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Physical Disabilities & Aging

Leading in 2021: Hoping, Healing, Helping
RCPA Conference Featuring Panel with National Advocacy Experts for Review of the Need for Equity in Service:
National Release of Video

On Thursday, September 30, a video developed by a group of parents of children with severe autism will be “unveiled” publicly and nationally at the RCPA Annual Conference for the first time. Later in the afternoon, a panel addressing these concerns titled “One Size Does Not Fit All — A Review of the Need for Equity in Service Provision and Establishing A Comprehensive Continuum of Care” will include national advocacy experts discussing how the narrow interpretation of the HCBS setting rule and other policies potentially deprive individuals with intense needs choice in where they live, work, and play. Hear from the families on how these policies have impacted their loved ones’ quality of life.

The video contains disturbing images; however, the parents who produced this video felt compelled to share the reality of severe autism in order to combat the increasing claims of the highly vocal and publicly visible advocates and others who have the sole agenda of supporting those of higher functioning in the community.

In contrast, severely autistic individuals and their families are often not publicly visible. They may not be able to safely leave the house, let alone testify in a government hearing, present at a conference, or appear on television alongside other advocates.

But severe autism is real. This is what it looks like. And those affected require a true continuum of care — from the most inclusive options to disability-specific settings — to meet their lifelong support needs, not only to thrive, but to survive. One size does not fit all.

Register today for the RCPA Conference to see this national release.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will conduct a national stakeholder call tomorrow, September 17, 2021 at 12:30 pm. The call will be led by new Administrator, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, and her leadership team, and will focus on key updates from her first 100 days in office. The Administrator’s vision is for CMS to serve the public as a trusted partner and steward, dedicated to advancing health equity, expanding coverage, and improving health outcomes. Members are encouraged to join this first national stakeholder call to learn more about how you can partner with CMS as they implement their vision.

Join the Call here:

OR

Call: 833-568-8864 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 161 910 6718
Passcode: 891135

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has announced several grants geared to workforce development. Throughout the commonwealth and the nation, there are numerous grants and financial aid resources available that can assist individuals and organizations in meeting their goals.

PAsmart Apprenticeship Grants

Throughout the commonwealth and the nation, numerous grants and financial aid resources available can assist individuals and organizations in meeting their goals. The grants and financial aid information below is provided with the intent to help you begin the search, not an all-inclusive link to resources that may be available. Learn more about L&I’s other grants and related programs.

PAsmart grant funds are used to support the growth of Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, creating opportunities in new industries and occupations for Pennsylvania workers to advance along career pathways. This grant program will support schools, students, workers, and businesses across the Commonwealth and reach underrepresented populations, including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, socio-economic disadvantaged individuals, individuals who speak English as a second language, individuals who were previously incarcerated, or individuals experiencing multiple barriers to employment. Ultimately, PAsmart will help Pennsylvanians develop the skills they need for the job they want, and in turn, support businesses by creating a skilled workforce to hire. Learn more about PAsmart Apprenticeship Grants.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

Although we will miss seeing everyone in person, this year’s 2021 RCPA-MDCBH-A.N.D. Virtual Conference is not to be missed! With general sessions, “think” sessions, workshops, and on-demand sessions, we have something for everyone. We are fortunate to have expert speakers sharing their knowledge regarding leadership, workforce development, managed care, measurement-based care, use of technology in service delivery, and regrouping during COVID-19.

Our speakers will cover all service areas supported by RCPA membership, including mental health, drug and alcohol, brain injury, children’s, and IDD services.

We also managed to work a little fun into the schedule as well – details coming soon! Don’t miss out on this great experience. Register now!

Thursday, September 16, 2021
Start time:  9:00 am
End time:  12:30 pm

This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. The public is invited to call in to this meeting using the following information:

You are invited to a Zoom webinar:
When:
  September 16, 2021, 09:00 am Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic:  PA State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation Quarterly Meeting
Please visit this link to join the webinar:
Passcode: 815687

Or One Tap Mobile:
US: +13017158592,,81273334764#,,,,*815687#  or +13126266799,,81273334764#,,,,*815687#

Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: 1-301-715-8592 or 1-312-626-6799 or 1-929-205-6099 or 1-253-215-8782 or 1-346-248-7799 or 1-669-900-6833

Webinar ID:
812 7333 4764
Passcode: 815687

CART and sign language interpreters will be available during this meeting via Zoom.

Those using a screen reader can connect here.

The agenda for this meeting is below. Anyone who would like to make public comment prior to the meeting may submit their comments via email.

Additional auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please email your request.


PENNSYLVANIA STATE BOARD OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AGENDA

September 16, 2021

9:00 – 9:20
Welcome & Opening Remarks
, Jennifer Berrier, Secretary, Labor & Industry

  • Roll Call of Board Members
  • Action: Approval of Agenda
  • Action: Approval of Minutes, June 3, 2021 

9:20 – 9:40
Executive Director’s Remarks, Shannon Austin, Executive Director, OVR

9:40 – 9:50
Deputy Director’s Remarks,
Jeremiah Underhill, Deputy Executive Director, OVR

ACTION ITEM

9:50 – 10:00
Action:  Approval of 2022 meeting dates and locations

OVR BUREAU DIRECTOR REPORTS

10:00 – 10:20
Hiram G. Andrews Center
, Jill Moriconi, Director
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Rod Alcidonis, Director
Bureau of Central Operations, Ralph Roach, Director

10:20 – 10:30
BREAK

STAKEHOLDER REPORTS

10:30 – 10:50
Statewide Independent Living Council
, Matthew Seeley, Executive Director
PA Rehabilitation Council, Passle Helminski, Chair
Office for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Melissa Hawkins, Director
Client Assistance Program, Steve Pennington, Executive Director

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

10:50 – 11:05
Update on 2-Year Modification to the Combined State Plan,
Lee Ann Stewart

11:05 – 11:30
Overview of the Client Assistance Program (CAP),
Steve Pennington

11:30 – 11:50
Update on OVR Policy Workgroups

  • Financial Needs Test (FNT), Shannon Austin
  • Vehicle Modification, Tara Okon, VR Specialist
  • Supported Employment, Doug Rand, Business Services & Outreach Division Acting Chief
  • Audiological Services, Russ Goddard, VR Specialist

11:50 – 12:10
Review of Technical Support Provided to PA OVR,
Rachel Anderson, VRTAC-QM

12:10 – 12:30
PUBLIC COMMENT

12:30 
ADJOURNMENT