Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Policy Area


Friday, June 21, 2024
10:00am – 2:15pm via Zoom

This session will focus on information for all common law employers and managing employers. We encourage self-advocates who are themselves common law employers (CLEs) or managing employers (MEs) to attend. Advance registration is required. See the flyer for registration information and more information.

Today, June 12, the Office of Development Programs (ODP) held the third of four Provider Readiness Summits for housing providers. Additional discussion was held on specific performance standards for performance-based contracts.

The PowerPoint is available now and a recording of the session will be posted on the MyODP website shortly. On page 60 of the PowerPoint, you should place a check mark under “Clinically Enhanced.”

ODP staff have answered many of the questions posed by providers and will take questions and comments into consideration as changes are made. Discussions were primarily focused on outlining performance standards including risk management, health risk screening tools, quality improvement, and complex needs/dual diagnosis.

HRS data must be completed for all individuals. The HRS protocol can be found here.

A number of certification questions will be required, and the ODP consolidates the required certifications into one form for the provider to sign.

The fourth and final summit will be held next Thursday, June 20th. Providers are encouraged to attend all four sessions and watch the recorded webinars. All of these recordings and resources will be available on the MyODP website.

Do you know an artist or storyteller? Encourage them to showcase their talents at PATC!

Calling for Personal Stories: Calling all autism self-help groups! Share your story at the 2024 PA Autism Training Conference. Choose one of the featured prompts and make your voice heard! Stories will be displayed virtually during and after the conference. You must be 14 years of age or older to participate.
See the flyer for more details. Application deadline is August 2, 2024.

Calling for Artists: We are inviting autistic artists to virtually exhibit their work during the Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference in 2024. The art show will consist of artist-provided image links of their work and a website or email address for more information for participants.
See the flyer for more details. The application deadline is September 6, 2024.

July 11, 2024
1pm – 2pm
Register here

Join RCPA to learn about enabling technology to support independent living and how SimplyHome works with performance-based contracting. SimplyHome designs and implements innovative, affordable technology solutions that transform the way we care for people with disabilities, seniors, and veterans. Their technology empowers individuals to live self-determined lifestyles while addressing the concerns of caregivers.

We’ll hear from PA/OH Representative Kristie Ondisco and Enterprise Sales Director Matt Wright.

Register here for this informative session and contact Carol Ferenz with any questions.

ANCOR announced that the first steps have begun toward revising the Standard Occupation Classification process. Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), on behalf of the Standard Occupation Classification Policy Committee (SOCPC), a committee that makes recommendations to OMB on possible revisions, announced that it has begun a review of the 2018 Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) Manual for revisions through 2028 and is inviting public comment.

This is your opportunity to write comments in support of revising the SOC, particularly the creation of a code for direct support professionals. In the comment notice, OMB states that it “invites and welcomes comments on all aspects of the occupational classification, particularly regarding whether to consider adding new detailed occupations or occupational groups, including care workers.”

The public comment period will close on August 12, 2024. ANCOR will be accepting comments in the coming weeks and will provide additional guidance and tools for submitting comments.

For more information, you can view the notice on the Federal Register website.

The Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) met today, June 11, 2024. Deputy Secretary Ahrens provided an update on performance-based contracting. The Department received comments from approximately 100 commenters and over 700 individual comments on the proposed selective contracting exemption.

The Office of Development Programs (ODP) has released several tools available to providers and is planning four summits to drill down into the specifics of performance measurement. Providers who do not meet all of the criteria for the primary category but are not in conditional status will be placed in the primary category and will be required to have a corrective action plan. Residential provider contracts are not due back to ODP until the end of July, instead of June as previously stated.

There are several federal regulations that have been finalized recently, and Deputy Secretary Ahrens provided an overview of those.

Candy Walton reported on Recommendation 4: Support families throughout the lifespan.

StationMD has released an overview of their services: For more information, please email Geoff Musti at

Lauren House presented information on Recommendation 10: Expanding Housing Options and an update on the ODP Housing Pilot.

Dr. Greg Cherpes provided an update on Recommendation 5: Promoting Health, Wellness, and Safety and Recommendation 6: Supporting People with Complex Needs. Note that both recommendations are included in the same document.

If you have any questions, please contact Carol Ferenz.

This is your invitation to a free webinar hosted by William Rizzo, Managing Partner and Chief Strategist at Quantum Strategies.

As a professional in the health and human services community, you understand the importance of staying informed and making strategic business decisions. Quantum Strategies addresses the common misconception that HR consulting and managed services companies pose a threat to job security.

Expert speakers from Quantum Strategies will provide details on how HR consulting and managed services can partner with you to support your organization’s workforce, increase employee engagement, and drive business growth for overall success. By attending this online seminar, you will gain valuable insights and be able to make informed decisions that will benefit both your company and your employees.

Register today!

The webinar will take place on Tuesday, June 25th from 11am-12pm EDT.
If you sign up today, Quantum Strategies will send you a free recording as a special bonus.

Tablet on the desk – Newsletter

The Office of Development Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-053. This communication announces the release of a new issue of Temple University Harrisburg’s Certified Scholar Program and Office of Development Programs’ (ODP) quarterly newsletter, “CI Program Spotlight.” Instructions for accessing the newsletter are detailed in the announcement.



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