Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) November Training and Events Calendar
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
17
ODPANN 25-096: Now Available: Supports Coordination Organization (SCO) Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
16
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-096: Now Available: Supports Coordination Organization (SCO) Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The purpose of this announcement is to is to notify stakeholders that ODP has published FAQs received about SCO-PBC. Please review the announcement for additional information and details.
ODPANN 25-095: Questions Removed From the Quality Assessment & Improvement (QA&I) Process Cycle 3, Year 1 (C3Y1) Tools
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
15
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-095: Questions Removed from the Quality Assessment & Improvement (QA&I) Process Cycle 3, Year 1 (C3Y1) Tools and its accompanying attachments. The purpose of this communication is to advise stakeholders of a change to the C3Y1 QA&I tools. Please review the announcement and attachments for additional information on the changes.
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Oct
13
Please see the message below regarding the public comment period for Personal Care Assistance Accommodations Guidance from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). Public comment will be accepted from October 6, 2025, to November 25, 2025. The information below includes an overview as well as the link to the process on how to submit public comment.
PHRC is collecting public comment on proposed guidance clarifying how the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act applies to the admission of Personal Care Assistants accompanying individuals with disabilities at public accommodations and commercial properties.
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Adult Autism Waiver's (AAW) Supports and Services Directory (SSD) for October 2025
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
10
Please find a link to the most recent version of the Adult Autism Waiver’s Supports & Services Directory (SSD) for October 2025.
SPECIAL NOTE TO PROVIDERS: Please review your contact information in the SSD.
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Canceled: Planning for and Providing Community Participation Support (CPS) in a Community Setting
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
09
CANCELED
Planning for and Providing Community Participation Support (CPS) in a Community Setting
The purpose for this announcement is to notify you that the training has been canceled. This training may be rescheduled at a later date.
The purpose for this announcement is to notify you that the training has been canceled. This training may be rescheduled at a later date.
Audience:
All Interested Stakeholders
Date:
October 29, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Registration Open: Virtual Office Hours (VOH) for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators available on October 23rd
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
08
Registration Open:
Two Virtual Office Hours (VOH) for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators available on October 23, 2025
Registration for the October 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. Please only register for one session. The two sessions for the October 23, 2025, VOH sessions are listed below.
- October 23, 2025, 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
- October 23, 2025, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
ODPANN 25-093: Incident Management (IM) Rebalancing Initiative Phase 1 IM Guidance
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
08
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-093: Incident Management (IM) Rebalancing Initiative Phase 1 IM Guidance. The purpose of this announcement is to provide updated guidance related to the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) IM Rebalancing Initiative. The guidelines are organized into seven separate topics covering the following:
- Finalizing Incident Reports
- Reducing Duplicative and Multiple Incident Reports
- Clarifying the Definition of Serious Injury
- Clarifying the Definition for Discovery Date
- Managing Events Occurring Prior to Enrollment
- Discontinuing the Use of Optionally Reportable Events (OREs)
- Discontinuing the Use of Illness/Other and Illness/COVID Incident Categories.
Please review the announcement for additional information and details.
ODPANN 25-092: Medication Administration (MedAdmin) Training Program - Agency/Entity/Role Designation/Verification Form Update
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
08
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-092: Medication Administration (MedAdmin) Training Program - Agency/Entity/Role Designation/Verification Form Update and its accompanying attachment. The purpose of this communication is to announce that an updated Agency/Entity/Role Designation/Verification Form is now available. The updated form accompanies the announcement in this email. Please review the announcement for additional information and details.
Oct
03
November 19, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Understanding Neuroplasticity and Recent Advancements in Enhancing Supports
The Offices of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and Developmental Programs (ODP) invite you to register for the 2025 Dual Diagnosis Conference to be hosted virtually on November 19. Join us for this one-day virtual conference to gain a better understanding of neuroplasticity and recent advancements in enhancing supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Speakers for the day include:
Dr. Ken Martz
Ken Martz, Psy.D., MBA is a licensed psychologist, bestselling author, and expert in emotional development. He has worked in the treatment and management of addiction for the past 30 years across settings including outpatient, residential, and hospital settings. He was formerly the Special Assistant to the Secretary for the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Policy Director in Substance Use Disorders of the Governor’s Policy Office. Dr. Martz will start the day with an overview of neuroplasticity.
Dr. Brandi Kelly
Brandi Kelly, Ph.D. is the Clinical Director for Louisiana’s OCDD and received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Louisiana State University in 1998 and a post-doctoral master’s degree in clinical psychopharmacology from Alliant University in 2002. She has worked extensively in community and residential-based programs providing support planning, staff training, and behavioral health services to individuals with developmental disabilities and has published research on assessment and treatment of behavioral and mental health concerns of individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Kelly’s presentation will provide a clinical focus on how to use neuroplasticity data.
Dr. Calliope Holingue
Calliope Holingue, MPH, PhD is a research faculty member at the Center for Autism Services, Science, and Innovation at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. A psychiatric epidemiologist by training, she has a joint academic appointment as an assistant professor at the Department of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Holingue will share current research and developments related to neuroplasticity.
The day will conclude with a question and answer session with all three of our speakers.
Oct
01
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is happy to announce a new resource, “Bridging the Gap from Classroom to Community: Transition Resources Related to Communication”!
Transition planning helps students with disabilities and their families get ready for life after high school and helps bridge supports between youth and adult service systems. It includes planning and preparing for employment, further education or training, and living independently.
This resource provides information on how to ensure access to effective communication while supporting individuals during the transition process.
This resource bundle includes transition information on the following:
- American Sign Language
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
- Speech and Blind/Visual Impairment
- Tactile Communication
- Visual Gestural Communication
The Transition Planning for Communication Resource is found on MyODP. It is also attached to this message.
Please contact the ODP Special Populations Unit at [email protected] with any questions.
Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) Division of Quality Management's QM Spotlight Issue 15
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
01
Please assist the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in sharing the attached informational flyer: ODP’s Division of Quality Management’s QM Spotlight, Issue 15 in a series of quarterly publications. This issue focuses on trend analysis, key concepts, and provides an example.
Oct
01
October 2025 is the eightieth anniversary of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM is a celebration of the many changes that have been made to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities who want to work. Pennsylvania is an Employment First State, encouraging individuals with disabilities to pursue competitive integrated employment as the first consideration and desired outcome. In honor of NDEAM, Governor Shapiro has issued a proclamation celebrating the many contributions and advancements in disability employment. Please join the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in celebrating the individuals who are working to provide equal opportunities and inclusivity to all individuals.
Canceled: Employment Symposiums - Unlocking Untapped Talent: The Benefits of Hiring Employees with Disabilities
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
01
The remaining Employment Symposiums scheduled for 10/17/2025 and 10/22/2025 have been canceled. They will be rescheduled at a later date.
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!
Oct
01
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the October 2025 Proclamation for Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Down Syndrome is the most common genetic disorder in the world population. It is estimated that 38% of the population knows someone with Down Syndrome. With medical advancements, increased knowledge and awareness, and early intervention; individuals with Down Syndrome are living longer, more fulfilling lives. Governor Shapiro has issued a proclamation celebrating the many individuals living and advocating for Down Syndrome. Please join ODP in acknowledging Down Syndrome Awareness Month!
ODPANN 25-086 Update: Residential Performance-Based Contracting Performance Standards for Contract Year 2026-2027
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
01
The Office of Development Programs (ODP) request your assistance sharing this updated communication, ODPANN 25-086: Residential Performance-Based Contracting Performance Standards for Contract Year 2026-2027. The purpose of this communication is to create awareness of changes made to the original announcement and the attachments. Please note, changes in the announcement are in red.
Attachments:
ODP Health Alert: Respiratory Illness and Guidance for Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Vaccines
Category: ODP Communications
Sep
26
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODP Health Alert: Respiratory Illness and Guidance for Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Vaccines. The purpose of this Health Alert is to provide updated recommendations and guidance on the Flu, RSV and COVID-19 Vaccines. Please review the Health Alert for information about the different vaccinations available, the recommended age-ranges and conditions that should consider getting the vaccines, and other important details.
ODPANN 25-089: Medication Administration Training Requirements Reminder and October-December Train-the-Trainer Face-to-Face Schedule
Category: ODP Communications
Sep
24
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-089: Medication Administration Training Requirements Reminder and October-December Train-the-Trainer Face-to-Face Schedule. The purpose of this announcement is:
- To share a reminder on Medication Administration Training Requirements
- To announce the Face-to-Face training schedule for October through December 2025.
Please review the information in the announcement for additional details including training dates and registration information.
Sep
23
This forum is held 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 developing with the implementation of performance-based contracting.
Audience:
Residential Providers
Date:
December 22, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Registration:
Register for PATC 2025!
Category: ODP Communications
Sep
22
2025 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC)
September 30 – October 1, 2025
Hosted Virtually
PATC 2025 is right around the corner and it’s not too late to register! The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites you to register for its upcoming PATC conference to hear from leading experts on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and community inclusion. The theme for this year's conference is Beyond Inclusion: Thriving in the Community. Presentations will consider how we can start shifting the paradigm from a model that puts the onus of community integration on the individual and their family, to one that proactively shapes communities with inclusion in mind from the start.