The InVisionary
Each year, The Provider Alliance (TPA) – “a not-for-profit association for organizations providing supports to people with intellectual disabilities and their families” – hosts its annual TPACON conference, open to constituents, family of and people within the disability community, and industry vendors. Following the theme of “Intersections: Where Policy, Practice, and Possibility Converge,” TPACON 2025 panels hosted by industry leaders focused on policy updates from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and intersectional technology.
As a historic and proud sponsor of this event, InVision had the pleasure of attending TPACON 2025 as a sponsor with an exhibitor display sharing resources from our mental health care team, InVision Behavioral Health (IBH). Additionally, InVision team members from departments across the organization attended the conference both in-person and virtually to learn more about the happenings within the human services industry.
Following the 9:00 a.m. session came a discussion regarding the connection between wearable devices and wellness, featuring panelists Dr. Gregory Cherpes of ODP, Kevin McElligott of Acentra Health SW HCQU, David Lindell of SETWorks, Nathan Gerhard of Keystone Human Services, and Shea Tanis of the Kansas University Center on Disabilities. Focusing on how advancements to wearable devices, such as smart watches, are increasingly being used for health-related tracking and data, the group noted the importance of bridging the gap in accessibility and understanding of these devices and their functions within a healthcare setting.
Up next, Shea Tanis returned to the stage joined by self-advocate Bobby Evans, Jeremy Yale of ODP, Craig Douglass of Arc Human Services, and Heather Lewis of Mainstay Life Services. This group highlighted the role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in ensuring technology translates in real-life settings. With powerful stories and service setting strategies, this group expanded upon how technology can be an asset to both DSPs and the people they support.
After lunch and networking among attendees and vendors, the panels continued with a session hosted by Nancy Murray, advocacy liaison of TPA, William Penn Human Services, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), and National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia (NTG). The conversation centered around refining quality among Pennsylvania’s human service providers through PBC guidelines. Joined by industry experts Lauren House and Jennifer Newell of ODP, and Ashlee Hershberger of the Center for Community Resources, discussions among this panel further explored the “how” and “why” behind the implantation of PBC, and some of its specific guidelines.
To wrap up the event, CEO of Mainstay Life Services and TPA Board Member Kim Sonafelt hosted a session dedicated to change and connectivity. Joined by Kristin Ahrens, Shea Tanis, and family member and advocate, Rose Baumann, this discussion addressed driving meaningful change with a focus on the everyday needs of the disability community.
Among the handouts provided at the event included a call to action for outreach. As TPA puts it best, here is an outline of the flyer’s content:
“WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
PA Senate Bill 617
Annual Market-Based Rate Adjustments for ID/A Services
This bill, introduced by Sen. Carolyn Comitta (PA 19) and Sen. Lindsey Williams (PA 38) proposes the use of a less costly, more efficient nationally recognized market index to annually update fee schedule rates. This will result in higher wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and increased capacity to reduce the waiting list.
PA House Co-Sponsorship Memo
ID/A Market Index for DSP Services
On July 7, 2025, a bipartisan co-sponsorship memo was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by Representatives Jessica Benham (HD-36) and Jason Ortitay (HD-46), calling for legislation to establish a market index for ID/A services. This is a key next step in moving this important legislation forward, and we need your help to keep the momentum going.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!”
Please join us in reaching out to your state senate and representatives encouraging them to sign onto these proposals.
A huge thank you to everyone at TPA, all the featured panelists, and exhibitors of TPACON 2025 for an insightful and educational event; but most importantly, for all the work done to serve the disability community. InVision is incredibly grateful to be a part of a coalition that remains dedicated to bringing meaningful change to the lives of the people we support.
As a historic and proud sponsor of this event, InVision had the pleasure of attending TPACON 2025 as a sponsor with an exhibitor display sharing resources from our mental health care team, InVision Behavioral Health (IBH). Additionally, InVision team members from departments across the organization attended the conference both in-person and virtually to learn more about the happenings within the human services industry.
TPACON 2025 Insights Overview
The morning kicked off with a panel hosted by Deputy Secretary of ODP, Kristin Ahren, and Executive Director of TPA, Patrick DeMico. This panel detailed the latest updates and success within ODP’s Performance Based Contracting (PBC) guidelines, the Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) pilot program, and preparation for the potential impact of cuts to government funding within various programs and communities across the state.Following the 9:00 a.m. session came a discussion regarding the connection between wearable devices and wellness, featuring panelists Dr. Gregory Cherpes of ODP, Kevin McElligott of Acentra Health SW HCQU, David Lindell of SETWorks, Nathan Gerhard of Keystone Human Services, and Shea Tanis of the Kansas University Center on Disabilities. Focusing on how advancements to wearable devices, such as smart watches, are increasingly being used for health-related tracking and data, the group noted the importance of bridging the gap in accessibility and understanding of these devices and their functions within a healthcare setting.
Up next, Shea Tanis returned to the stage joined by self-advocate Bobby Evans, Jeremy Yale of ODP, Craig Douglass of Arc Human Services, and Heather Lewis of Mainstay Life Services. This group highlighted the role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in ensuring technology translates in real-life settings. With powerful stories and service setting strategies, this group expanded upon how technology can be an asset to both DSPs and the people they support.
After lunch and networking among attendees and vendors, the panels continued with a session hosted by Nancy Murray, advocacy liaison of TPA, William Penn Human Services, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), and National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia (NTG). The conversation centered around refining quality among Pennsylvania’s human service providers through PBC guidelines. Joined by industry experts Lauren House and Jennifer Newell of ODP, and Ashlee Hershberger of the Center for Community Resources, discussions among this panel further explored the “how” and “why” behind the implantation of PBC, and some of its specific guidelines.
To wrap up the event, CEO of Mainstay Life Services and TPA Board Member Kim Sonafelt hosted a session dedicated to change and connectivity. Joined by Kristin Ahrens, Shea Tanis, and family member and advocate, Rose Baumann, this discussion addressed driving meaningful change with a focus on the everyday needs of the disability community.
TPACON 2025 Call to Action
Among the handouts provided at the event included a call to action for outreach. As TPA puts it best, here is an outline of the flyer’s content:“WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
PA Senate Bill 617
Annual Market-Based Rate Adjustments for ID/A Services
This bill, introduced by Sen. Carolyn Comitta (PA 19) and Sen. Lindsey Williams (PA 38) proposes the use of a less costly, more efficient nationally recognized market index to annually update fee schedule rates. This will result in higher wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and increased capacity to reduce the waiting list.
PA House Co-Sponsorship Memo
ID/A Market Index for DSP Services
On July 7, 2025, a bipartisan co-sponsorship memo was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by Representatives Jessica Benham (HD-36) and Jason Ortitay (HD-46), calling for legislation to establish a market index for ID/A services. This is a key next step in moving this important legislation forward, and we need your help to keep the momentum going.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!”
Please join us in reaching out to your state senate and representatives encouraging them to sign onto these proposals.
A huge thank you to everyone at TPA, all the featured panelists, and exhibitors of TPACON 2025 for an insightful and educational event; but most importantly, for all the work done to serve the disability community. InVision is incredibly grateful to be a part of a coalition that remains dedicated to bringing meaningful change to the lives of the people we support.
Resources
- The Provider Alliance
- Contact TPA: information@provideralliance.org
- Office of Developmental Programs
- Performance Based Contracting Resource Page
- Housing Opportunity Fund
- InVision Behavioral Health
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