proclamation to acknowledge the many individuals on the autism spectrum, their abilities and contributions, and their inclusion within the community. Click on the proclamation image above to view and download a PDF version.
The Office of Developmental Programs encourages you to spring into action with Move Your Way! Taking steps, big or small, towards increasing your physical activity can improve your health. Physical activity has lots of long-term health benefits. You can: Reduce risk of dementia, type 2 diabetes, heart disease,and certain cancers Help manage
