Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
ASERT has put together some resources for those with autism and those who care for people with autism relating to the current Coronavirus outbreak.
Announcements
Regional 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 moreThe Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is pleased to announce that the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal is now available!
The theme of this issue is Navigating the Justice System: Considerations, Best Practices, and Points to Ponder
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 moreCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Operational Guides for Appendix K: Emergency Preparedness and Response for the Person/Family Directed Support, Community Living, Consolidated Waivers and Adult Autism Waivers
The purpose of the Operational Guide is to provide guidance to Providers (including services rendered under a participant-directed services model), Supports Coordination Organizations, Administrative Entities, and ODP to ensure adherence to the conditions of the emergency amendments approved in Appendix K and provide specific guidance on process, documentation, and health and safety measures.
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.
Read morePennsylvania Launches ‘Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters
Governor Tom Wolf announced a focused multi-agency effort and anti-stigma campaign, ‘Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters,’ aimed at expanding resources and the state’s comprehensive support of mental health and related health care priorities in Pennsylvania.
Read moreUpdated Guidelines: Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of autism for the first time in 12 years.
Read moreEnrolling as an Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Transportation Provider
The Adult Autism Waiver has been amended to include a new service, Transportation. ODP anticipates the waiver amendment will be effective January 1, 2020. This communication is intended to provide information about how to enroll as a provider of this service.
Read moreMyODP News Online Replaces ODP Newsletter
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is excited to announce the launch of MyODP News Online, an online site that replaces our monthly newsletter with a resource containing real time online news that is most pertinent to our stakeholders.
Read moreODP and OMHSAS Publishes Positive Approaches Journal Volume 8, Issue 3: “Rights, Risks, and Restrictions”
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) announce the publication of a new issue of Positive Approaches Journal, written by and for professionals who provide supports and services to individuals with mental and behavioral health challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism, and other developmental disabilities.
Read moreBureau of Autism Services – New Name Announced
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the extension of the Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) to include the establishment of the Special Populations Unit. This has occasioned the renaming of the Bureau of Autism Services to the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP).
Read moreNew ODP Communication Notification Feature for MyODP Users
ODP has launched a communication notification feature for all MyODP registered users. Users will begin receiving web and email notifications for all ODP communications that are added to the MyODP Communications page.
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