Pennsylvania ODP Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism: Abby Care Is Now a Qualified Provider
Navigating the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) system in Pennsylvania can feel overwhelming for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and for the families who support them. Between understanding waiver eligibility, finding qualified providers, and managing ongoing compliance, many families struggle to access the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) they are entitled to under Medicaid.
Abby Care is now an officially qualified ODP provider in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We deliver person-centered, family-first HCBS through the state's ODP waiver programs, and we bring experience working with pediatric populations across multiple states. Our approach is different: we believe the best care happens when it is rooted in trust, delivered by people who know the individual best, and supported by a team that handles the administrative complexity so families don't have to.
What Is Pennsylvania's Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)?
Pennsylvania's Office of Developmental Programs operates under the Department of Human Services (DHS) and administers the Commonwealth's intellectual disability and autism service system. ODP's mission is to support Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism in achieving greater independence, choice, and opportunity in their everyday lives.
ODP oversees three key Medicaid HCBS waiver programs that fund in-home and community-based supports as alternatives to institutional care. These waivers allow individuals to receive services in their homes and communities rather than in facilities, and families can play a central role in delivering that care.
To learn more about ODP's structure and mission, visit the official PA Office of Developmental Programs page.
Pennsylvania ODP Waivers Abby Care Supports
Abby Care is qualified to serve individuals enrolled in any of the following Pennsylvania ODP waiver programs:
Consolidated Waiver
The Consolidated Waiver provides the broadest array of HCBS to individuals with an intellectual disability or autism who require an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) level of care. This waiver supports individuals of all ages and offers the most comprehensive service options within the ODP system.
Community Living Waiver
The Community Living Waiver supports individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism who need community-based services but at a different scope than the Consolidated Waiver. It is designed to promote community integration and independent living.
Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver
The P/FDS Waiver emphasizes self-direction and family involvement. It is designed to support individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, or developmental disabilities in living more independently in their homes and communities, with an emphasis on participant-directed service models. This waiver aligns closely with Abby Care's family-first philosophy.
For detailed waiver eligibility requirements and enrollment information, families can contact their local County MH/ID Office or visit the PA COMPASS application portal.
ODP Home and Community-Based Services Offered by Abby Care in Pennsylvania
Our services are designed to be flexible, person-centered, and focused on building independence and community connections:
In-Home and Community Supports: Personalized assistance to help individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism build daily living skills, maintain independence, and thrive in their own homes across Pennsylvania.
Companion Services: Dedicated one-on-one support focused on safety, social engagement, and emotional well-being for individuals enrolled in ODP waiver programs.
Community Participation Supports (1:1, 1:2, 1:3): Structured opportunities for individuals to engage in local activities, build social skills, and develop meaningful community connections at varying support ratios.
Respite Care: Short-term relief for primary caregivers, designed to sustain the long-term health and stability of the family unit. Respite services are available through all three ODP waiver programs Abby Care supports.
A Family-First Approach to ODP Services in Pennsylvania
At the core of Abby Care's model is a conviction that individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism receive the best support from people who already know and understand them. We specialize in empowering family members and trusted individuals to serve as qualified caregivers within Pennsylvania's ODP system.
Here is what that looks like in practice:
Trusted Caregiver Support: We help family members, friends, and other trusted individuals in the person's life become qualified to provide HCBS under Pennsylvania's ODP waivers. The people who know the individual best provide the care, and Abby Care provides the infrastructure to make that possible.
Comprehensive Training and Education: Navigating ODP eligibility, Individual Support Plans (ISPs), and waiver requirements is complex. We provide families with the training, resources, and ongoing guidance they need to understand and successfully participate in Pennsylvania's ODP system.
Administrative and Compliance Support: From provider enrollment and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) to documentation and billing, our team manages the administrative burden so families can focus on care, not paperwork.
If a family member is unable to serve as the designated caregiver, we work with the individual and family to identify another trusted person, whether a friend, community member, or other qualified individual. Our training ensures that every caregiver, regardless of their relationship to the individual, is equipped to deliver high-quality, person-centered support. If you need help identifying a caregiver, reach out to us and we will work with you to find the right arrangement.
Who Is Eligible for ODP Waiver Services in Pennsylvania?
To qualify for Pennsylvania ODP waiver services through the Consolidated, Community Living, or P/FDS Waivers, individuals generally need to meet the following criteria: a diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism from a qualified professional (children under age 9 may qualify with a developmental disability diagnosis), demonstrated functional need as assessed by the county MH/ID office using an adaptive functioning assessment, and financial eligibility for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) in Pennsylvania.
The enrollment process begins at your local County Mental Health/Intellectual Disability (MH/ID) office, which determines eligibility and assigns a Supports Coordinator to develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP).
Abby Care's team can help you understand whether you or your family member may be eligible and guide you through the initial steps. We encourage you to reach out even if you are early in the process.
Why Choose Abby Care as Your Pennsylvania ODP Provider?
Abby Care is not a traditional staffing agency. We are a technology-enabled, family-centered provider that combines the warmth of trusted caregiver relationships with the operational rigor families deserve. We already support caregivers across multiple states, and we bring that experience, including deep expertise working with pediatric populations, to Pennsylvania's ODP community.
What makes us different: we handle compliance so you don't have to, we invest in caregiver training and education as a core service rather than an afterthought, and we build real community among the families we serve.
Get Started with Abby Care's ODP Services in Pennsylvania
Whether you are currently enrolled in a Pennsylvania ODP waiver program or exploring your options for the first time, we are here to help.
Fill out an interest form on our website: https://www.abbycare.org/contact
Call us: +1 (223) 271-5102
Email us: pennsylvaniaODP@abbycare.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania ODP Services
What does ODP stand for in Pennsylvania?
ODP stands for the Office of Developmental Programs, a division of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) that administers services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism.
What waivers does Pennsylvania ODP offer?
Pennsylvania ODP administers three HCBS waivers: the Consolidated Waiver, the Community Living Waiver, and the Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver. Each provides different levels and types of home and community-based services.
Can a family member be a paid caregiver under Pennsylvania ODP waivers?
Yes. Under certain ODP waiver programs, qualified family members and other trusted individuals can serve as paid caregivers. Abby Care specializes in helping families access this option.
How do I apply for ODP waiver services in Pennsylvania?
Contact your local County MH/ID office to begin the eligibility determination process. You can find your county office through the PA DHS directory. Abby Care can also help guide you through the application process.
