Background On 03/15/2024, Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), released a health advisory about the CDC New Respiratory Virus Guidance (which is a general guidance for community settings). Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) provides this guidance based upon available information and is subject to change. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Seated at the HKNC-branded table in the front row center is Tammie Christian (HKNC’s DBIE Coordinator), with Amy Brillinger (CEO of Shadowfax) on her right and Lea Sheffield (Special Populations Unit Manager with ODP) on her left. Standing behind them are Shadowfax staff members along with two representatives from Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP).

Helen Keller National Center Partners with Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs to Expand DeafBlind Immersion Experience Program

Helen Keller National Center partners with Pennsylvania's Office of Developmental Programs to bring specialized DeafBlind support directly to local communities. This innovative five-day immersion program empowers support teams with personalized strategies, ensuring DeafBlind individuals with intellectual disabilities can achieve greater independence in their home environments. Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) announced a

A man with brown hair, black glasses and a yellow shirt sits on his bed looking down at a document and phone he's holding in each hand

Jefferson University Seeking Participants for Health Passport Study

The Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity at Jefferson University, in partnership with Special Olympics, is seeking participants to take part in a study on enhancing healthcare experiences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Jefferson is inviting individuals with IDD to participate in the study. The study will assess the

DSP with an aging woman, a tablet and a smart speaker

KenCrest earns Technology First Reaccreditation

Technology First SHIFT announced this week that KenCrest has earned their Technology First Reaccreditation. Organizations earning SHIFT’s highest level of recognition complete comprehensive education requirements and undergo a rigorous evaluation process. SHIFT Accredited organizations demonstrate their ability to help people with disabilities live as independently as possible through the successful adoption of

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Move Your Way® 2024 Recap

ODP launched the Move Your Way® campaign one year ago at the 2024 Everyday Lives Conference. In the past year, you have shared your unique health and wellness routines and we have gathered some amazing stories! As we move into 2025 ready to keep our bodies moving, we wanted to take a

A group of people being led in a zumba glass dancing in a gymnasium

Move Your Way® with SPIN

For November’s Move Your Way® spotlight, The Office of Developmental Programs visited SPIN in Philadelphia to take a peek at their fitness program. SPIN is a provider agency that also contains a community fitness facility called SPIN Community & Fitness. Click the video above to take a look at SPIN's fitness programs.

Two people using wheelchairs wearing black work uniforms pose with a man with down syndrome between them who is dressed in work attire. All are smiling for the camera.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Calendar of Events

October is National Disability Employment Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM).  Although the work to support individuals to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment continues throughout the year, NDEAM presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and confirm our commitment to ensuring individuals with disability have access to employment opportunities.  In recognition of NDEAM, the

A tablet displaying AAC communication icons

October is AAC Awareness Month

October is International AAC Awareness Month! AAC Awareness month seeks to raise awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and to inform the public about the many different ways in which people communicate using AAC. What is AAC? AAC is all of the ways that someone communicates besides talking. People of all ages can

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