Intellectual Disability Websites of Interest
For individuals with a diagnosis of mental retardation, their families, caregivers and providers of services
Acronyms Defined
Lists definitions for terms and abbreviations related to Pa. Office of Developmental Programs.
Disability Rights Network (DRN) of Pennsylvania
Provides publications about many subjects including estate planning, guardianship and assistive technology. The DRN has a mission to advance, protect, and advocate for the human, civil, and legal rights of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
Gold Book 2010 (The): Understanding the Office of Developmental Programs in Pennsylvania - Mental Retardation and Autism Services
The Gold Book provides information on the subjects of how to register for services, what the waivers are, different service models and what to do if you have a problem. It also features commonly needed forms, lists of resources, contacts, and advocacy organizations and a glossary of terms.
NOTE: Families may request a free copy of the Gold Book. Professionals may order a copy for a small fee.
Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) Services and Supports Directory (SSD)
Allows users to locate services, service providers and service definitions for the MR/ID system in Pennsylvania.
Participant-directed Services
Provides information about a service delivery option available to persons who live in their own home or the home of a family member or friend and who are, or have a surrogate, willing/able to act as the employer of the people who provide their participant-directed services and supports. Pa.'s Guide to Participant-directed Services
Pa. Department of Public Welfare (DPW)
Provides helpful information for individuals (and families) with disabilities and/or limited income. DPW oversees the Pa. Office of Developmental Programs.
Pa. Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
Provides information concerning the comprehensive array of services and supports for people with mental retardation and autism. ODP is the office within the Pa. DPW which sets policy and guidelines for the MR/ID system through ODP Bulletins and other communications.
Pa. Office of Developmental Programs Consulting
Provides information about the supports and services administered by the Pa. Department of Public Welfare, Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). Users connect with up-to-date information and training material to assist in supporting a family member, friend or neighbor with MR and/or Autism.
Pa. Office of Developmental Programs Web-based Resources and Supports
Provides regularly updated information, media-rich content, and opportunities for online learning that are tailored to the interests of specific audiences.
Pennsylvania Training Partnership for People with Disabilities and Families
Provides details about coordinated, consistent trainings and technical assistance available across the state and in Allegheny County for people with disabilities and their families. Contains ODP bulletins (current, draft and archived), informational packets and memos, forms (including PUNS and ISP), ODP letters to individuals and families, publications and other resources.
Southwestern Pennsylvania Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU)
Provides information about health care trainings for stakeholders and technical assistance for group homes, family living homes and ICF/MR settings.
Supports Intensity Scale (SIS)
Provides background information related to the SIS standardized needs assessment tool developed by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
SIS and Pa. Plus
Provides details about the SIS and the set of nine questions, for use in Pennsylvania only, to provide additional planning information not covered in the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) assessment.