All News
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June 10, 2020
Pennsylvania Issues Newest Edition of The Positive Approaches Journal
Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) recently announced that the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal is now available. Per an announcement released on June 2, the issue is intended to inform and educate readers on the importance of training and communication between the justice system and those supporting individuals with mental health and behavioral challenges, intellectual disabilities, autism and other developmental disabilities.
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June 10, 2020
Senate Votes to Extend National Family Caregiver Support Program
The Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 (H.R.4334), passed earlier this year by the US Senate, includes a reauthorization of the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). The NFCSP provides information to caregivers about available services, assistance in accessing services, individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care, and supplemental services. The Senate passed the bill with changes not in the already-passed House version and sent it back to the House to approve the changes.
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June 10, 2020
Congress Makes Changes to Paycheck Protection Program
President Trump has signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA), an attempt to address challenges around the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) aimed at providing COVID-19 relief.
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June 10, 2020
Congressional Leaders Urge HHS to Distribute PHSSEF Funds to Medicaid Providers
Republican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives committees charged with overseeing Medicaid sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar expressing concern that “the delay in disbursing funds from the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (PHSSEF) for Medicaid-dependent providers could result in long term financial hardship for providers who serve some of our most vulnerable populations.” In the letter, Senate Finance Committee leaders Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and House Energy and Commerce leaders Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Greg Walden (R-OR) expressed “serious concerns with the ongoing delay of funding” and asked for both a timeline and the parameters under which funds will be distributed to Medicaid providers.
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June 8, 2020
NASDDDS Statement on Racial Inequities and Pledge to Action
The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) condemns the murder of George Floyd and the many other Black Americans who have lost their lives in similar circumstances. We stand in solidarity with others across our great land who are giving voice to our collective need to address – finally and thoroughly – the institutional biases and racism that plagues our country. We stand with the black community and all communities of color in demanding a universal resolve to live up to the values of our nation that all people are created equal, with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.