The 2023 Annual Report from the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) outlines key recommendations and accomplishments by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) to enhance services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in Pennsylvania. Some of these key findings are useful to know for individuals, their families and the direct support professionals working throughout the communities around the state of Pennsylvania.
ISAC 2023 Report Key Recommendations and Highlights:
The ISAC 2023 Annual Report is structured around 14 primary recommendations, each accompanied by specific strategies and performance measures of note. Some of these measures include communication, employment, health, and other important factors along with a break down of the key takeaways from the report. Here is a summary of each strategy and performance measure found in the ISAC 2023 Annual Report.
- Assure Effective Communication: This strategy emphasizes the necessity for every individual to have a reliable means of communication, considering language preferences and current technology. ODP has expanded access to speech and language professionals and published resources to support individuals who are Deaf, Blind, or Hard of Hearing. Based on this strategy, some key information of measure includes:
- Individual Support Plans (ISPs): 100% of individuals in the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) and 92% in the Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) programs have ISPs detailing their communication methods and necessary supports.
- Implementation of Communication Supports: Service providers implemented specified communication supports as per ISPs for 100% of AAW participants and 92% of ID/A participants.
- Promote Self-Direction, Choice, and Control: This strategy encourages individuals to have autonomy over their services and supports. Efforts include increasing the number of participants in self-directed services and providing training for individuals and families on self-direction options. Based on this strategy, some key information of measure includes:
- Utilization of Self-Directed Services: The number of individuals utilizing self-directed services increased from 5,230 in FY 2020-21 to 6,496 in FY 2022-23.
- Engagement in Multiple Services: In FY 2022-23, 5,122 individuals utilized one self-directed service, 1,427 used two, and 547 engaged in three or more.
- Increase Employment: Aims to boost competitive integrated employment opportunities. Initiatives involve collaboration with employers, offering employment-related training, and implementing policies that support employment first principles.
- Subminimum Wage Employment: The percentage of individuals enrolled with the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) receiving subminimum wage decreased from 8% (4,887 individuals) in FY 2021-22 to 6% (3,484 individuals) in FY 2022-23.
- Support Families throughout the Lifespan: Recognizes the evolving needs of families. ODP has developed resources and training programs to assist families in planning and accessing appropriate services at different life stages.
- Family Networking Opportunities: The percentage of relatives reporting opportunities to connect with other families at similar life stages increased from 22% in FY 2019-20 to 32% in FY 2021-22.
- Awareness of the PA Family Network: Awareness among relatives rose from 24% in FY 2019-20 to 31% in FY 2021-22.
- Promote Health, Wellness, and Safety: Focuses on ensuring individuals’ well-being. This includes health promotion activities, safety training, and initiatives to improve access to healthcare services.
- Pressure Injuries: The number of individuals identified with pressure injuries increased from 218 in FY 2020-21 to 544 in FY 2022-23.
- Support People with Complex Needs: Addresses the requirements of individuals with multifaceted challenges. ODP has enhanced specialized support services and provided training for providers to better serve this population.
- Develop and Support Qualified Staff: Highlights the importance of a skilled workforce. Efforts include offering professional development opportunities and implementing strategies to retain qualified staff.
- Simplify the System: Aims to make services more accessible by reducing bureaucratic complexities. ODP has streamlined processes and improved communication to facilitate easier navigation of the system.
- Improve Quality: Focuses on continuous enhancement of services. ODP has implemented quality assessment and improvement processes, including the Quality Assessment and Improvement (QA&I) process, to monitor and elevate system performance.
- Expand Options for Community Living: Seeks to broaden housing choices so individuals can live where and with whom they prefer. Initiatives include promoting affordable and accessible housing and supporting community integration.
- Increase Community Participation: Encourages active involvement in community activities. ODP has facilitated programs that promote social inclusion and participation in community events.
- Community Participation Support (CPS): The percentage of individuals receiving CPS in community settings decreased from 77% in FY 2020-21 to 71% in FY 2022-23.
- Social Engagement: The percentage of individuals reporting weekly visits with friends, relatives, or neighbors declined from 48% in FY 2019-20 to 40% in FY 2021-22.
- Provide Community Services to Everyone: Strives to ensure that all individuals have access to necessary services. Efforts involve addressing waiting lists and expanding service availability.
- Evaluate Future Innovations Based on Everyday Lives Principles: Ensures that new initiatives align with the core values of the Everyday Lives framework. ODP evaluates innovations to confirm they support individual choice and community inclusion.
- Promote Racial Equity: Commits to addressing disparities and promoting equity within the service system. Actions include analyzing data to identify inequities and implementing strategies to ensure equitable access to services.
The report also provides detailed data sources and acronyms to support the information presented. For a comprehensive understanding of each recommendation and its associated strategies, refer to the full report by clicking here.
