ODP June 2026 Training and Events Calendar

Learning Collaborative for Professionals Supporting People with Disabilities who are Parents

Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Time: 10:00 am – 10:45 am

Description: The Office of Developmental Programs is pleased to share an upcoming opportunity for professionals across systems to engage in a new Learning Collaborative focused on supporting people with disabilities who are parents—or who are planning to become parents. This Learning Collaborative will bring together professionals from across state and local systems, including providers, supports coordination organizations, administrative entities, and partners in early childhood, behavioral health, and child-serving systems. Participants will engage as regional or local teams to explore effective practices, share resources, and strengthen cross-system collaboration.

Through a series of interactive sessions, the collaborative will focus on:

Identifying practical strategies and best practices to support parents with disabilities;
Promoting informed choice, supported decision-making, and rights-based approaches;
Navigating complex situations with clarity around roles, responsibilities, and system requirements;
Connecting individuals and families to a broader network of support and resources; and
Building sustainable relationships across agencies and communities.

The Learning Collaborative is designed as a community of practice, emphasizing shared learning, discussion, and real-world application. While it will not provide regulatory guidance, it will highlight key questions and opportunities to inform ongoing system improvement.

Audience: All Interested Stakeholders

After Hours with Policy from the Office of Development Programs (ODP): How Can I Share my Ideas of Make a Suggestion About an ODP Policy? What is Public Comment?

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Time: 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Description: The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families to join in a virtual discussion with members of the Division of Policy and Program Innovation. These sessions are informal, meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams.

Please note: This event is being held only for individuals and family members; this is not an event for someone who is solely a professional.

What Will Be Covered? ODP’s policy staff is excited to engage with individuals and families about how to share a suggestion or desired change when ODP is asking for input.

The process of public comment will be explained and will include:

• How to find out when public comment is being sought;

• Why public comment is important;

• What happens with the comments after they are submitted; and

• Overall information about the public comment process.

ODP has chosen this topic for June as ODP is in the process of updating some of their waivers.

Audience: Individuals and Families

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ODP Updates the MAAC on Paid Relative Caregiving & Travel Limitations

By Tim Sohosky • May 29, 2026

On Thursday, May 28, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provided an update to the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) regarding current policies and upcoming regulatory changes following a recent Commonwealth Court decision. On February 17, 2026, the PA Commonwealth Court issued a decision in Dunkelberger v. Department of Human Services that determined that ODP’s limitations on provider model services (specifically the 40/60-hour caps and 90-day travel maximums) were null and void. The decision was based on process rather than policy validity; the Court found that these limitations were not properly promulgated as regulations in accordance with the Commonwealth Documents Law and Regulatory Review Act. To maintain a balanced approach between flexibility and oversight, ODP is moving forward with the following actions: Regulatory Amendments: ODP will amend regulations to establish formal authority for setting service delivery limits that support individual welfare and program integrity. Self-Directed Model Agreements: ODP has already modified agreements for self-directed models to clarify limits on overtime, combined relative service provision, and travel restrictions. Travel Restrictions: Due to the inability to monitor services effectively over long distances, service provision will now be limited to Pennsylvania and contiguous states. Waiver Changes: ODP will seek modifications through the amendment process to the Consolidated, P/FDS, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers to include: New requirements for agencies providing IHCS and Companion services to disclose a DSP's relationship to participants; and Strengthened programmatic oversight and integrity measures. Life Sharing Alternative: For participants requiring more than 60 hours of paid care from a relative, the Life Sharing (24/7) service model remains the recommended alternative. ODP anticipates a public comment period for these proposed waiver changes beginning in January 2027.

Two men with intellectual disabilities working happily on a tablet.

Shapiro Administration's Strategic Investments in ID/A Community Lead to Highest Number of Pennsylvanians Ever Served in HCBS

By Tim Sohosky • May 28, 2026

Press Release from DHS : Published May 27, 2026

ODP Provides Updates to PBC 2026/27 Residential Pay-for-Performance

By Cathy Barrick • May 28, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 26-039 . The purpose of this communication is to provide updated details about the Residential Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Pay-for-Performance (P4P) initiatives for Fiscal Year 2026/27. Updates are provided in red . Please review the announcement for more details. Visit here to access the Pay for Performance (P4P): Residential Rural Capacity Expansion Plan template .