PAR Mail 2017-230
News YOU Can USE
DHS/ODP
2. Flyers from ODP and the Institute on Disabilities
3. Community HealthChoices Provider Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Now Available
Other
5. November 15 Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance Commemoration
6. Contributions to a PA Able Savings Program Account are Now Deductible from PA State Income Tax
7. PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Seeking Individuals for State Board
8. Governor Wolf Reminds Consumers of Availability of Federal Funding for the Heating Assistance Program
Gov. Tom Wolf's administration and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania announced the app's rollout Wednesday afternoon in Downtown Pittsburgh. "This new app prepares students for their future in either post-secondary education or employment (by) offering them access to information, education and training resources, and eventually success in a job that pays," said David DeNotaris, executive director for the state Department of Labor & Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. To read more on this story, click here .
DHS/ODP
2. Flyers from ODP and the Institute on Disabilities
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Institute on Disabilities have created four flyers for our stakeholder community. Click to see the four flyers below:

3. Community HealthChoices Provider Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Now Available
The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has conducted Community HealthChoices (CHC) provider stakeholder events including Third Thursday webinars and onsite sessions in the Southeast and Southwest. After these events, OLTL received many questions related to CHC. OLTL has reviewed and cataloged these CHC questions into FAQ documents, available here .

The Wolf Administration released a revised implementation timeline for Community HealthChoices. The letter from Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary, Teresa Miller and Department of Aging Secretary, Teresa Osborne can be viewed here .
Other
5. November 15 Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance Commemoration
This program commemorates the 30th anniversary of the closing of Pennhurst State School and Hospital (November 1987), a state-funded and managed institution for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This lecture and panel discussion will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA. For more information and to register, click here .

6. Contributions to a PA Able Savings Program Account (PA ABLE) are Now Deductible from PA State Income Tax
Up to $14,000 per person can be deducted from Pennsylvania state income tax. This new tax deduction is exclusively for contributions made to a PA ABLE Savings Program account and is effective immediately. This great, new tax benefit makes PA ABLE an even better way to save and pay for many disability-related expenses. You can learn more about the features and benefits of the Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program and read important disclosures at PAABLE.gov.

7. PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Seeking Individuals for State Board
The Board is chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Labor & Industry, and consists of ten members, appointed by the Governor, who serve six-year terms. Members are appointed on the basis of respected standing, interest in the field of rehabilitation, and interest in serving. The Board meets four times a year at varying locations throughout the state. Individuals who may be interested in serving on the Board should submit a resume and letter of interest to Cheryl Novak at [email protected] on or before November 30, 2017.

8. Governor Wolf Reminds Consumers of Availability of Federal Funding for the Heating Assistance Program
"Making sure all Pennsylvanians are safe and healthy is my top priority," said Governor Tom Wolf. Federal funding is available for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which provides assistance for home heating bills to keep low-income Pennsylvanians warm and safe during the winter months. To read the Governor's press release, click here .