Sharon Militello • June 1, 2026
Pride Month 2026: Events to Celebrate and Support the LGBTQ+ Community
Author
Sharon Militello
Date
June 1, 2026
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Article by AARP: Published May 29, 2026
Excerpt below:
Pride Month is all about making space and showing support. Members of the LGBTQ+ community, along with their allies, have been showing up for each other for decades, and this June will be no different.
About 9 percent of U.S. adults identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning, according to a 2025 Gallup poll. Younger generations of Americans more commonly identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, but the same poll found that 3 percent or less of adults age 50 and older identify as LGBTQ+. Pride Month offers a special chance to make those older LGBTQ+ adults feel seen.

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.


