Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
ASERT has compiled resources for those with autism and those who care for people with autism relating to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Announcements
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Public Comment Session
The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) has already heard from many stakeholders about Pennsylvania’s plan to use the increased Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentages (FMAP) available under the American Rescue Plan, but for those who are unable to submit feedback via email (RA-secretaryoffice@pa.gov), you are able to do so by participating in Wednesday’s virtual public comment session beginning at 10:00 AM.
Read moreHHS Launches Hotline to Improve Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Disabilities
The U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) announces the launch of a first-of-its-kind national hotline to connect people with disabilities to information and services to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Read morePersonal Stories Project for the PA Autism Training Conference (PATC) 2021
This message is for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), their family members, friends and support staff. We are looking for Personal Stories -- Written Essays and Video Stories -- from individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We will be showcasing the Essays and Videos at the PA Autism Training Conference (PATC), which will be held virtually from October 5-7, 2021.
Read moreDepartment Of Human Services Announces Expansion Of Peer-Support Program For Individuals On The Autism Spectrum
The Department of Human Services (DHS) today highlighted the expansion of the Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Program, a first-of-its-kind program in Philadelphia that connects an individual with autism to support from certified peer specialists.
Read moreHomebound Vaccination Program For Older Adults and People with Disabilities
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is pleased to announce the Homebound Vaccination Program, designed to reach homebound individuals with COVID-19 vaccine in their own homes. This program is available for any individual who is homebound or for anyone who would have difficulty being vaccinated at a clinic due to a disability.
Read moreOpen for Public Comment: Appendices I and J, Proposed Fee Schedule Rates, and Proposed Department-Established Fees for the Renewal of the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)
Appendices I and J of the proposed renewal of the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW), as well as the rate setting methodology used to develop the proposed Fee Schedule Rates for services funded through the Adult Autism Waiver and the proposed Department-established Fees for residential ineligible services, are available for public review and comment.
Read moreRite Aid Store Clinics ID DD Autism
To offer access to the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with an intellectual disability, developmental disability, or autism and their caregivers, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has created an ODP Vaccine Call Center (Call Center) and partnered with Rite Aid to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at Rite Aid stores across Pennsylvania.
Read moreVaccine Information for Individuals Without Internet Access
Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Human Services would like to share resources surrounding COVID-19 vaccine information for individuals that have limited or no internet access.
Read morePADDC ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
The PA Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce two new funding opportunities for organizations and individuals. The first opportunity is for Community Response Projects. The second new funding opportunity is for Leadership, Empowerment, and Advocacy Fund (LEAF) Scholarships.
Read moreRegional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP)
The Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have developed the Regional Response Health Collaboration Program (RRHCP). This program is designed to directly support COVID-19 readiness and response in long-term residential care facilities, including long-term care nursing facilities, personal care homes, and assisted living residences.
Read moreDepartment of Human Services Emphasizes Importance of Support for People with Disabilities During COVID-19 Emergency
The Department of Human Services (DHS) today hosted a virtual press briefing to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities during the public-health emergency and share information about the department’s efforts to support this vulnerable population throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Read moreUsing the Integrated Supports Star to Problem Solve
The Integrated Supports Star is a tool that was developed by the UMKC Institute for Human Development and is one of many tools that are available at https://www.lifecoursetools.com. It is a tool that encourages us to solve problems by looking for ideas in five different categories: Personal Strengths & Assets, Relationships, Eligibility supports, Community Supports […]
Read moreCOVID-19 AND CHILD CARE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Please see the following resource from the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning. It contains valuable information pertaining to child care that is available for all life-sustaining personnel.
Read moreHuman Services Highlights Research in Service Delivery for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Dual Diagnoses
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today released the fourth edition of The Pennsylvania Journal on Positive Approaches. DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services recently began publishing the journal again for the first time in more than 20 years.
Read moreWhat the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Announcement Regarding the Order of Selection Waiting List Means for Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) Services
To disseminate clarification on access to ODP-funded employment-related services after the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR) announcement on February 1, 2020 regarding the Order of Selection and the OVR waiting list.
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