1. An Introduction to Developmental Disability Services in Pennsylvania
Professional Development for Supports Coordinators and SC Supervisors
This introduction is the first in a series of trainings that begins to build your knowledge. Future lessons in this series will provide an overview of information related to the Office of Developmental Programs that focuses on history, core philosophies and business practices.
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2. To obtain an understanding of:
Objectives
To obtain an understanding of:
Common language and terms
The mission and values of Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
Some of the resources available to ODP and all stakeholders
At the end of this training, you will have an understanding of:
common language and terms
the mission and vision of DHS and ODP and
some of the resources available to all stakeholders
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3. Developmental Disabilities
Terms and Definitions
Developmental Disabilities
Intellectual Disability
Autism Spectrum Disorders
As you continue your learning, you will discover that there are multiple approaches and service models available based on the needs of the individuals we support.
Services and supports are designed to meet the unique needs of people with an intellectual disability and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
To make sure we all have a shared understanding of terms, first let’s talk about the overarching term of developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities in general includes both physical and intellectual disabilities in addition to autism spectrum disorders. In the Office of Developmental Programs, there are services that support individuals with an intellectual disability and individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
A developmental disability, according to the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is defined as a severe, chronic disability which:
•originated at birth or during childhood,
•is expected to continue indefinitely, and
•substantially restricts the individuals functioning in several major life activities.
More specifically, a developmental disability is a severe, chronic disability which:
•is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments;
•is manifested before the person attains age 22; and
•results in substantial functional limitations in three or more major life activities
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4. Developmental Disabilities
Terms and Definitions
Developmental Disabilities
Intellectual Disability
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 458, enacted in 2011, states “Intellectual disability” means significantly sub average general intellectual functioning that is accompanied by significant limitations in adaptive functioning in at least two of the following skill areas: communication, self-care, home living, social and interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic skills, work, health and safety. The onset must occur before the individual’s twenty-second birthday.
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5. Developmental Disabilities
Terms and Definitions
Developmental Disabilities
Intellectual Disability
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorders include Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder‐Not Otherwise Specified (PDD‐NOS), Asperger Syndrome, Retts Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Autism is a very complex, life‐long neurological condition that involves challenges in social, communication, and behavioral development. It is not a mental illness and not an intellectual disability; however those diagnoses can co‐exist. For example, some people with autism have an intellectual disability, and/or a mental health challenge, and/or a physical health challenge; others do not. It is also important to understand that autism is something an individual is born with; it is not acquired and individuals do not “outgrow” Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Now that we understand the basic definition of these common terms, let’s think about the people supported by the Department of Human Services and the Office of Developmental Programs in the context of our mission and values.
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6. DHS’ Mission
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania’s individuals and families. We promote opportunities for independence through services and supports while demonstrating accountability for taxpayer resources.
The Office of Developmental Programs is one program office within the Department of Human Services; reporting to the Secretary of Human Services. Both DHS and ODP have mission statements that guide our work. DHS’s mission is to “…improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania’s individuals and families, promote opportunities for independence through services and supports while demonstrating accountability for taxpayer resources..”
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7. ODP’s Mission
The mission of the Office of Developmental Programs is to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence, choice and opportunity in their lives.
The mission and vision statements of ODP were revised in early 2012.
“The mission of the Office of Developmental Programs is to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence, choice and opportunity in their lives.”
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8. ODP’s Vision
ODP's vision is to continuously improve an effective system of accessible services and supports that are flexible, innovative and person-centered.
In support of the mission statement, ODP's vision is “to continuously improve an effective system of accessible services and supports that are flexible, innovative and person-centered.”
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9. THANK YOU!
This concludes the brief introduction to the developmental disabilities system in Pennsylvania. If you have any questions or are interested in more information, please discuss with your supervisor as you continue with your orientation.
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