The Gold Standard of Resources: ODP Releases the Fifth Edition of the Gold Book

Blog cover Caucasian woman with down syndrome wearing a yellow sweater and smiling, the graphic in the top left corner is a gold seal with "Gold Book 5th Edition"

The service system can be daunting, confusing and overwhelming for many people who need to access it. The Office of Developmental Programs, or ODP has worked diligently to ensure that people are given resources to help lessen the task of finding answers about their care. The mission of ODP “is to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and their families to achieve greater independence, choice, and opportunity in their lives. ODP seeks to continuously improve an effective system of accessible services and supports that are flexible, innovative, and person-centered.”

Bryan Hogg, 17, an athlete from Vilseck High School, wins the silver in the Bocce Ball competitive game May 6 at the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern's 25th Special Olympics Spring Games at the German Police Academy in Enkenbach-Alsenborn. Photo by Christine June, USAG Kaiserslautern. — Special Olympics photo by Herald Post taken on May 6, 2008 on Flickr.com. CC BY-NC 2.0.

In August 2026, ODP released the 5^th edition of the Gold Book with the goal of helping people gain information about how to access their care. The Gold Book most importantly focuses on the individuals who need services, but also their families. ODP recognizes that families can be someone’s best advocate. However, when their family member becomes part of the service system, it can be overwhelming. The Gold Book aims to cover topics that a person or their support team might experience when navigating the system. This includes:

The LifeCourse Framework
The Structure of the Service System
Programs, Services, Eligibility
How to Apply for Services
Self-Direction
Planning
Choosing a Provider
Ensuring a person’s quality of life
Succession Planning

Stack of books stamped university on a desk with a window view of a sunny day with neighboring buildings it is decorative and reflective of resources and planning — Books photo by Steven Taschuk Taken on May 16, 2008 on Flickr.com. CC BY 2.0.

Everyday Lives and LifeCourse Framework

Everyday Lives is a driving force of the Gold Book. What is Everyday Lives? Everyday Lives is about being a valued member of your community. It values relationships, rights, and responsibilities. All people are entitled to live their best life possible, and that is the basis of our service system. In 2016, ODP gathered self-advocates, their families and supporters to determine what the top priorities should be throughout the everyday lives initiative. Their findings included:

Control
Choice
Freedom
Stability
Relationships
Responsibility
Partnership
Employment/meaningful contribution
Communication
Health and Safety
Individuality
Connected
Quality
Success
Advocacy

The Gold Book also includes the LifeCourse Framework, which maps out steps that can help individuals achieve the best life for them, while following the everyday lives initiatives. The LifeCourse Framework gives resources, visuals, and lists that can help people determine what is important to them, and how they can achieve it.

It is the hope that the book will make the service system less intimidating and help to educate people so they can make the best decisions for themselves. The Gold Book is available in an English version as well as a Spanish version and can be found on ODP’s website: