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Updated SPeCTRUM Course Coming Soon

ODP and the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP) in collaboration with the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training (ASERT) is pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new SPeCTRUM training course. This updated course will replace the existing SPeCTRUM 2.0 currently available on MyODP. The revised SPeCTRUM training will include enhanced webinar capabilities, updated content, and a variety of interactive learning features designed to support an improved and more engaging learning experience for participants.
For applicable providers of the Consolidated waiver, in the interim of this new course becoming available, the recording of the Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview and Practical Application is now available as an alternative to SPeCTRUM 2.0 for the purposes of satisfying the basic autism training requirement for Residential Performance Based Contracting measures CN-DD/Bx.01.1S and CN-DD/Bx.01.1CE for all Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Frontline Supervisors (FLSs), and program managers. This training also fulfills §6100.143 ongoing training requirements. Users will be required to view 4 hours worth of training content and pass a 10 question quiz before the course displays on the MyTranscript. 
Staff providing services under the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) and Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP) are required to take SPeCTRUM 2.0 or the upcoming updated SPeCTRUM course, once it becomes available. Additional communication is forthcoming.
MyODP users who are currently working toward completion of the SPeCTRUM 2.0 course must complete all required modules by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The course will be retired effective April 1, 2026, and will no longer be accessible on MyODP. Any incomplete progress toward module completion that has not been finalized by the deadline will not be retained. 

ODPANN 26-031 Publication of Final Supports Coordination and Targeted Support Management Rates Effective Starting July 1, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-031 Publication of Final Supports Coordination and Targeted Support Management Rates Effective Starting July 1, 2026. The purpose of this announcement is to inform stakeholders that rates effective July 1, 2026, for Supports Coordination funded through the Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waivers and TSM have been published as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

The Office of Developmental Programs requests your assistance sharing the attached proclamation signed by Governor Josh Shapiro that recognizes March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating the diverse nature and qualities of individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the month of March.

ODPANN 26-030 Sensory Friendly Preparedness For Large-scale Events

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-030 Sensory Friendly Preparedness for Large-scale EventsThe purpose of this communication is to introduce the guide Sensory Friendly Preparedness Guide for Large-Scale Events and accompanying social story.  These resources are designed to support providers in assessing and preparing for planned large-scale public events.

ATTACHMENTS: 

ODPANN 26-029 Now Available - Administrative Review (AR) Live Case

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-029 Now Available - Administrative Review (AR) Live Case. The purpose of this communication is to communicate that new live case study sessions for the AR Course are now available, featuring a new case study that allows participants to actively engage and apply their learning.

Please review the announcement for more details.

NOW AVAILABLE: Resource for Communicating with Individuals who are Blind or have a Vision Impairment

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is happy to announce a new resource, Communicating with Individuals who are Blind or have a Vision Impairment”! 
This resource provides some basic information on vision, the most common eye disorders and how they impact a person’s vision, as well as strategies for effective communication when supporting these individuals.
 
The key to achieving effective communication with a person with a vision impairment is to consciously accept the responsibility for it. How an individual is impacted will vary and communication access depends on individual needs, looking different for each person. We hope this resource will provide valuable information on communicating and supporting individuals with a visual impairment.
 
Please contact the ODP Special Populations Unit at [email protected] with any questions.
 

 

ODPANN 26-028 Updates to the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Service (PUNS)

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-028 Updates to the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Service (PUNS)The purpose of this communication is to distribute the updated Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) Manual and the revised DP1055 – PUNS Form, effective February 2026, and to announce the implementation of related updates to the Emergency PUNS process.

This communication formally distributes:

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Immigration Enforcement Advisory for Health Care/Social Services Facilities

Under the current federal administration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (U.S. DHS) has lifted restrictions that previously prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers from carrying out immigration enforcement actions, including arrests, in protected areas such as medical and behavioral health care facilities and social services establishments. It is now possible that U.S. DHS may attempt to conduct immigration enforcement activities in these settings.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, along with the departments of Aging, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Health, has prepared a non-regulatory advisory to provide general information about federal law applicable to immigration enforcement activities at health care and social services facilities. We also advise facility leadership and counsel to develop a written policy and standard operating procedures for what to do if immigration enforcement agents arrive on facility property or seek information about individuals you serve for immigration enforcement reasons. In developing these policies and procedures, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services advises that you consider:

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Reminder: Performance Based Contracting (PBC) March 2026 Quarterly Provider Forum- Residential

Performance Based Contracting (PBC) March 2026 Quarterly Provider Forum- Residential
This forum is provided to support provider preparedness. The Office of Development Programs (ODP) will review the quarterly forums and discuss data presented to the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) Provider Performance Review Subcommittee.  ODP will also review the emerging themes or trends with the implementation of performance-based contracting.
 
Audience:
Residential Providers
 
Date:
March 11, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Registration:

ODPANN 26-027: Updated MyTranscript Report Now Available and Instructions for Re-taking MyODP Courses

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-027: Updated MyTranscript Report Now Available and Instructions for Re-taking MyODP Courses. The purpose of this announcement is to inform users that an Updated MyTranscript Report is now available and to provide instruction to users for re-taking MyODP courses.

ODPANN 26-026 Newly Released - The Certified Investigator (CI) Program Spotlight Quarterly Newsletter

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-026 Newly Released - The Certified Investigator (CI) Program Spotlight Quarterly NewsletterThe purpose of this communication is to announce that the Temple University Harrisburg Certified Investigator Program and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) have released a new issue of the quarterly newsletter, The CI Program Spotlight.

After Hours with Policy from the Office of Developmental Programs: ODP 101: How to Begin - How to Register and Enroll with ODP, Who to Contact with Questions, and More

After Hours with Policy from the Office of Developmental Programs: ODP 101: How to Begin - How to Register and Enroll with ODP, Who to Contact with Questions, and More
 
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families to join in a virtual discussion with members of the Division of Policy and Program Innovation. These sessions are informal, meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams.
Please note: This event is being held only for individuals and family members; this is not an event for someone who is only a professional.
What Will Be Covered?
ODP staff will demonstrate where to go online to find the ID/A waivers available in Pennsylvania and the Individual Support Plan (ISP) manual, as well as how to navigate within the documents. The session also includes a review of the enrollment process using the publicly available documents. Finally, ODP staff will discuss with individuals and family members who they should contact once they begin the registration process.
Audience:
Individuals and Families
Date:
March 18, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration:

Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) March 2026 Training and Events Calendar

Attached is the March 2026 training and events calendar.

ODPANN 26-019 UPDATE: Medication Administration

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-019 UPDATE: Medication Administration Online System Scheduled Maintenance for February 17, 2026 has ConcludedThe purpose of this communication is to inform users that the Medication Administration Online System has finished scheduled maintenance and is now available.

Philadelphia Health Department Warns of Possible Measles Exposure

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has released the following press release notifying travelers and others of a possible measles exposure at the Philadelphia International Airport Terminal E on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 from 1:35 pm to 4:30 pm.

The individual with measles was traveling through Philadelphia. The Health Department is encouraging people who were exposed to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.

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U.S. Food and Drug Administration Safety Alert! Medline Updates Instructions for Use for Homecare Beds

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing this important announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “FDA MedWatch - Medline Updates Instructions for Use for Homecare Beds”.

Electronic Homecare Bed Correction: Medline Updates Use Instructions for Homecare Beds | FDA

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ODPANN 26-024: Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Quality Management (QM) Certification Classes: Registration for Upcoming Spring-Summer 2026 Virtual Classes

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-024: Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Quality Management (QM) Certification Classes: Registration for Upcoming Spring-Summer 2026 Virtual Classes. The purpose of this announcement is to provide information on upcoming 2026 QM Certification class dates and registration.

PADDC Seeks Five-Year Plan Input

Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) is seeking public input on goals and objectives for its next 5-year plan (2027-2031). Over the past 14 months, Council has gathered public feedback on barriers and concerns that impact the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Pennsylvania; Distributed surveys and conducted listening tours, and; Analyzed state data, services, and challenges to identify unmet needs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
 
The results of these activities led Council to develop goals and objectives in the following focus areas: self-advocacy; information sharing; and services and supports. Before the plan is finalized, we are seeking public comments to ensure we are considering a variety of viewpoints. PADDC invites you to take its survey by March 27, 2026.
 

Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series (DDPCS) February 2026

Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series
Bringing America Greatness - Serving the Disability Community with Cultural Competency/Do No Harm
February 19, 2026 - 10:00am – 1:00pm
 
Session Description:
Cultural Competency is necessary for every American, regardless of age, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, economic status, disability or handicap. Being different does not guarantee the ability to relate positively to our diversity, in a personal or professional way. This training will help develop skills that focus on living-working-playing-learning together. These skills must be practiced and learned across all sectors of our society. Emphasis will be placed on equity as a right for all Americans embraced by leaders of people everywhere from birth to adulthood. Thus, cultural competency as a skill set is both beyond, but essential to diversity and inclusion efforts, providing a chemistry for “greatness” in America.
Session is free, but registration is required, attendance is on a first come, first served basis.
Please review the attached flyer for additional details
 
The session will be offered virtually via the Zoom© platform. The Zoom link for joining the session will be sent to the email you used to register. This link will be unique to your registration. Please do not share this link.
 
 
For questions on registration, email: [email protected]

ODPANN 26-023: NOW AVAILABLE: Room and Board Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Version 2

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-023: NOW AVAILABLE: Room and Board Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Version 2. The purpose of this announcement is to inform all interested parties of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) publication of the Room and Board FAQ Version 2.

 

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