March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Please help the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) share the proclamation signed by Governor Josh Shapiro that celebrates the many accomplishments and contributions of people with developmental disabilities. Governor Shapiro highlights the Commonwealth's commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the proclamation, stating:
Whooping Cough Outbreaks According to the Clearfield County Department of Health, there was a recent pertussis outbreak in the local Amish community. Whooping cough (pertussis) is an endemic (common) disease in the United States. It is a contagious respiratory illness and spreads easily from person to person. Outbreaks may occur in settings such
The National Disability Institute (NDI) is holding a listening session in Pittsburgh for individuals with a disability, their families, their direct support professionals, and individuals who identify as black, indigenous, and/or person of color (BIPOC) and/or LGBTQ+. The NDI would like to hear from you during the Pittsburgh Coalition on the Intersection
The Shapiro Administration and the Department of Human Services (DHS) is urging anyone enrolled in Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program, also known as Medical Assistance (MA), to make sure their contact information is correct so they can receive timely updates about their benefits. Under new federal law, continuous MA eligibility will be separated from the public
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for students in grades eight through eleven interested in supporting disaster preparedness to join the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). Why is it Important for Youth to Apply? FEMA created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to bring together young leaders from across the country
ODP has partnered with Infectious Disease Connect (ID Connect) to release a newsletter centered on the latest in health news. ID Connect is an organization that connects patients, pharmacists, and healthcare providers to infectious disease experts. ID Connect has led a series of educational "Town Hall" style webinars for ODP centered on
Have you visited the Supportive Technology resource center on MyODP? The new Supportive Technology page on MyODP is home to information from ODP's Technology Taskforce including newsletters, guidance, and presentations on supportive technology - Including remote supports, assistive technology, and more. ODP's Technology Taskforce recently held a series of virtual "roadshow" presentations
On Wednesday, January 2023 the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Becerra, signed into order a renewal of the existing public health emergency declaration reading: As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, on this date and after consultation with public health officials
January 4th is recognized as World Braille Day by the United Nations. The day marks as a reminder of the importance of accommodations and accessibility for those who are visually impaired. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates approximately 12 million Americans 40 or over live with some form of visual
The Office of Developmental Programs Division of Quality Management (QM) has issued its latest edition of the QM Spotlight. This issue focuses on the ODP's revised Quality Management Plan & Action Review Checklist. The QM Plan & Action Review Checklist was developed by the Division of Quality Management as a supplemental document
