Issue 10 | August 2026

Announcements

New Fatal Five Training on MyODP 

A new Fatal Five training course is available on MyODP, replacing the previous Fatal Four course.

This training focuses on five critical health conditions commonly seen in individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and provides guidance on:

• recognizing warning signs,
• responding appropriately, and
• preventing serious complications.

The course includes six webcasts, a post-test, and awards two training credit hours upon completion.

All previously approved Fatal Five trainings remain valid and continue to meet regulatory requirements. 

Fatal Five Training

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Webinar on Limitations on Overtime, Paid Relative Caregiving, and Travel  

On July 2, 2026, Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens presented a session for individuals and families to review ODP policies related to overtime, paid relative caregiving, and travel. 

During the session, Deputy Secretary Ahrens provided an overview for individuals and families on limitations related to overtime, paid relative caregiving, and travel. A question-and-answer session addressed frequently asked questions and included clarification on these important policy updates.  

View the webinar recording

Resources

Integrated Support Star Video Series 

This video series explores the Integrated Support Star, a key tool within the Charting the LifeCourse framework.

The series helps participants understand how a person's needs can be supported through a combination of personal strengths, relationships, community resources, technology, and formal services. Through practical examples and guided instruction, viewers will learn how to use the Integrated Support Star to identify support, build stronger networks, and promote greater independence, inclusion, and quality of life. 

Origin of the Integrated Support Star (YouTube)

Autism Support Groups Resource Collection 

Meaningful relationships and community connections are key components of a self-directed life.

ASERT's Autism Support Groups Resource Collection offers practical tools and resources for starting, growing, and sustaining autism support and self-advocacy groups. The collection includes guidance on group development, activity and event ideas, and recorded discussions featuring experienced group leaders and self-advocates. 

Autism Support Groups Resource Collection

Creating an Employee Personnel File 

Managing your own Support Service Professionals (SSPs) means keeping organized records.

This helpful guide from Helpside outlines how to create and maintain an employee personnel file, including attendance records, training documentation, performance evaluations, and other essential employment records. It's a practical resource for Common Law Employers (CLE) and Managing Employers (ME) looking to stay organized and support successful employment relationships. 

Creating an Employee File

Explore the 2025 Self-Direction Conference Video Series 

Looking for fresh ideas and perspectives on self-direction?

The 2025 National Self-Direction Conference video series feature recorded sessions exploring natural support, worker benefits, long-term sustainability, program integrity, future planning, and more. These sessions offer practical insights and perspectives from across the self-direction community. Whether you have a few minutes to explore a specific topic or want to dive deeper into emerging practices, the video series offers plenty of ideas worth checking out. 

2025 Self-Direction Conference Recordings 

Upcoming Events

Supports Broker Recertification 

• Tuesday October 20, 2026 – 9 am to 4:30 pm
• Tuesday December 8, 2026 – 9 am to 4:30 pm  

Dates are subject to change. Check MyODP for the most up to date course schedule.

Photo: CC0 licensed photo by Seth Goldstein from the WordPress Photo Directory: https://wordpress.org/photos/photo/229667d5f1/