
December 2019 Digest
Welcome to MyODP News Online Weekly Digest. If you previously received the monthly newsletter via listserv, you will now receive this abstract of our online news instead. MyODP News Online Weekly Digest is sent each Friday and contains our Front Page News stories. For December 2019 all articles are contained within this digest. Story suggestions and/or comments may be sent to: ra-pwmyodp@pa.gov

2020 Everyday Lives Conference Information
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will host the statewide 2020 Everyday Lives Conference January 7, 8, and 9 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, PA. Join hundreds of individuals, families, and professionals in three days of collaboration, education, and innovation that celebrates the everyday lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read Full Article
Registration Open!
Registration for the 2020 Everyday Lives Conference in Hershey, PA is now open! The Office of Developmental Programs invites supports professionals, clinical professionals, individuals, and families to engage in three days of presentations focused on empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read Full Article

#ASD Next Seeks Input from Young Adults with Autism
#ASDNext, an initiative of the Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training (ASERT) Collaborative, hopes to create a community among young adults with autism who might not feel like they have one already and make the transition to adulthood a little easier by connecting individuals to others with shared experiences and to a community of resources, information and support. Read Full Article

Meet EDL Speaker: Daniel Costellanos
Disability advocate, college graduate, and cook extraordinaire, Daniel Costellanos will join the Everyday Lives conference higher education panel with the Pennsylvania Inclusive Higher Education Consortium. Daniel was recently profiled by local newspapers to highlight his accomplishments. Read Full Article

Love of Sports Plays Big Role in His Community Participation
Ricky is an ardent sports fan and enjoys watching as well as participating in sporting events. A graduate of Central Dauphin East, he supports his alma mater by attending Panthers’ sports. When his brother played for the University of Maryland football team, Ricky was one of the Terrapins' biggest fans. He regularly bowls with friends and staff from United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) through its CPS Alternatives program. Ricky and his longtime friend Nick often get together to shoot hockey goals inside the Giant Stadium in Hershey. The two met in elementary school and have been best friends ever since. Read Full Article
Heath Risk Screening and the Risks of Multiple Medications
Polypharmacy, or the use of multiple medications by an individual for one or more health conditions, can lead to increased risk for side effects, medication interactions, and other health risks, including possible co-morbidities or death. Read Full Article

Helpful Tips to Ease Holiday Anxiety
The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) offers tips to help ease the anxiety for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, and for their families. Read Full Article

Meet our EDL Reception Entertainment: Colin Mekeel & Temple Avenue
Meet our entertainment for the Everyday Lives Conference Wednesday evening reception, Temple Avenue. Temple Avenue is a jazz group formed eight years ago by Lancaster pianist Colin Mekeel and his friends at Temple University. Read Full Article |