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Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare News from Dept. of Aging and Office of Long term Living

2011-10-01T12:50:20-04:00

September 30, 2011

Greetings from the Secretary

Greetings Everyone,

This week I had an opportunity to visit with the Berks County Office of Aging. The day began
with an opportunity to address the Community Partnership. Members of the Berks County Office
of Aging team and representatives of community organizations form the private and public sectors
attended. The presentation and discussion which followed focused on the role of Area Agencies on
Aging and the potential of community collaboration.

Following the Community Partnership meeting the Berks County (ADRC Aging and Disabilities
Resource Center) Link was launched. The ADRC are practical demonstrations of community
collaboration which results in a ‘no wrong door’ access to information and assistance. Berks Link
will partner with community providers and businesses to assist individuals over 60 or anyone with
a disability in obtaining needed services. It is predicted in the future the common ground and
strengths found in these collaborations will become a resource to enable the design and delivery of
care systems in our communities.

Here at the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Department of Public Welfare’s Office of
Long Term Living, Joyce O’Brien, Director of the Bureau of Community Development
(joyobrien@pa.gov , 717-772-0205) and Marybeth Famulare (c-mfamular@pa.gov, 717-783-4502),
Project Manager ADRCs are available to answer any questions and serve as a resource.

The visit also included lunch with the citizens of Reading who attend the Family First Resource
Center. Here, dedicated staff, volunteers and attendees gather for activity and nutrition. The
Center serves participants from the African American community and is open to all. It extends its
mission through a monthly food pantry and home cooked meals. I also visited La Casa de la
Amistad Hispanic Senior Center which serves a vibrant active gathering place for citizens of
Reading from the Hispanic and Latino communities. Volunteers were honored for their service,
some for longer than 20 years.

I am sure the day could be replicated in communities across the Commonwealth. The Area
Agencies on Aging, providers and others come together in our communities to provide information,
reduce isolation, provide nutrition, and enliven communities inclusive of diversity. If you would
like to share something that is working in your community, you are welcome to contact me at
bduke@pa.gov.

A thank you is extended to all with the Berks County Office of Aging, Commissioners of Berks
County and the representatives of the community organizations of Berks for a great day and more
importantly for the collaboration which meets the needs of the citizens of Berks County.

As a member of the Governor’s Recovery Task Force, I am continuing to participate in a daily
conference call with Lt. Governor Cawley, representatives from PEMA, FEMA and other state
agencies to still respond to those in need of disaster recovery relief. At this time, the disaster
recovery centers (DRC) have been set up in counties most hard hit by flooding and staffing is being
provided to address needs. The Department is continuing to partner with the AAAs, our
Ombudsman and APPRISE volunteers and annuitants to provide staffing coverage for the centers,
which are open seven days a week between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Volunteers are welcome to
help staff the DRCs throughout the state. If you wish to volunteer ore are award of volunteers,
please call 717-783-6873.

For those of you who are not in affected areas, please consider reaching out to neighboring areas
which may have been impacted and offer your assistance.

Thank you to those who have worked and are working at the DRCs to provide support and
information to our fellow citizens. Jack Vogelsong is leading the disaster recovery efforts here at
the PDA/OLTL. He can be reached by calling 717-772-0371 or email at jvogelsong@pa.gov.

Additionally, if you are experiencing an issue that is related to disaster recovery, please call me.
My cell phone number is 717-307-0619.

Have a good weekend.

Brian Duke
Secretary

Disaster Recovery Resources

Please note there are many resources available to those who need assistance during this time of
recovery from flooding. Resources available:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov 1-800- 621-FEMA
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) www.pema.state.pa.us
Pennsylvania Department of Aging www.aging.state.pa.us
Pennsylvania Department of Health www.state.health.pa.us
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare www.dpw.state.pa.us
People may visit any DRC regardless of where they live or work. To register for assistance
online visit: DisasterAssistance.gov; the screens will prompt people registering through the
process.

PLEASE NOTE:
Housing is the major existing problem resulting from flooding. The Department of
Community and Economic Development is asking homeowners, who might have
available housing or landlords who might have vacant units to please consider listing
these property(s) on the PA Housing Search site: http://pahousingsearch.com or call
877-428-8844.

Our Team Here at PDA and OLTL

There are a few announcements relating to our team here at the Pennsylvania Department of
Aging and Office of Long Term Living.

I join with Secretary Gary Alexander in announcing that Bonnie Rose, who many of you know as
the former Director of the Bureau of Provider Supports, will join us as the Acting Deputy
Secretary, Long Term Living effective Monday October 3, 2011. Bonnie will be Acting until the
completion of senior level position processing then will be named Deputy Secretary. Our thanks
are extended to Kevin Hancock and Mike Hale who served as Acting Deputy Secretary, Long Term
Living during this period of transition.

Kevin Hancock will join the Pennsylvania Department of Aging as Director, Office of Community
Services and Advocacy and serve in a Chief of Staff capacity. Kevin brings his dedication and
professional expertise in project management and systems design to the position and it is good to
have him join our team.

Mike Hale will return to his position as Director of the Bureau QMMA.

Evelyn Chianelli has joined the Pennsylvania Department of Aging as a Special Assistant to fill
the role previously held by David Gingerich. Prior to joining the Pennsylvania Department of
Aging, Evelyn served in progressively responsible research assistant positions with the Legislative
Office for Research Liaison.

Medicare Open Enrollment

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

This year, Medicare annual enrollment dates have changed.
Annual enrollment is October 15th – December 7th 2011.

Information on open enrollment is available at www.state.pa.us or contact Darlene Sampson at
717-772-0201 or email at bsampson@pa.gov to obtain resources, inform us of any needs related to
open enrollment or ideas on how to get the word out and help Pennsylvania navigate the open
enrollment process. Our APPRISE program is a great resource for older adults to receive free
health insurance/Medicare counseling. APPRISE counselors are specifically trained to answer
each person’s questions relating to Medicare. Please refer to the Department’s website listed
above for locations where APPRISE informational events are being presently offered.

Bureau of Advocacy, Protection and Education
PEER Recognition Day
PEER Recognition Day activities will be held at the Holiday Inn, Grantville on October 5, 2011
from 10:00 am -1:30 pm. The event will honor approximately 300 PEER volunteers for their
efforts in speaking for those older adults who cannot speak for themselves. The PEER
(Pennsylvania’s Empowered Expert Resident) program encourages residents and nursing facility
staff to work together to address concerns of individuals and groups. The PEER program trains
resident advocates to work with facility, staff and residents to enhance the quality of care and
quality of life for their peers. The project is part of the department’s Ombudsman Program.

For more information on the program contact Bob McNamara at rmcnamara@pa.gov or visit
http://www.aging.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/advocacy_%28ombudsman%29/19389

Guardianship – House Bill 1720
On September 28, 2011, the House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee held an informational
meeting to discuss House Bill 1720, sponsored by Chairman, Tim Hennessey. This legislation, also
known as the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act
(UAGPPJA), is intends to ensure only one state will have jurisdiction over a guardianship
proceeding at any one time.

Participants at the meeting included representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging,
AARP, Alzheimer’s Association, Public Policy Coalition, PA Bar Association and PA Association of
Elder Law Attorneys, Temple Institute on Protective Services and PA Board of Commissioners on
Uniform State Laws. Participants presented information regarding their experiences with cases
when petition for guardianship is filed in more than one state. They spoke about the practical
application of the proposed legislation and how the adoption of a uniform guardian law will benefit
the public. Currently, 29 states and the District of Columbia have adopted similar legislation.

Testimony from the participants favorably supported the proposed legislation, including the
comments by the Department. In addition, the Department’s s Bureau of Advocacy, Protection
and Education stressed the importance of the ensuring that proposed legislation is consistent with
current law and will be working with the committee to address their concerns.

The House Aging & Older Adult Services Committee is expected to vote on House Bill 1720 at its
next meeting on October 4, 2011. If you have any questions on this legislative matter, please
contact Kelly O’Donnell, Legislative Director, kelodonnel@pa.gov

Solicitor Training
The Institute on Protective Services held their first Solicitor training on September 27, 2011. The
training was designed to focus on the role of the AAAs and their attorneys in assisting clients to
recover lost assets.

Also, an administrative overview was provided by Secretary Duke. There were over 18, 103
allegations of abuse in FY 09-10, but a decrease in the number of reports that went on for
investigation. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging looks forward to working with the solicitors
as we develop initiatives across state agencies, revise the Older Adult Protective Services Act and
build on the strong foundation established by the Protective Service and Guardianship Committee,
as well as streamlining reporting and referral processes.

The Hon. Tim Hennessey, Chair of the House Aging and Older Adult Services provided an
overview of the House committee and a legislative update. Over 40 solicitors from across the state
participated in the training. Feedback from the attendees was very favorable and plans are
underway to develop similar programs. For more information, visit:
http://www.instituteonps.org/training/

Bureau of Individual Support

On September 27, 2011, The Office of Long Term Living (OLTL) received approval from the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid of the COMMCARE waiver amendment to unbundle
Residential Habilitation Services and Structured Day Habilitation Services (which is also placed in
the OBBRA waiver). Additionally, OLTL received approval of new rate methodology for new
service definitions.

Other Announcements:
Pennsylvania Department of Aging received AoA Grant
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging was notified this week of approved for a grant from the
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, for $100,000 to assist with
disaster relief in areas of the state declared by President Obama. This money will be used in the
21 counties of the Commonwealth that were declared disaster areas resulting from Hurricane
Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The Department intends to use these funds in assisting AAAs in
their recovery operations and for caregiver respite.

House Appropriations Committee Releases Draft Labor-HHS Funding Bill (from
NASUAD)
The draft bill includes $153.4 billion in discretionary funding, which is $4 billion below the FY11
enacted level and $27.5 billion below the President’s budget request. Of this total, AoA receives
$1.5 billion, which is $26 million, or 2 percent, below the FY12 level, and includes $819
million for OAA nutrition programs. These funding levels reflect the overall change in FY12
discretionary spending to $1.043 trillion, which is the amount to which the House, Senate, and
White House agreed in the most recent debt ceiling legislation, the Budget Control Act of 2011 (PL
112-25). Since there has not been a markup process, there is no committee report to accompany
this draft language, which would provide more detail about the recommendations of House
appropriators for funding specific aging services programs.

The House and Senate are currently on recess, a stopgap measure has been approved by both
chambers in order to fund the federal government until they return next week, at which point the
House is expected to consider a Senate-passed continuing resolution (CR) to authorize federal
spending through November 18. For draft text of the legislation, please visit:
http://appropriations.house.gov/UploadedFiles/FY_2012_Final_LHHSE.pdf.

State-by-State Census Data Released
The U.S. Census Bureau has released findings from the 2010 American Community Survey (ACS),
which covers more than 40 socioeconomic topics, including education, employment status, age, and
household type. See the Census Bureau's American FactFinder database to find statistics for your
area. Selected high-level highlights can be found here. In addition, the Census Bureau released a
set of four comprehensive briefs based on the 2010 ACS. These short reports supplement detailed
tables in American FactFinder with additional analysis on four key topics: Health Insurance
Coverage, Employment Ratios, Household Income, and Foreign-born from Latin America and the
Caribbean. Additional reports will be released through the end of 2011. For information visit:
http://www.census.gov/acs/www/data_documentation/2010_acs_briefs/

Poverty Data Released
Also the U.S. Census Bureau published Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the
United Sates: 2010. This annual report contains the official national findings from the Current

Population Survey. According to the report, real median household income declined between 2009
and 2010, while the poverty rate increased over this same time period. The report noted the
inflation adjusted income of households headed by persons aged 65 and older decreased by 1.5
percent from $31,872 in 2009 to $31,408 in 2010 and the poverty rate among persons aged 65 and
older increased from 8.9 percent 2009 to 9.0 percent in 2010, For more information on the 2010
Census Data, visit link listed in the article above.

Dates to Note for September, October and November:

National Senior Center Month – September
National Preparedness Month – September
National Hunger Action Month – September
National Active Aging Week – September 25 – October 1
Resident Rights Month – October
PEER Recognition Day – October 5, 2011
National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month - November
**Please note: Our apologies to the Pennsylvania Adult Day Services Association. While
focusing on disaster recovery in the past editions we omitted an announcement of
National Adult Day Services Week – September 18 – 23. Our Adult Day Services
providers are a valued part of our long term care continuum.

In the News
Berks County Launches Initiative
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=335632

Secretary of Aging speaks with Berks County AAA and County officials
http://www.bctv.org/special_reports/basic_needs/don‐t‐expect‐more‐state‐money‐for‐older‐people‐
department/article_3f7607e6‐ea30‐11e0‐86e2‐001cc4c002e0.html

Two York County organizations seek to change attitudes about aging
http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_18997487

Seniors get a helping hand into the computer age
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times_news/seniors-get-a-helping-hand-into-the-
computer-age/article_27962d34-e7cf-5244-b23a-1b2f30612204.html

Free Medicare advice coming; Seniors will be assisted with enrollment options at the annual event
at the Area Agency on Aging
http://www.ldnews.com/lebanonnews/ci_18962600

Training and Events

Proper Documentation and Investigation Training – Institute on Protective Services,
October 6, 2011, in Meadville; October 25, 2011 in Allentown; and November 9, 2011 in Mars.
http://www.instituteonps.org/training/

Long-Term Care Delivery System Subcommittee (LTC Sub) of the Medical Assistance
Advisory Committee (MAAC) on October 11, 2011, at the Department of Aging’s Offices, 555
Walnut St. Harrisburg, PA, Forum Place Building, 5th Floor Conference Rooms.

Pennsylvania Senior Center Association Annual Conference
October 26-27, 2011, Penn Stater, State College
http://www.paseniorcenters.org/staff/calendar.htm

Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition is offering two Suicide Prevention
Forums, October 25, 2011 – Wilkes Barre, and Nov 2, 2011 – Clarion. For information and
registration visit:
http://www.ltltrainingpa.org/events/index.cfm?ekeyid=856

PCOA Annual Meeting – November 1-3, 2011 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.
For more information, contact Donna Reinaker at 717-783-

Pennsylvania Adult Day Services Association Annual Conference
November 17-18, 2011, Inn at Leola, Lancaster. Contact: krenitv@mennohaven.org or call (717)
709-4510.

2011 Nursing Home Transition Conference – December 7-9, 2011, Hershey Lodge and
Convention Center – Contact the Long Term Living Training Institute at 717-541-4214 or email
Nancy Orlowski nancy@ltltrainingpa.org.

Training for protective services is available through the Department of Aging /Temple
University’s Institute on Protective Services. For information visit the Institute’s site
http://www.instituteonps.org/training/

Training programs offered by the Long-Term Living Training Institute – check this out! There
is a wealth of training opportunities.
http://www.ltltrainingpa.org/index.cfm

** If you have something you wish to include, feel free to contact us. Kindly direct your comments
and suggestions to Christina Reese in the Press Office chreese@pa.gov.

20 Incredible Colleges for Special Needs Students

2011-09-25T16:52:48-04:00

(http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2011/09/21/20-incredible-colleges-for-special-needs-students/)

CMS Reports on PennsylvaniaODP Consolidated and PFDS Waiver Services Available

2011-09-07T22:57:34-04:00

On August 30 the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) released ODP Announcement Number 113-11 on Quality Strategy and the ODP Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. The purpose of ODP Announcement 113-11is to provide an update on Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Reports and the Quality Strategy for ODP Home and Community Based (HCBS) Waivers. ODP says that on June 30, 2011, DPW received final reports from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the CMS review of the Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. The reports are in accord with the CMS protocol to conduct a review and issue a report to the state prior to the expiration of each HCBS Waiver. ODP says that CMS continues to strengthen oversight of the waivers and has recently clarified and emphasized some important expectations for states. ODP encourages
stakeholders to read the reports in their entirety.
The report on the ODP Consolidated Waiver is at: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ucmprd/groups/webcontent/documents/report/p_011594.pdf

The report on the Person and Family Directed Services Waiver is available at
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ucmprd/groups/webcontent/documents/report/p_011593.pdf

Comcast helps individuals that can not access with a new deal

2011-08-15T14:50:55-04:00

Might be of interest to individuals, families who qualify
Comcast unveils new plan to combat digital divide

   Comcast has announced that it will begin offering a new service, Internet Essentials, in time for the 2011-12 school year.
   This initiative will directly address the major barriers that many in our communities face for in-home broadband adoption: affordability and lack of digital literacy.
   In today’s world, it is important for everyone to be digitally literate. Broadband adoption is vital for our communities because it helps improve our children’s education, our local economy, and the ability for members of our communities to find jobs and benefit from opportunities available online.

   Comcast Internet Essentials will provide eligible families with:
   -- Affordable home Internet service ($9.95 per month)
   -- A low-cost computer ($149.99 plus taxes)
   -- Access to free internet training – online, in print and in classroom (at established community training sites)

   Internet Essentials will be available everywhere that Comcast offers its high-speed Internet service. Students in more than 4,000 school districts in 39 states and the District of Columbia will be able to participate.
   Comcast will accept new Internet Essentials participants for at least three years, through the end of the 2013-14 school year. Any household that qualifies during this three-year period will remain eligible for Internet Essentials, provided the household still qualifies for the program, until that child graduates from high school.
   For more details, go here.

http://www.internetEssentials.com/

Pennsylvania Department of Aging has added retail theft for adult protective services

2011-06-19T23:05:00-04:00

The purpose of this email is to inform you that “Organized Retail Theft” has been added to the prohibited offense listing contained within the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA). Attached you will find details regarding the addition of this offense and a revised prohibited offense listing.

Please forward the attached information to any individual you deem appropriate. These individuals may include, surveyors, licensing representatives, facilities, agencies, registries, staff, etc. who either implement the Older Adults Protective Service Act or are required to ensure compliance with this law.

For your reference, we have provided a link to the Department of Aging website where you will find valuable information on the Older Adults Protective Services Act including the processing of criminal history background checks and mandatory abuse reporting by covered facilities.

http://www.aging.state.pa.us/psonlinetraining

Thank you for your assistance in, and commitment to, protecting older Pennsylvanians. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Denise Getgen at (717)772-0184 (dgetgen@state.pa.us) or a member of the Department of Aging Criminal History Background Check Unit at (717) 265-7887. Attachments are available in alternate format upon request.

Note: Please share this email with other members of your organization, as appropriate. Also, it is imperative that you notify our Office of changes that would affect your provider file, especially your E-mail addresses. Other changes would include your physical addresses and telephone numbers. Please notify the BPS Provider Call Center at 1-800-932-0939 and you will be directed to the appropriate staff.

Please do not respond to this email. It is being sent from an unmonitored account.

3 attachments — Download all attachments

LicensingAgency.pdf
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ProOffenseList-rev05-11.pdf
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Employer.pdf
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Celebrating artists with disabilities

2011-06-16T22:58:00-04:00

This message is being sent to you on behalf of Mr. Edward M. Butler, Executive Director, Governor’s Cabinet and Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities.

As you are aware, the Governor’s Advisory Committee(GAC) has coordinate numerous exhibits celebrating artists with disabilities with many partners. It brings to the forefront art as employment. Also employment is our top priority. Below please find information relative to the promotion of art, employment and the purpose of the MIG, namely benefits planning, employment and programs in support of that. Please share as you deem appropriate. The ongoing goal, the employment of people with disabilities. Thank you. EMB

EMPLOYMENT SOLUTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

WORKS FOR ME

Please help us to distribute this announcement.

The Works for Me Program is developing a Work Incentives calendar for 2012. Each month, the calendar will feature a work incentive, as well as artwork submitted by an individual with a disability living in Pennsylvania. Calendar artists will receive public recognition for their accomplishments. Please see the attached announcement for more details.

ARTIST SEARCH - Works for Me 2012 Calendar

If you are an artist who lives in PA and you have a disability, this is a great chance for you to showcase your talent! Through this calendar, you can help raise awareness about employment supports for those who have a disability. This calendar will feature information about work incentives and will also include selected artwork, and this is where you come in! Here are some guidelines if you would like to partner with us:

What You Can Send: (Must be original art you have done yourself; include title of the artwork, full name of artist, phone number, email address)

Photographs

Paintings (picture of)

Sculptures (picture of)

Wall hangings, textile designs (picture of)

How You Can Send It:

Better to use a digital camera rather than a cell phone camera.

A picture taken by camera and sent by file through the computer

A picture as an email attachment has .jpg or .gif at end of file name

Please send only the best picture for each artwork

Limit of one picture for each email

Please limit artwork to 3 items per artist

PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTWORK BY EMAIL to: worksforme@tiu11.org

PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTWORK BY JULY 15, 2011.

*Artists will be contacted in August 2011 if their work has been chosen, and winning entries will be featured in the 2012 calendar. Calendar artists will receive public recognition regarding their accomplishments. If questions, contact: 1-800–360-7282, ext.3719.

Employment Solutions for People with Disabilities Training

2011-06-14T22:52:00-04:00

Several New Dates Added!

Do you work with individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Do you have discussions with Social Security beneficiaries (SSDI or SSI) about returning to or maintaining employment?

Due to the great interest in this topic, there have been additional training session dates added to the schedule! Don’t miss this opportunity to attend A Practical Introduction to the Work Incentives Available for People with Disabilities.

Who will benefit from this training?

Employment service providers
Case Managers
Supports/Service Coordinators
Educators
Human Service Providers
CareerLink staff
CAO staff
Veteran’s Affairs staff

If you attend, you will:

Learn a simple, short process for assisting your customers in learning about and utilizing the work incentives.
Get information and resources about work incentives and resources in Pennsylvania.
Find out how people with disabilities can collect SSI/SSDI and Medicaid benefits while working

The trainings will be held at locations throughout the Commonwealth. The trainings will be held from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm with on-site registration beginning at 9:30 am. Lunch will also be provided and certificates of attendance will be given to those participants who need them.

There are still open seats for upcoming trainings; go to page 2 of this announcement for the list of training locations and dates. Choose the one most convenient for you!

For more information about work incentives or to register online for training, please go to the Works for Me website at www.worksforme-pa.org , and go to the “Events” tab. For information on how to register via fax, please refer to bottom of Page 2 of this announcement.

June 2011

Monday 6/6

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

Best Western Inn & Conference Center

82 N. Park Place

Dubois, PA 15801

814-371-6200

Tuesday 6/7

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

Ambassador Center Hotel

I-90 & Peach Streets

Erie, PA 16509

814-866-9999

Wednesday 6/8

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

Holiday Inn

45 Holiday Inn Road

Clarion, PA 16214

814-226-8850

Thursday 6/9

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

PaTTAN Pittsburgh

3190 William Pitt Way

Pittsburgh, PA 15238

1-800-446-5607

ext. 6881

Tuesday 6/21

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

Holiday Inn – Historic District

400 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

215-923-8660

Wednesday 6/22

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

Crowne Plaza

1741 Papermill Road,

Wyomissing, PA 19610

610-376-3811 or

610-376-8888

Thursday 6/23

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

Holiday Inn,

Harrisburg East

4751 Lindle Road

Harrisburg, PA 17111

717-704-0720

July 2011

Monday 7/11

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

PaTTAN Pittsburgh

3190 William Pitt Way

Pittsburgh, PA 15238

1-800-446-5607

ext. 6881

Tuesday 7/12

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

Holiday Inn,

Harrisburg East

4751 Lindle Road

Harrisburg, PA 17111

717-704-0720

Wednesday 7/13

(10:00 am–2:00 pm)

Holiday Inn – Historic District

400 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

215-923-8660

Pre-registration is required to attend the training. There are two (2) ways to pre-register:

To pre-register online: for one of the Work Incentives trainings go to Works for Me website

To pre-register by fax: Fax the registration form below to: Jeffrey Wheeler @ 1.412.826.1964 (fax)

Yes, I would like to attend a Works for Me training! My registration information is listed below:

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT INFORMATION CLEARLY:

Name:

Role:

County or Region:

Agency:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Phone:

Fax:

Email

Dietary Restriction: Yes No

Special Physical Accommodations: Yes No

Training (Date/Location):

ODP CMS Waiver Amendments and Service Definitions - Approved

2011-06-12T22:50:11-04:00

Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
Office of Developmental Programs
6/8/2011
ODP Communication Number: Announcement 072-11 pages 2 of 2
Supports Coordinators and SC Supervisors: Supports Coordination Curriculum website
(sctraining.odpconsulting.net); log in utilizing your user name and password > SC Resources > SC
Resources > ODP CMS Approved Waivers/Service Definitions.
Information on the Consolidated and P/FDS Waivers can be found on the DPW Website
(www.dpw.state.pa.us); Learn about DPW > Waiver Information > Consolidated Waiver for
Individuals with Mental Retardation or Person/Family Directed Support Waiver. Direct links to
the Consolidated and P/FDS waiver amendment ODP bulletins are provided below.
ODP bulletin #00-11-04, Consolidated Waiver Amendment Effective July 1, 2009
Consolidated Waiver Amendment Bulletin
ODP bulletin #00-11-05, Person Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver Amendment Effective
July 1, 2009
P/FDS Waiver Amendment Bulletin

Take Action affecting autism and intellectual disabilities Now

2011-05-09T23:24:00-04:00

#* Learn about legislation affecting autism and intellectual disabilities services and what you can do about it.

* Send emails and letters to elected officials
* Send messages to the media
* Register to vote

Having trouble finding what you need? Contact gabrielle@par.net and she will help you.

FEATURED ALERT

People Are Worth It! Protect Autism and ID Funding in the FY 11-12 Budget!

Click here to contact your Senator and Representative about the State Budget

Right now, Pennsylvania's legislators are trying to decide what the state budget should be for the next year. They have a lot of hard choices to make. We want them to know that services to people with intellectual disabilities and people with autism are important, and funding for them should not be reduced.

The budget that Governor Corbett proposed contains a proposed $27 million cut to funding for food and shelter for people with intellectual disabilities who live in group homes - that cut has the potential to affect almost 16,000 people's lives! And there may be additional cuts proposed as budget talks continue - remember, the Governor's proposed budget is just the first step in the budget process.

...

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Individuals with disabilities finding hope with employment

2011-05-08T23:20:00-04:00

For the first time in three months, the unemployment rate for Americans with disabilities eased somewhat in April.

The Department of Labor said Friday that unemployment fell to 14.5 percent for those with disabilities in April, down from 15.6 percent the previous month.

However, the change could be due at least in part to fewer people with special needs seeking work.

Meanwhile, the general population continued to fare significantly better than those with disabilities as the economy added 244,000 jobs. Unemployment for that group rested at 9 percent for the month.

The Department of Labor began tracking employment among people with disabilities in October 2008. There is not yet enough data compiled to establish seasonal trends among this population, so statistics for this group are not seasonally adjusted.

Data on people with disabilities covers those over the age of 16 who do not live in institutions. The first employment report specific to this population was made available in February 2009. Now, reports are released monthly.

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Individuals with disabilities finding hope with employment