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Stay Informed
COVID-19 Updates & Resources
New Department of Health Guidance
Attached is guidance from the Department of Health for skilled nursing facilities who are in green counties in order to protect residents. Attached is DOH’s existing guidance until new guidance is created for the green phase. Also attached are details for Ethical Allocation Framework for Emerging Treatments of COVID-19.
Department of Education Guidelines Allow In-Person Instruction Starting July 1
Read Press Release here.
Check out The Arc of Pennsylvania's Website here for additional resources.
Updated resources are added as they become available.
National News
Pennsylvania News
Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order Extending Mail Ballot Deadline in Six Counties to June 9
Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday that the state would allow an extra week (until June 9) for mailed ballots to arrive at elections offices in six counties. The ballot must have been postmarked no later than Tuesday, June 2, 2020. The change applies only to Erie, Allegheny, Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware and Dauphin counties.
Pennsylvania's Budget
On Friday, May 29th, Governor Wolf signed into law a $25.75 billion General Fund budget in HB 2387 and the accompanying fiscal codes/supplemental bills. This Interim budget provides funding for most services for 5 months, with the exception being Basic, Special, and Career Technical Education which has been flat-funded for the FULL year at the 2019-2020 funding levels. Also, $260 million from the federal CARES Act funding has been earmarked for ID Community Waiver Program and $720,000 for Autism Services.
Here is a breakdown of essential services and how they are funded in the Interim Budget, HB 2387. The Interim budget uses the ratio 5/12ths to lay a base level for funding which is 41.66%. NOTE: Any % listed below which is higher than 41.66%, indicates that program area received additional funds beyond 5/12ths base level funding.
- Intellectual Disability Community Waiver Program is funded at $784,163,000. This means the program has been funded at 47.1%. In addition, it has received $260 million in COVID relief funds from the CARES Act funding.
- State Centers are funded at $48,186,000. It has been funded at 45.1%.
- Intellectual Disability Base is funded at $60,793,000. It has been funded at 40.8%.
- Autism Services are funded at $12,435,000. It has been funded at 46%, and will receive $720,000 in COVID relief funds from the CARES Act funding.
- Early Intervention (Birth – 3) is funded at $78,870,000. It has been funded at 45.3%.
- Special Education is funded at last year’s funding level of $1,186,815,000 for the full year. School Districts will also receive money COVID relief funds from the CARES Act funding.
- Early Intervention (3-5) is funded at $136,625,000. It has been funded at 43.1%.
- Centers for Independent Living is funded at $813,000. It has been funded at 41.7%
- Supported Employment is funded at $165,000. It has been funded at 41.6%
- The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation State Match/Transfer to Vocational Rehabilitation Fund is funded at $19,976,000. It has been funded at 41.7%
- Assistive Technology Demonstration & Training is funded at $188,000. It has been funded at 41.8%.
- Assistive Technology Devices Financing Program is funded at $198,000. It has been funded at 41.7%.
- PA ABLE Program is funded at $900,000. It has been funded at 79.6%.
Title V MCHSBG Five-Year Needs and Capacity Assessment Draft Summary - Now Available
Over the past year, the Bureau of Family Health (BFH) conducted its Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant (MCHSBG) Five-Year Needs and Capacity Assessment. This assessment provided the BFH and the Pennsylvania Title V program with the opportunity to evaluate the health status of women and mothers, infants, children, adolescents and children and youth with special health care needs in Pennsylvania, engage stakeholders and service recipients from across the state and identify the set of priorities that will inform Title V-funded work over the next five-year funding cycle from 2021 to 2025. A draft summary of the 2020 Title V MCHSBG Five-Year Needs and Capacity Assessment is now available for public comment on the BFH’s Title V website here. If you have any comments send an e-mail with your input to RA-DHPATITLEV@pa.gov.
Legislative Updates (From Katie Yost)
- Representative Dan Miller has circulated a co-sponsorship memo that would extend eligibility for special education services for students who will “age out” of services during the 2019-2020 school year due to the disruption of services during COVID-19. Contact your State Representative and ask them to consider co-sponsoring this proposed piece of legislation.
- Representative Dan Miller has circulated a co-sponsorship memo announcing that he will be introducing legislation that will automatically make all students who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) eligible for Extended School Year (ESY). The option to attend ESY will be left to the parents and the students. Contact your State Representative and ask them to consider co-sponsoring this proposed piece of legislation.
- House Bill 2560: Representative Ortitay has introduced legislation that would require the PA Secretary of Education to issue a waiver allowing for public and nonpublic schools to provide in-person special education services that comply with a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) as long as they follow social distancing and other mitigation efforts recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This bill has been referred to the House Education Committee.
- House Bill 1270: Representative Toohill has introduced legislation that makes changes to the 1990 Early Intervention Act that outlines services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities and their families. The bill updates the language, adds children born to mothers with post-partum depression as an at risk population for child identification, assessment, and tracking. This legislation has had 1st consideration.
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Take Action & "Learn More" Opportunities
The Arc PA Releases New E-Learning Module
Find e-learning module here.
Find Miss Jennifer Live on Facebook here.
June 10, 2020, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. The Employment First Community of Practice Monthly Webinar. Topic: Job Supports for People with Mental Health Disabilities. Register Here
Learn about the PA ABLE Savings Program! A PA ABLE Savings Program account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends, a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses, while maintaining government benefits. The state and federal tax-free investment options are offered to encourage eligible Individuals and their families to save private funds to support health, independence, and quality of life. Click the desired session to register.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Thursday, June 18 at 2:00 p.m. ET - Emergency Planning: Preparing for the Unexpected. Several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a time for reflection. How can we plan for crises and emergencies? This webinar will provide tips and strategies that people with disabilities, their families, and disability professionals to help plan for when disasters strike. Many will be applicable to the current COVID-19 pandemic, but we also will provide strategies that can be used to prepare for different types of emergencies. REGISTER HERE
The Virtual 2020 Pennsylvania Community of Practice Transition Conference- Together Towards Tomorrow on July 15, 2020,:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ONLINE! Each year the PA Community of Practice Transition Conference brings together a diverse community of stakeholders to share information, explore resources, and gain knowledge regarding successful practices in secondary transition. All participants should register for this PaTTAN-sponsored event by visiting the website at: http://www.pattan.net. Click training calendar and go to July. If you prefer, you may email the registration form to Paula Quinn, pquinn@pattan.net or REGISTER here.
Supported Employment Resources Brief for some practical, technology-based tools you may use to continue providing training and support while maintaining appropriate distance.
NDNRC Update COVID-19 & Disability Survey Summary Report - Released a COVID-19 & Disability Survey Summary Report. The purpose of the survey was to conduct a rapid, real-time online assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on access to healthcare on adults with a range of disabilities. Click on the report listed below.
Survey Reports
Summaries of Key Findings
Employment First Community of Practice Webinar - The Employment First Community of Practice webinar on "Self-Employment Possibilities and Resources for People with Mental Health Challenges" is available for viewing. • View the webinar
• Listen to "Creating Virtual Reality Workplace Training Programs for People with Disabilities"
• Listen to "Eliminating Algorithmic Bias in Hiring and Employment"
Read the PA Housing Finance Agency (PFHA) Housing Study - Housing affordability is a growing issue for Pennsylvanians, and renters, low-income households and minorities are disproportionately burdened by housing costs, according to a study shared by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. The Pennsylvania Comprehensive Housing Study, produced in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Department of City and Regional Planning, explores the current status and predicted trends for housing statewide. Access the full study here.
Positive Approaches Journal is now available! The theme of this issue is Navigating the Justice System: Considerations, Best Practices, and Points to Ponder. This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading here.
Learn More...
Another Comprehensive COVID-19 Resource - For those of you continuing to search for COVID-19 specific resources, The Mental Health & Psychosocial Support Network (MHPSS) has a comprehensive tool kit available. Read full article
More Strategies & Resources For Managing Anxiety - As a follow up to our previous anxiety themed article, Allowing Time for Anxiety, we wanted to share another helpful article by Dr. Rob Archer about why we may be constantly anxious, at a time like this, and what we can do about it (e.g., pivoting towards what matters). Read full article
Moving To "Yellow Phase" - The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) released Announcement 20-052 to provide updated, service-specific guidance to providers regarding Governor Wolf’s announcement of counties moving to the “yellow phase.” Read full article
The ADA Generation: New Perspectives on Employment and College Graduates with Disabilities - The Kessler Foundation and the New Hampshire Institute on Disability invite you to join a live webinar on June 3, 2020. Read full article
Work from Home Checklist - We are big fans of a good old fashioned checklist, for good reason; a checklist is a great way to stay organized and ensure thoroughness so that things don’t fall through the cracks as we navigate our days. Read full article
Gratitude Literally Rewires Your Brain To Be Happier - Today we wanted to share an article that explains how Gratitude Literally Rewires Your Brain to be Happier. Read full article
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation Loans - The pandemic has had a huge impact on the way many people are using and relying on technology. Read full article
Why is the Census So Important? The United States Census 2020 is occurring NOW and it is important for everyone to take the time to participate. Read full article
Who Are You Feeling Like Today? During the pandemic, we have been asking folks which character they relate to in a given moment in time. It is also available in Spanish. Read full article
Preparing for Transition - Office of Developmental Program's Announcement 20-056 announces the release of ODP's Individual Transition Guide (ITG). Read full article
Allowing Time for Anxiety -Let’s face it, most of us are feeling more anxious than three months ago and, frankly, may be struggling to overcome anxious thoughts. Read full article
American Association on Health and Disability - LATEST NEWS & EVENTS
COVID-19 and Direct Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities – CDC Guidance
May 28 CDC website posting. Learn more here.
COVID-19 and Group Homes for Persons with Disabilities – CDC Guidance
March 28 CDC website posting. Learn more here.
COVID-19 and ID/DD: Case Fatality Trends
May 24 Disability and Health Journal article; there is a fee for the entire article. Learn more here.
Serving Persons Dually Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid: Starting From Square One – Considerations for States
May 27 ADvancing States and CHCS announced report. Learn more here.
Medicaid “Money Follows the Person” Program
May Brandeis University Community Living Policy Center brief. Learn more here.
How Community Health Workers Put Patients in Charge of their Health
May 29 Commonwealth Fund web posting. Learn more here.
Shared Decision-Making in (Mental Health and Substance Use) Treatment and Recovery Support Services Settings
May 28 SAMHSA BRSS TACS webinar slides. Learn more here.
Testing a New Terminology System for Health and Social Services Integration (and Medicaid “T” Codes)
May 27 RWJ Foundation Systems for Action webinar materials. Learn more here.
Social Isolation: What It Is, Why It Matters, How It’s Measured
May 27 AARP-n4a-ASA Aging and Disability Business Institute webinar slides (part 1). Learn more here.
Social Isolation: Interventions and Best Practices in Health Care and the Community
May 28 AARP-n4a-ASA Aging and Disability Business Institute webinar slides (part 2). Learn more here.
Supporting Older Adults in Emergencies: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
May 13 NIA-HRSA-CDC-ACL webinar recording and materials. Learn more here.
Addressing Inequities in the Era of COVID-19: The Fierce Urgency and Policy Recommendations
May 26 Families USA report. Learn more here.
Navigating Provider Transformation – Promising Practices – Focus on Supported Employment and Day Services
May 28 ACL-CMS promising practices training webinar slides. Learn more here.
Measuring Success in Substance Use Grant Programs: Outcomes and Metrics for Improvement
May 28 NASADAD shared National Academy of Medicine report. Learn more here.
COVID-19: Legal and Policy Strategies To Promote Mental Health
May 21 Network for Public Health Law webinar materials. Learn more here.
How To Provide Primary Care for All During the Pandemic and Beyond
May 26 Primary Care Collaborative webinar materials. Learn more here.
CMS Payment for Care in Hospital Alternate Care Settings During COVID-19
May 26 CMS announced fact sheet. Learn more here.
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Your Voice in Harrisburg
The Arc of Pennsylvania is OPEN and staff are working remotely. If you need to reach us, contact our phone number at 717.234-2621 or send us an email.
Upcoming Activities from The Arc of PA Staff: In the next two weeks, The Arc of PA staff will be participating in these meetings and activities of special interest:
Sherri Landis, Executive Director: PA Disability Weekly Meeting, Stakeholder COVID-19 Meeting, Coalition for Inclusive Community, Disability Integration Task Force, PA Disability Weekly Conference Call, PA Schools Work Mobilization Committee, PIE Policy Call, PAR, Technology Task Force, State Chapter Executives Monthly Call, Provider Oversight Subcommittee, Information Sharing & Advisory Committee, The Arc Cohort Trainer, The Arc of PA Board of Directors Meeting and various meetings with local chapters & executives.
Katie Yost, Director of Government & Chapter Relations: Various virtual meetings with the PA House and Senate, PA Developmental Disabilities/Policy Information Exchange, Coalition for Inclusive Community, Disability Integration Task Force, Arc Town Hall Discussion, PIE Policy Call, Technology Task Force, The Arc Cohort Trainer, & PA Schools Work Mobilization Committee.
To view archived copies of In Touch:
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