Developmental Supports and Services
Breaking Through Barriers
If a student has a developmental delay or developmental disability there are many support resources available at the federal, state, and local level. There are agencies that are disability-specific and there are others that provide services for all types of disabilities. These agency supports are important to explore prior to graduation and most will send representatives to attend IEP meetings as a student advocate. These supports can sometimes be implemented while a student is still in school, but more importantly, these services follow a student into adulthood. These supports will break through the barriers that individuals might experience once they age out of the public school system.
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Advocacy
Support
Self determination
Future goals
Federal
This website from the Autism Society is a great resource to locate services to support individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Visit this site to do a interactive search of the national data base for services ranging from Assistive Technology, Classroom Supports, Community Supports etc., the list of service providers is extensive.
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Contact Information:
Autism Society
4340 East-West Hwy, Suite 350
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
1(800) 328-8476
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Easter Seals is a non-profit organization that serves individuals with disabilities through a broad range of services. This nation-wide organization offers programming to assist in education, independent living, meaningful employment training, and leisure activities. Watch the video to learn more.
Contact Information:
141 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 1400A
Chicago, IL 60604
800-221-6827
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State
The ASERT Resource Center serves as Pennsylvania’s leading source for up-to-date and accurate information and resources for individuals with autism, their families, the community and the professionals who support them. Contact the ASERT resource center to speak with a resource specialist who can help you learn how to discover and access resources in Pennsylvania.
*Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (ODHH)
This is the starting point for all Deaf services in the state of Pennsylvania. Find information on interpreters, technology, services for Deaf and HOH, and employment supports. This agency is houses within the PA Department of Labor and Industry.
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Contact Information:
717-783-4912 v/tty
717-831-1928 videophone
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*Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
The PA Developmental Disabilities Council works to support individuals with disabilities to take control of their own life. Through advocacy and systems change, this agency rallies against the stigma associated with individuals with disabilities.
Watch the video to learn more.
Contact Information
8500 Brooktree Road
Suite 100
Wexford, PA 15090
724-933-1655
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MY ODP- Office of Disabilities Resource Center
This resource center is the home for ODP’s training, communications, and informational resources. Register to find support services and information on all of the supports available in the state, including waiver funding.
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*PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance
PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance works with families to provide support services for those who are diagnosed. They offer consulting and training for educators. There are opportunities to learn about local support groups and students can sign up for Pen Pals in order to find social support.
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Contact Information:
Centrally located in Adams County, PA
P.O. Box 148,
McSherrystown, PA 17344
717.337.1134
800.990.3300
info@patsainc.org
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*PA Intellectual Disabilities Services
Funded through the PA Department of Human Services, this agency helps individuals with disabilities find the services they need to be successful. They help with the Support Waiver application process and will coordinate support services through person-centered planning. Visit the website or call 1-888-565-9435. Monday - Friday 8:30 am-4:00 pm.
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A free, statewide service for families with children who have special needs. They will connect parents with resources and support services in their communities, including: advocacy; home health; legal rights; support groups; summer camps; therapies; medical equipment; private schools and more.
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Contact Information:
301 5th Avenue
Piatt Place, Room 240
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-565-5700
Local
This agency offers early intervention services as well as personal care services. For individuals with developmental disabilities age 18 and older, personal assistance can include daily living and respite care.
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Contact informaiton:
Westmoreland County
2900 Seminary Drive
Building B
Greensburg, PA 15601
724.832.8272
1.877.822.8272
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*Down’s Syndrome Center of Western PA
A part of Pittsburgh's Children's Hospital, The Down's Syndrome Center offers parents education to help them become strong advocates of their diagnosed child. They offer assistance for parents to locate community supports. For inquiries call 412-692-5325
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Sponsored by the ARC, Includeme is an initiative that focuses on making schools more inclusive for individuals with disabilities. Includeme helps educators make their classrooms a rich learning environment for students with disabilities. Includeme also offers the "Discovery Program", which creates positive profiles for students with complex disabilities. These profiles are then used to carve employment options within the community.
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Contact information:
Rita M. Cheskiewicz, Director
Include Me From The Start
570-822-4369
1-877-337-1970
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Regional Integrated Human
Services - Career STEPS
151 Pavilion Lane
Youngwood, PA 15697
724-755-2330 ext . 107
Provides various post - secondary
supports to young adults with a focus on individuals with autism.
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*The Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
This non-profit organization provides resources and support for individuals, parents, and educators. PBIDA is leading the way to promote awareness of the disability as well as to work with educators to promote best practices in teaching students with the disorder. Parents will find great information, access to local support groups, and opportunities to educate themselves on the disorder.
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Contact Information:
Rosemont Plaza
1062 E. Lancaster Avenue
Suite 15A
Rosemont, PA 19010
855-220-8885
pittsburgh.dyslexia@pbida.org.
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Wesley Spectrum provides services for Autism, Behavioral Health​, Family Services and Education in several locations around the region. Wesley Spectrum is dedicated to children and families, providing many different supports.
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Contact information:
521 Plymouth Street
Greensburg, PA, 15601
724-832-3600
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