Community Living and Participation
Participation in the community in which one lives is an integral part of a fulfilling life. Sometimes living with a disability can create barriers to participation, these barriers can be overcome with the right kinds of supports. Below is a list of several agencies and organizations whose sole purpose is to break down barriers of participation for individuals with disabilities. When those barriers are overcome, the possibilities are endless and new worlds open up, begging to be explored. Browse through the possibilities below to find resources that make living and participating in your community everything you want it to be.
Federal
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The Arc acts to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their parents, siblings, family members and other concerned members of the public have meaningful opportunities to inform and guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy, including determining policy and positions on important issues. The Arc strives for diversity in its leadership, as well as in all facets of the work of the organization.
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Think College is an online listing of postsecondary education programs for students with ID that are affiliated with an accredited institute of higher education. This online tool provides contact information, as well as a direct link to the program website of each college. It also summarizes important features, such as whether a program offers housing, if financial aid is available, and what kinds of academic, social, and employment opportunities exist.
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National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET) coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth with disabilities in order to create opportunities for youth to achieve successful futures. NCSET is headquartered at the Institute on Community Integration in the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development.
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State
The Mission of the D.R.E.A.M. Partnership is to develop a selection of post-secondary educational opportunities, including dormitory options, which lead to independent living and employment for students with intellectual disabilities in Pennsylvania.
Our vision is that D.R.E.A.M. Partnership’s leadership in post-secondary education programs will empower individuals of all abilities to work, live, and contribute to a better society.
Local
*CLASS: Community Living and Support Services
CLASS is a nonprofit organization that offers different services to individuals of varying abilities. Originally chartered as UCP of Pittsburgh, CLASS has grown into new regions and continues to expand its services.
CLASS is driven by organizational values that foster community inclusion for people with disabilities. The organization offers a variety of individualized services ranging from independent living skills training in the classroom to community-based case management for social, recreational, and residential supports.
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Exceptional Adventures is a non-profit organization with over 35 years of experience providing vacation opportunities, events and monthly dances for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our tour coordinators are trained to ensure that each person can have an amazing experience regardless of their needs.
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Keystone offers an array services, including both full and part time supports. We operate over 60 community based group homes and 6 Day and Vocational Programs, in addition to both Life Sharing and Supported Living opportunities. Our primary services are strengthened through the availability of other supportive resources, including clinical, health services and quality management.
The mission of Milestone Centers, Inc. is to provide quality, life-enhancing services that promote wellness and the development of human potential to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health challenges.
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PA 2‑1‑1 Southwest is part of the national 2‑1‑1 Call Centers initiative that seeks to provide an easy-to-remember telephone number and web resource for finding health and human services– for everyday needs and in crisis situations. Search our vast database of services and providers to find the help you need today.
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