The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has opened a public comment period for the proposed five-year renewal of the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW). ODP expects the proposed changes to take effect July 1, 2026.
Comment window and webinar details
The public comment period runs from January 17 through February 16, 2026. ODP will accept comments in multiple formats, including written submissions, email, and verbal feedback provided during a public webinar scheduled for February 9, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM.
Proposed changes in the five-year renewal
ODP’s proposal includes several service and definition updates within the Adult Autism Waiver renewal package. The key proposed changes include:
Separation of Life Sharing from Residential Habilitation services
An annual cap for Assistive Technology services
Extended authorization periods for Career Planning services
Simplified definitions for Supported Employment and related services
ODP has positioned these items as central elements of the proposed waiver renewal now open for review and feedback.
ISP Manual updated for January 2026 alignment
Alongside the waiver renewal comment period, ODP has released an updated Individual Support Plan (ISP) Manual. The updated manual is aligned with waiver amendments that take effect January 1, 2026. ODP’s revisions to the ISP Manual are intended to clarify guidance in several areas, including employment, residential supports, assistive technology, and planning requirements. ODP encourages providers, individuals, families, and advocates to review the proposed waiver renewal documents and submit comments before the February 16, 2026 deadline.
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