Registration Now Open: Employment Symposiums - Unlocking Untapped Talent: The Benefits of Hiring Employees with Disabilities

Registration Now Open! Office of Developmental Programs’ 2025 Employment Symposiums - Unlocking Untapped Talent: The Benefits of Hiring Employees with Disabilities
In 2025, the Office of Developmental Programs is hosting four regional employment symposiums across the Commonwealth. Through panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, ODP’s Employment Symposiums will build connections between local employers, individuals and families, and service providers.  Please join us to learn how hiring employees with disabilities benefits everyone!
Please register for one of the dates below.
 

Region

Date

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ODPANN 25-082: Reminder for Certified Trainers: Medication Administration Guidance for training at multiple Eligible Providers

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-082: Reminder for Certified Trainers: Medication Administration Guidance for training at multiple Eligible Providers. The purpose of this announcement is to provide guidance for Certified Trainers that train for multiple eligible providers.

Maintaining your Trainer Certificate Attachment

ODPANN 25-083: Residential Performance-Based Contracting Admissions of Individuals who are Needs Group 5 (NG5) or Greater

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-083: Residential Performance-Based Contracting Admissions of Individuals who are Needs Group 5 (NG5) or Greater/. The purpose of this announcement is to provide an update on the performance-based contracting requirement for admissions of individuals, who are NG5 or greater, to a provider of Residential Habilitation, Life Sharing, or Supported Living services. Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series (DDPCS) September 2025

Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series:
More than a Label: 
Lived Perspectives, Screening, and Strategies for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Support
September 18, 2025 – 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Session Description:
This presentation will review the clinical clues for identifying the effects of FASD, suggestions for screening, current research, and statistics. We will explore daily supportive strategies and positive approaches including sensory integration and emotional regulation techniques. The information will be shared through a trauma-informed lens that incorporates the voice of lived perspectives.
The session will be offered virtually, via the Zoom © platform. To participate, you will need access to a computer, with a web camera and microphone that meets the Zoom system requirements.
Session is free, but registration is required, attendance is on a first come, first served basis.
Please review the attached flyer for additional details.

ODPANN 25-081: The Important Role of The Incident Management (IM) Representative Training Now Available on MyODP

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-081: The Important Role of The Incident Management (IM) Representative Training Now Available on MyODP. The purpose of this announcement is to advise Provider and Supports Coordinator Incident Management Representatives (IM Reps) that a new training is available on MyODP. The training should be considered a prerequisite for future trainings, technical assistance, and skill building opportunities that may be offered through ODP. Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

ODP Health Alert: A Late Summer Increase in COVID-19 Activity in Pennsylvania

The Office of Developmental Programs requests your assistance sharing the attached ODP Health Alert: A Late Summer Increase in COVID-19 Activity in Pennsylvania. The Health Alert provides information on increasing COVID-19 rates in Pennsylvania, recommended actions for preventing and treating the virus, and a list of resources to help better understand the current situation.

AID in PA Accepting TRAIN Applications Fall 2025

TRAIN: Autistic and intellectually disabled people are at increased risk of being victimized and experiencing trauma, however, few therapists are skilled in both supporting these communities and providing trauma-focused care. To bridge this gap, psychologists with the ASERT team created the TRAIN program—12 weeks of self-guided learning and live webinars for mental health therapists licensed in Pennsylvania who are currently working with Autistic and/or intellectually disabled adults. TRAIN is an integrative and neuro-affirming approach to trauma-focused care with neurodivergent adults, centering clinical work with the Autistic and intellectually disabled communities. After completing the 12 weeks of learning, participants have the option to continue their training through clinical consultation with the developers of TRAIN. This program covers:

  • Trauma-focused mental healthcare
  • Types and prevalence of trauma
  • Expressions of trauma
  • Neurodiversity and Neuro-affirming practices
  • Navigating disclosures of abuse and ethical considerations of reporting abuse and neglect of dependent adults
  • Assessing trauma and using trauma-focused interviews
  • Trauma-focused and neuro-affirming psychoeducation
  • Trauma response and nervous system regulation strategies
  • Trauma processing techniques
  • Resiliency and therapist self-preservation

Target Audience: This program was developed for therapists, counselors, and clinical social workers who already have experience working with clients who have an Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) diagnosis and are looking to gain knowledge and skills related to trauma therapy. Therapists who do not have experience with ID/A clients are also welcome to participate, but the expectation is they would be committed to taking such clients into their practice after completing the program as the purpose is to build capacity in this area across the state. You must currently be licensed and provide 1:1 talk therapy sessions to adult clients at the moment to qualify for this course and participate in the case consultation presentations.

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Canceled: The Dignity of Risk: Supporting Choice, Growth, and Autonomy for People with Disabilities

 

CANCELED: The Dignity of Risk: Supporting Choice, Growth, and Autonomy for People with Disabilities
The purpose of this communication is to announce that this training has been canceled. The training may be rescheduled.
Audience:
All Programs and Providers
Date:
August 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

After Hours with Policy from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP): Overview of Waiver-Funded Services that can be Provided by Family Members

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and their families to join in a virtual exploration and 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?
Family members often want to stay as involved as possible with the services their relative receives. This session will consist of an overview of services that family members can provide through ODP's 1915(c) waivers, as well as who is considered family and other important definitions. The session will also include time to explore where this information can be found.
Audience:
Individuals and Families
Date:
September 18, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration:

PA Family Network September Workshops

Good Afternoon:

Attached are the PA Family Network workshop and support groups for September. Thank you for sharing these important workshops and support groups with your networks! Register for upcoming events at www.pafamilynetwork.org/events.

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Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) September 2025 Training and Events Calendar

The Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the September 2025 training and events calendar. Please share widely.

ODPANN 25-070 Update: Department of Human Services (DHS) Choking Prevention Website Now Available

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-070 Update: Department of Human Services (DHS) Choking Prevention Website Now Available. This communication announces the release of the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Choking Prevention website. This communication is being reissued to provide an updated link to the DHS Choking Prevention website. Updates appear in red text.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Product Recall Alert

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing this important announcement from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA MedWatch - DermaKleen, Dermasarra, Kleenfoam, and Perigiene Products by DermaRite Industries
DermaRite Industries is recalling the below products due to microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepacia.
Risk Statement:
Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) in these products may result in serious and life-threatening infections. The contaminated products may be used by immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals. In healthy individuals with minor skin lesions the use of the product will more likely result in local infections, whereas in immunocompromised individuals the infection is more likely to spread into blood stream leading to life-threatening sepsis.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States and in Puerto Rico.
To date, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
BACKGROUND:
  • DermaKleen is an OTC Healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.
  • DermaSarra is an OTC External analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to dry skin, insect bites, detergents, sunburn.
  • KleenFoam is an OTC Antimicrobial foam soap with aloe vera indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after assisting ill people, or before contact with a person under medical care or treatment.
  • PeriGiene is an OTC Antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
  • Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.
  • Consumers with questions regarding this recall can call Mary Goldberg at 973-569-9000 x104 or email [email protected].
  • DermaRite has notified its distributors and customers by e-mail to immediately examine available inventory and destroy all affected products in accordance with each facility’s process.

Registration Open: Virtual Office Hours (VOH) for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators available on August 21

Registration Open:
Virtual Office Hours (VOH) for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators available on August 21, 2025
Registration for the August VOH sessions are now available for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators. If interested in joining, please click on the registration link available on your Med Admin Trainer Dashboard. Registration is only available for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators. VOH for the August 21, 2025, sessions are listed below.
  • August 21, 2025, 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
  • August 21, 2025, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
If you are unable to attend, the next VOH session will be September 18.

Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Quarterly Provider - Residential

This forum is provided to support provider preparedness.
Topics of discussion include:
  • Updates to Measures
  • Introducing the new Performance Analysis Services (PAS) data submission tool
  • Technical assistance
  • Provider Performance Review data
Audience:
Residential Providers
Date:
September 10, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Registration:

Project Echo: Building Communication Opportunities for Adults with Autism & Communication Needs ECHO Program

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Penn State College of Medicine
Building Communication Opportunities for Adults with Autism & Communication Needs ECHO Program
NO-COST PROGRAM FOR DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS, SUPERVISORS, & TEAM LEADS
Transform your approach to supporting individuals with communication challenges! Our program provides effective strategies for supporting individuals with limited or no vocal communication. Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience, this training will empower you with the tools to promote functional communication & improve quality of life.
Virtual sessions, held alternating Mondays, 7:45 AM-9 AM
Sessions:
  • September 8
  • September 22
  • October 6
  • October 20
  • November 3
  • November 17
Please review the attachment for registration information, course content and additional details about the program.

Save the Date Employment Symposiums - Unlocking Untapped Talent: The Benefits of Hiring Employees with Disabilities

Save the Date!
Office of Developmental Programs’ 2025 Employment Symposiums
Unlocking Untapped Talent: The Benefits of Hiring Employees with Disabilities
The Office of Developmental Programs will be hosting four regional employment symposiums. ODP’s Employment Symposiums will build connections between local employers, individuals and families, and service providers. Through panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, attendees will learn how hiring employees with disabilities benefits everyone!
Please join us for one of the dates below.
Registration information will be available in the coming weeks.

Region

Date

Read More

ODPANN 25-080: Registration Now Open for September Certified Investigator (CI) Forum

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-080: Registration Now Open for September Certified Investigator (CI) Forum. The purpose of this communication is to communicate that the Temple University Harrisburg Certified Investigator Program and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will be facilitating Forums for CIs and others involved in the incident investigation process. Please review the announcement for registration information and how to submit questions for discussion.

ODPANN 25-079: Now Available: Administrative Review (AR) Live Case Study Sessions

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-079: Now Available: Administrative Review (AR) Live Case Study Sessions. The purpose of this announcement is to communicate that new live case study sessions for the Administrative Review (AR) course are now available. Please review the announcement for additional information and detail.

ODPANN 25-078: Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) Quality Management (QM) Certification Classes Registration for Additional Upcoming 2025 Virtual Classes

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-078: Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) Quality Management (QM) Certification Classes Registration for Additional Upcoming 2025 Virtual Classes. The purpose of this announcement is to provide information on seven new 2025 QM Certification class dates and how to register. Please review the announcement for additional information and details.