Cathy Barrick • July 13, 2026

MyODP News Online Digest — July 10, 2026

Author

Cathy Barrick

Date

July 13, 2026

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Message from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Supports Coordination Organization (SCO) Group:

Welcome to MyODP News Online Digest, a virtual publication from the Office of Developmental Programs.

 

For complete stories, please visit MyODP News Online. For all available webinar recordings, please visit MyODP’s Webinar Library.

 

Story suggestions and/or comments may be sent electronically.


Rural Health Funding Opportunity Pennsylvania Rural Health

Transformation Plan (RHTP) has announced new funding opportunities for healthcare providers in rural areas. Under the new RHTP Funding Opportunity, $25,000,000 in funding is available for qualifying organizations. Read More.


Communicating with Individuals who are Blind or have a Visual Impairment

ODP’s Special Populations Unit has published a new guide for communicating with individuals who are blind or have visual impairment. The purpose of this guide is to offer resources in one central location for those who support or care for someone who has a vision impairment. Read More.


July is Disability Pride Month!

To commemorate the July 26, 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we recognize July as Disability Pride Month in Pennsylvania and beyond. Read More.


Save the Date: The 2026 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference November 4-5, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites you to save the date for its 19th annual Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC). The conference will be held virtually with an interactive schedule on November 4th and 5th of 2026. Read More.


Registration Now Open for the Supporting Families Regional Collaborative Summit September 1-2, 2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Community of Practice for Supporting Families Regional Collaborative Summit! will be held virtually on September 1st and 2nd. Join the Summit this September to learn from peers and professionals about how to bolster your communities of practice for supporting individuals with disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families. The conference is free to attend for individuals and families. Read More.


Capacity Building Institute Year 10 Now Accepting Applications

Today, July 10th, is the last day to submit applications!

Many people feel at a loss as to how to best provide support to individuals with a dual diagnosis (individuals with an Intellectual Disability and Autism (IDA) with co-occurring mental health issues, and challenging behaviors). The Capacity Building Institute (CBI) addresses these issues from an individual and systemic level through training, integration of knowledge into practice, and opportunities to build a statewide cohort to work together to effect change and build capacity. Read More.

Red enter key on keyboard with
By Jim Sharp July 13, 2026
RCPA has provided members a general update on the Pennsylvania 2026/27 budget. Further updates will be given at the next Government Affairs Committee meeting.
By Hayley Myer July 13, 2026
Life’sWork of Western PA has become an affiliate partner of Familylinks, Inc., effective July 1, 2026.
Black elderly man with cane being talked to by black nurse
By Fady Sahhar July 13, 2026
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has released its July 2026 Inside Aging newsletter.