PAR Board of Directors and Executive Committee

PAR's bylaws state that the business and affairs of the Association shall be managed by its Board of Directors, which shall consist of four duly elected officers plus thirteen (13) additional members, duly elected by the general membership of the Association at the Annual Meeting. From the 13 members, up to four shall serve on the Executive Committee with the four officers. One shall be the immediate Past Board Chair and one to three shall be appointed as Board Members-at-Large. No PAR member shall have more than one representative on the Board of Directors.

Each year, the Nominating Committee proposes a slate of board members and officers after written solicitation for nominations from all general members. Members of the Board of Directors shall be elected for staggered terms of three years each. A member may serve two consecutive three year terms and may be nominated again for a Board position after he/she has not served on the Board of Directors for one year.

All members of the Board of Directors of the Association shall be, and at all times remain, duly authorized representatives of members in good standing of the Association. Any such member of the Board of Directors shall automatically be disqualified from continuing to serve on the Board upon revocation of his or her authority to represent a member of the Association, or upon a resignation, suspension or other termination of the membership represented by him or her in the Association.

Board of Directors

Nominating Committee

PAR Board Committees

PAR currently supports the following workgroups and committees that focus on a variety of different issues that have been identified by members as important to address. There is something for everyone -- collaborate, learn from your colleagues across the state, and make your voice heard! If you are a PAR member interested in a below workgroup, email [email protected] for more information!

2380/2390/CPS Services Committee

The 2380/2390/CPS Services Committee addresses unique concerns and issues pertaining to the operation of Adult Training Facilities (governed by Chapter 2380) and Vocational Facilities (governed by Chapter 2390) licensed by the Office of Developmental Programs.

Advocacy Committee

The PAR Advocacy Committee includes professional government relations staff who are registered lobbyists and contract lobbyists of PAR provider members. The council meets to discuss legislative activities and coordinate lobbying efforts to effectively communicate PAR’s advocacy message on behalf of providers.

APM Taskforce

The Alternative Payment Models (APM) Taskforce works with ANCOR's committee to learn about models that other states and countries are using as an alternative to traditional managed care.

Communications Committee

PAR's Communications Committee is focused on enhancing the effectiveness of PAR's mission and message, especially regarding social media and advocacy.

Community Participation in Rural Areas Subcommittee (of 2380/2390/CPS Services Committee)

The Community Participation in Rural Areas Subcommittee consists of provider members who provide community participation services in rural areas. Subcommittee members discuss challenges in providing these services in rural areas, share with each other innovative community integration models that incorporate the uniqueness of rural Pennsylvania, and discuss potential solutions with ODP staff.

CPS Communities of Practice Ad Hoc Subcommittee (of 2380/2390/CPS Services Committee)

The PAR CPS Communities of Practice Subcommittee answers to the PAR 2380/2390/CPS Committee. This subcommittee will focus on issues unique to providers who operate creative non-typical integrated programs.

CPS Pilots and Technical Assistance Ad Hoc Subcommittee (of 23890/2390/CPS Services Committee)

The PAR CPS Pilots and Technical Assistance Subcommittee has two goals; (a) to develop and implement pilots testing innovative ways of providing CPS within the current fees and regulations system and (b) Identify and arrange for technical assistance for providers seeking efficiently and effectively transform facility-based services into community-based services.

Developing Capacity to Support People with Complex Behavioral Needs

The Committee on Developing Capacity to Support People with Complex Behavioral Needs is focused on developing PAR members’ abilities to meet the unique needs of people with ID/A who also have significant mental health and behavioral challenges, within the Everyday Lives framework.

Employment First Committee

PAR's Employment First Committee is composed of providers and state agencies who oversee Employment First initiatives. Members work together to address how people with intellectual disability and autism can gain and hold onto employment in integrated settings at or above the minimum wage.

Fiscal Officers Committee

The Fiscal Officers Committee meets to assist PAR members’ fiscal officers in understanding state fiscal reporting laws, billing procedures, reimbursement procedures and ever-evolving regulatory issues.

Graduation to DSP Employment Taskforce

The Graduation to DSP Employment program will address the needs of the Intellectual Disability/Autism services field and the DSP workforce crisis alongside the needs of high school students who are at risk of dropping out.

Human Resources Committee

The Human Resources Committee is composed of PAR Member human resources professionals with a common goal to assist each other and share resources and best practices.

ICF/ID Committee

The ICF/ID Committee focuses on the unique needs of individuals served by intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disability, which require higher levels of medical and behavioral supports in accordance with their individual support plan and in compliance with the Medicaid regulations governing ICF/ID programs.

In-Home and Community Supports Committee

The In-Home and Community Supports Committee provides a networking forum for PAR members providing In-Home and Community Supports (IHCS), Companion and Unlicensed Respite to identify and act on the changes that need to occur to ensure these core services are preserved for the greatest number of ODP service recipients living in a private home.

Legislative & Grassroots Committee

The PAR Legislative & Grassroots Committee works to expand PAR’s grassroots advocacy, particularly around DSP compensation, and develop a strong and effective grassroots network throughout the Commonwealth that will get the attention of our elected officials and increase the success of PAR’s DSP compensation advocacy initiative.

Lifesharing Committee

Lifesharing is a unique opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism to live an everyday life as part of a family and integrate into their communities, thus providing the most natural opportunity outside of independent living.

Medically Complex Committee

The Medically Complex Committee meets to discuss how to improve the service system to better support individuals with complex medical needs.

Membership Committee

PAR’s Membership Committee is responsible for collaborating with current PAR membership, Board and staff on key strategies, challenges, and needs in order to provide insight on membership recruitment, engagement and retention.

Nursing & Health Services Committee

The Nursing & Health Services Committee addresses health care concerns including best practice for the delivery of health care supports to individuals in onsite facility residential, vocational/day programs, and for individuals in their own homes, including Medication Administration and Health Risk Screening.

Political Action Committee

The PAR ID/A PAC provides PAR members the opportunity to raise funds and make contributions to support worthy elected officials and candidates for elected federal and state office who believe in and have demonstrated their support of the mission of provider organizations to serve and support Pennsylvania's children and adults with autism or intellectual disability.

Racial Equity and Engagement Taskforce

The Mission of the PAR Racial Equity and Engagement Taskforce is to advocate for equitable pay, career and leadership opportunities, and statewide policy changes for historically marginalized and disenfranchised racial groups.

Simplifying the System Committee

The Simplifying the System Committee includes PAR members who are interested in simplifying the complex web facing families and consumers who seek to obtain services and supports for their loved ones who have intellectual disability or autism.

Solutions Conference Committee

Members of the Conference Committee help select speakers, topics, themes and keynoters for the Annual PAR Solutions Conference held in October in Harrisburg.

Supporting Families Committee

The Supportive Families Committee works to support family based delivery of supports and services for people with ID/A that recognize the efficacy of recognizing families as a best practice nexus for delivery of supports and services to people with intellectual disability or autism.