RCPA Conference Features 22 On-Demand Sessions: Recordings and Early Bird Registration
Thornburgh Family Lecture on Disability Law & Policy: “Disability Policy: Beyond the Pandemic”
Don’t Miss Out on Your Conference Attendee Gift! Early Bird Registration Ends Friday
National Disability Vote Summit 2021
The National Disability Rights Network and the American Association of People with Disabilities will be hosting the 2021 Disability Vote Summit on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, from 12:00 pm–4:00 pm EST.
At the virtual summit, they will explore:
- The power of the disability vote
- Lessons learned from 2020 turnout
- How to use data to mobilize the disability vote
Confirmed presenters include representatives from the National Disability Rights Network, the National Federation of the Blind, SABE Go Voter Project, and more! Join national disability advocates, state and local organizers, policymakers, and others who are working to get out the disability vote.
If you have any questions, please contact Lilian Aluri or Jack Rosen.
National Council for Mental Wellbeing Releases CRN Report “The Provider Relief Fund: FAQ”
New CMS Vaccination Guidance for ICFs/IDD
From Advancing States newsletter:
In May 2021, CMS released a final rule regarding vaccination education, access, and reporting for residents and staff of nursing and care facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Recently, CMS sent detailed implementation guidelines to the state agencies responsible for overseeing ICFs/IID. This memo details the responsibilities of ICFs/IID within the new guidelines.
Click here to learn more.
Positive Approaches Journal: Supporting and Informing Paths to Transition
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce that the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal is now available!
Supporting and Informing Paths to Transition
The COVID-19 pandemic was a source of fear and frustration. Yet even through the darkest days of lockdown, we all looked towards the end of the pandemic and the transition beyond the pandemic. Supporting and Informing Paths to Transition provides not only a look into transitioning into Post-COVID-19 life, but at other paths of transition one can journey through. With this issue, we seek to provide a glimpse into the various paths and insights that occur when transitioning from one path to another.
This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading.
Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week Coming Soon!
We want to remind you all that September 13–17, 2021 is Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week. Governor Wolf has once again signed a Proclamation to recognize the important role that staff play in service provision.
We would also like to share some ideas from your colleagues that they are planning for their employees in case you are trying to come up with recognition ideas!
- Gifts to the DSPs, including T-shirts, sweatshirts, backpacks filled with goodies (journal, pens, snacks, PPE), and gift cards to grocery stores;
- Pizza party at each site, bagels and coffee, dinner delivered to each home one night, and/or ice cream cakes; and
- Personal visits at each site, handwritten thank you notes, and bonuses.
Whatever you decide to do to celebrate your staff, please feel free to share any photos or news stories with RCPA so that we can share them on our social media as well. We are happy to do anything to help promote the good publicity and recognition!
American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community-Based Funding Update
Equality Act — Call for Provider Support of LGBT Equality Legislation
RCPA was approached by a coalition of organizations in support of federal nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community, including Freedom for All Americans, the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center of Allentown, and other state and local partners.
The RCPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee purpose statement reads that “the committee will actively challenge systemic racism and social injustice through advocacy for legislation, policies, and practices that promote equity, providing guidance and support for DEI initiatives within RCPA member organizations…” This initiative is in alignment with RCPA DEI efforts.
Currently, federal law lacks explicit nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community in housing, credit, lending, federally funded programs, and public spaces like restaurants, stores, theaters, and hospitals. Additionally, 29 states, including Pennsylvania, lack state laws that explicitly protect LGBT people from discrimination.
This coalition is soliciting supporters from Pennsylvania’s community of service providers — those who support and care for the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, including LGBT Pennsylvanians who face additional challenges due to the lack of nondiscrimination protections. Service providers are an important and trusted voice in Pennsylvania, and your inclusion will help to demonstrate the broad level of support for nondiscrimination statewide.
By signing on you to this initiative, your organization will join a diverse coalition of service providers supporting the nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community. Your organization’s name will be shared publicly and will also be shared with Pennsylvania’s US Senators.
To offer your organization’s support, follow this link to join Pennsylvania Service Providers for LGBT Nondiscrimination Protections and make your voice heard.
Please reach out to Jack Phillips or Cindi Hobbes with any questions.
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