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SafeinHome’s intelligent system integrates multiple technologies and sensors for superior accuracy and real-time 24-hour response.

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Bens' Journey - The age of increased independence and decision-making It is a pleasure getting to know Ben, his gentle nature welcomes one into his thoughts and world. Like many young adults, his life is full. He lives independently in an apartment, enjoys...

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Bens' Journey - The age of increased independence and decision-making It is a pleasure getting to know Ben, his gentle nature welcomes one into his thoughts and world. Like many young adults, his life is full. He lives independently in an apartment, enjoys...

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New recommendations for schools

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Families/caregivers can need assistance at any stage. Advocates are here to offer individualized support that relates specifically your situation.

At no charge, CPARC helps individuals and families access community and school-based services.
Wondering "How do I...?" CLICK HERE for more resources!
Advocates help families with children that need special education support. They work with the family and the school to get an individualized education plan (IEP) in place. As your child transitions to middle school and then high school, advocates continue to provide support.

Advocates also provide resources about the adult intellectual disability service system. They can answer your questions about vocational training, adult day activities, community supports, and regulations about disability rights. They can help you access legal resources and communicate with legal and medical professionals. Click for more frequently asked questions about Education Advocacy FAQ and Adult Advocacy FAQ.
Check out our calendar of events!

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Advocacy Services | The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties

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Families/caregivers can need assistance at any stage. Advocates are here to offer individualized support that relates specifically your situation. At no charge, CPARC helps individuals and families access community and school-based services. Wondering "How do I...?" CLICK HERE for more resources! Advocates help families with children that need special education support.

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Social connections for adults with autism
http://www.bandsforautism.com

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Contact ConsultLine

ConsultLine is a toll-free information help line for parents and advocates of children with disabilities who have questions or concerns about the education of a school-aged child. ConsultLine specialists answer questions and provide information about special education, gifted education, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Send a return phone call request. We will call you back between the weekday hours of 8:00 and 4:00. If assistance is needed in a language other than English, please indicate what language in the form below. ConsultLine specialists will provide service to non-English speaking callers through the assistance of a confidential, third party interpreter.

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Contact ConsultLine - Office for Dispute Resolution

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Contact ConsultLine ConsultLine is a toll-free information help line for parents and advocates of children with disabilities who have questions or concerns about the education of a school-aged child. ConsultLine specialists answer questions and provide information about special education, gifted education, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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How to I obtain Services?

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What are they?

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Welcome to Special Olympics PA - Area M

We offer sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and Northern York Counties. Special Olympics PA - Area M has over 2,000 athletes in our program and offers training in 19 different sports throughout the year.

"I do it because I can. I can because I want to. I want to because you said I couldn't" ~ Unknown

"Win if you can, lose if you must, but NEVER quit." ~ Cameron Trammell

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Welcome to Special Olympics PA summerdale, PA

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Welcome to Special Olympics PA - Area M We offer sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and Northern York Counties. Special Olympics PA - Area M has over 2,000 athletes in our program and offers training in 19 different sports throughout the year.

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Vacations for families and individuals with autism and other disabilities

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Autism on the Seas, an international organization, has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007 in developing cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. These services quickly expanded to other cruise lines. Our Staff Assisted Cruises continue to meet and exceed our guest's expectations, but do not take our word for it, take theirs: Testimonials.

Our Staff Assisted Cruises are selected from regular cruises throughout the year, and we assist adults and families in accommodating the typical cruise services, as well as providing specialized Respite and Private Activities/Sessions that allow our guests the use of the ships entertainment venues in an accommodated and assisted manner. Our professional Staff (educated, experienced, background checked and sanctioned by the cruise lines) accompanies you on your cruise to provide these amazing vacation and travel experiences onboard Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Disney and Carnival Cruise Lines. Find out What's Included

To accommodate families even further, our Staff Assisted Cruises are open to all Extended Family and Friends. Extended family and friends can book directly with us, and they also receive all of the same benefits and services, including expedited/priority boarding, private muster drill, dinner seating, private venue sessions, reserved show seating, siblings and child friends can attend our respite sessions and everything found here: What's Included

Some guests prefer to cruise on their own. For those guests, we provide a "Cruise Assistance Package" (Cruises without our Staff) on all of the major Cruise Lines. This service is free of charge, by simply booking with us.
Autism on the Seas is the Leading Developmental Disability Service Supplier to the Cruise Industry. Services for Cruise Lines

Don't take our Word for it, take theirs...

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Autism on the Seas, an international organization, has been in collaboration with Royal Caribbean International since 2007 in developing cruise vacation services to accommodate adults and families living with children with Special Needs, including, but not limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and all Cognitive, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

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Vacations for individuals with disabilities

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Helping People Grow Together Through Travel Since 1972!

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The Guided Tour, Inc. Provides: Supervised vacations for adults with developmental challenges. Over 40 years of special needs travel experience and expertise! Experienced staff who are paid professionals. A staff to traveler ratio of 1:3, and trip coordinators with many years

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Vacations for individuals with disabilities and 'unlimited abilities'

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Special Vacations offers travel and recreation for adults with intellectual and physical challenges. Whether its riding a horse, singing in a talent show, or swimming with dolphins, we believe there is nothing out travelers can't do.

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Special needs fitness program

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INCREASE STRENGTH AND COORDINATION

SIGN UP FOR A FREE SESSION

AT FITNESS 4 FOCUS, WE AFFECT CHANGE

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in the lives of individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities. Our fitness program challenges athletes both physically and mentally. By mastering tasks and overcoming obstacles, our athletes develop the confidence they need to succeed in the gym and in life.

Through consistent exercise, brave determination, and expert support, our athletes learn how to improve their overall well-being. We believe the work they do here will lead to better management of daily life skills and a stronger sense of autonomy. At Fitness 4 Focus, our goal is to help our athletes achieve their ultimate potential.

FITNESS 4 FOCUS

ON GOOD DAY PA - AUG 9, 2019

For nearly a decade, Fitness 4 Focus has trained athletes with special needs.

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Founder Chris Russell alongside participant Thomas McHale was with us Friday to talk more about the program and share details on the O-2 Challenge.

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WHO WE SERVE

CONFIDENCE

Like anyone, individuals with special needs deserve to grasp and appreciate when they've achieved something. Our curriculum model intentionally reinforces this feeling in our athletes every time they complete a set of exercises.

COORDINATION

We serve a wide variety of people, many of whom suffer from mobility issues and/or need additional guidance to perform exercises correctly. Coordination naturally begins to improve as athletes become physically stronger, but it often remains a challenging part of their sessions. ​

Working out is never easy, even when an athlete becomes good at it. Exercise is meant to be challenging. However, our trainers' intimate knowledge of physical health provides the insight required to make exercise less stressful -- and more rewarding -- for athletes who initially perceive certain tasks as insurmountable.

INDEPENDENCE

When our athletes blend their increased strength, coordination, and confidence, we see their independence flourish. Some of our athletes progress through our curriculum and grow to the point of being able to complete our sessions on their own. Here, we encourage them to transition to working out at a public gym.

PURSUING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH FITNESS

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Fitness 4 Focus - Special Needs Fitness - Pennsylvania

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At Fitness 4 Focus, we affect change in the lives of individuals with developmental special needs. Our program not only challenges our athletes, physically and mentally, to complete tasks and overcome obstacles, but also instills in them the confidence they need to succeed both in and out of the gym

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The Little League Challenger Division was founded in 1989, and is Little League's adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Camp Hill Challenger Baseball League is a baseball league for children with special needs residing in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and York counties in Central PA. Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. There are currently over 950 Challenger programs in 10 countries around the world. Over 30,000 athletes participate in the Challenger Division every year.

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The Little League Challenger Division was founded in 1989, and is Little League's adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Camp Hill Challenger Baseball League is a baseball league for children with special needs residing in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and York counties in Central PA.

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Therapeutic Horseback Riding

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From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination and self-assurance while receiving therapeutic muscle stimulation.

As a result of carefully planned lessons, poise, posture, strength and flexibility improve.

A strong sense of responsibility develops as the rider learns to take part in the care of the horses and equipment.

An increased interest in one's own life may develop as a result of the therapeutic interactio ns.

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From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination and self-assurance while receiving therapeutic muscle stimulation. As a result of carefully planned lessons, poise, posture, strength and flexibility improve. A strong sense of responsibility develops as the rider learns to take part in the care of the horses and equipment.

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The Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program (PA ABLE) is an extraordinary, new, low-cost saving vehicle that gives people with disabilities and their families a tax-free way to save for disability-related expenses while maintaining government benefits. Federal and state law authorized the creation of PA ABLE accounts.

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Choosing  A Healthcare Decision Maker social story

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Choosing  A Healthcare Decision Maker social story

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We use our legal expertise and our experience working with clients to train advocates, health care providers, social workers, and consumers throughout the state on a wide range of health care related topics. These trainings include both in-person and webinar events, and range in topic from Medicaid 101 to more in-depth topics like successful appeal strategies, writing letters of medical necessity, and more.

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The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides free legal services to individuals seeking to get or keep Medicaid coverage. For more than two decades, we have worked tirelessly to advance the health care rights of our clients.

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Jump to Footer

The Inclusive Basketball program provides socialization, playing and training opportunities for people of different abilities from the surrounding community and Shippensburg University. All skill levels are welcome to have fun and interact with others.

Shippensburg University student participants come from different colleges and student organizations. The primary majors involved are social work, criminal justice and education. However, the event is organized by the Department of Social Work and Gerontology both to serve as a model for inclusive activities and as an opportunity for Social Work students to learn to interact with people of different abilities.

Inclusive Basketball started in 2008 as a collaboration of Social Work faculty and students with individuals with disabilities and their family members from the community and it has been going strong ever since.The event is supported by the Department of Educational Leadership and Special Education, the Disability Minor program, and the Athletic Department, which allows the use of Henderson Gym for free. The Inclusive Basketball club is a Shippensburg University Student Government Association recognized organization. It provides opportunities for leadership to all interested students.

Inclusive Basketball typically meets on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to noon in Henderson Gymnasium.

Check out the Inclusive Basketball Facebook page to stay in the loop.

For more information, please contact the Inclusive Basketball faculty advisor, Dr. Marita Flagler, by emailing mnflagler@ship.edu.

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Shippensburg University - Inclusive Basketball

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Jump to Footer The Inclusive Basketball program provides socialization, playing and training opportunities for people of different abilities from the surrounding community and Shippensburg University. All skill levels are welcome to have fun and interact with others. Shippensburg University student participants come from different colleges and student organizations.

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Dear PEAL Website Users: We try to make our website as accessible as possible for users with accessibility needs. Please let us know if you have any difficulty accessing our website information and resources. We will do our best to accommodate you! Reach out to us at [email protected] . Thank you for visiting our website, and happy browsing!

Whether you are a family member, advocate, or educator, find out how the PEAL Center can help.

Discover upcoming workshops, leadership development events and meetings to help you learn and grow.

Find the tools to help you navigate the education and health care system.

Make a Difference.

Become a part of the PEAL family by making a donation to ensure future quality resources and supports for families of children with disabilities.

Stay informed

Latest PEAL News

WELCOME BACK

Already a member? Sign in with your username.

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The PEAL Center - Helping Families of Children with Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs

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Dear PEAL Website Users: We try to make our website as accessible as possible for users with accessibility needs. Please let us know if you have any difficulty accessing our website information and resources. We will do our best to accommodate you! Reach out to us at [email protected] .

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Customized Employment

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Technology Assisted Children's Home Program

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Technology Assisted Children's Home Program

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Activities for Adults with IDD

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How to I obtain Services?

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Working with the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), PaTTAN provides a full array of professional development and technical assistance targeted to improving student results. This professional development and technical assistance takes many forms in order to meet the varied needs of PaTTAN's constituents. Week-long summer institutes, ongoing professional development series, webinars, on-site assistance, and individual student or teacher supports are some of the means by which PaTTAN provides support to schools.

Locate PaTTAN Consultant Contact Us

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Working with the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), PaTTAN provides a full array of professional development and technical assistance targeted to improving student results. This professional development and technical assistance takes many forms in order to meet the varied needs of PaTTAN's constituents.

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Navigating the World of Special Education /CPARC

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Navigating the World of Special Education /CPARC

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Glossary of Terms

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Navigating the World of Special Education

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We use our legal expertise and our experience working with clients to train advocates, health care providers, social workers, and consumers throughout the state on a wide range of health care related topics. These trainings include both in-person and webinar events, and range in topic from Medicaid 101 to more in-depth topics like successful appeal strategies, writing letters of medical necessity, and more.

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The Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides free legal services to individuals seeking to get or keep Medicaid coverage. For more than two decades, we have worked tirelessly to advance the health care rights of our clients.

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Since 1963, the PA Elks Home Service Program has been helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of children and adults throughout Pennsylvania. We provide support and advocacy services to individuals of any age who have a developmental disability.

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Since 1963, the PA Elks Home Service Program has been helping to improve the quality of life for thousands of children and adults throughout Pennsylvania. We provide support and advocacy services to individuals of any age who have a developmental disability.

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Employment First for Individuals with Disabilities

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Employment First is an initiative dedicated to ensuring that individuals with disabilities, their families, their support teams, and service providers have the resources and information they need to be successful. On this page, we’ve collected a variety of state, regional, and national resources to…

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Monthly Social activities for older teens and adults with disabilities

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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TechOWL has many programs that can help you get assistive technology for different needs. Please check out our services to learn more.

TechOWL has a statewide lending library with over 1500 devices that anyone in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can use. We offer free demonstrations and consultations to help in the trial process. Connect with us today!

TechOWL provides free presentations and trainings for Pennsylvania organizations, universities, schools, groups, and more. Check out our pre-recorded and asynchronous learning opportunities.

Who We Are

TechOWL is Pennsylvania's designated Assistive Technology Act Program. TechOWL is one of 56 programs in the nation.

Not in PA?

Not from Pennsylvania? Find your state's AT Act program here -> State AT Act Directory

Office Hours

Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Phone - 800.204.7428

Email - TechOWL@temple.edu

Chat with the icon on the bottom right corner of your screen

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ABA Provider and Social Skills Directory_Valentines Day 2021

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Discrimination Issues

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2,500

DRP operates a toll-free intake system available to all Pennsylvanians, providing legal advice, advocacy, and/or information and referral services to over 2,500 callers annually.

10

DRP participates in approximately 10 outreach events annually to provide information about our services to people with disabilities, family members, advocates, and professionals.

50

DRP provides approximately 50 trainings and presentations annually to people with disabilities, family members, advocates, and professionals on a variety of topics relating to disability rights.

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Disability Rights Pennsylvania | Protecting and Advancing the Rights of People with Disabilities

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Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) is an independent, statewide, non-profit corporation designated as the federally-mandated protection and advocacy agency in Pennsylvania.

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County

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Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.

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Teaching Money and Budgeting download

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Thank you for your interest in the Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management, 6th edition (508 Compliant PDF). Please fill out the following form to be directed to the download page. We keep all of your information completely private.
Thank you.

If you have difficulty using this form, please contact us by email at patf@patf.us or by phone at 888-744-1938 and we will gladly email you the PDF.

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Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management (508 Compliant PDF) | Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation

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Thank you for your interest in the Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management, 6th edition (508 Compliant PDF). Please fill out the following form to be directed to the... [ Read Cents and Sensibility: A Guide to Money Management (508 Compliant PDF) ]

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Cents and Sensibility Interactive online

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Cents and Sensibility Interactive online

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Cents and Sensibility - A guide to money management. Develop your own budget and learn how to save safely, where to keep your money, and the best way to borrow.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. FASDs are preventable if a baby is not exposed to alcohol before birth.

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

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​Waiver Information

Waivers offer an array of services and benefits such as choice of qualified providers, due process, and health and safety assurances.

The name waiver comes from the fact that the federal government "waives" Medical Assistance/Medicaid rules for institutional care in order for Pennsylvania to use the same funds to provide supports and services for people closer to home in their own communities.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services administers multiple Medical Assistance/Medicaid waivers. Each waiver has its own unique set of eligibility requirements and services.

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Waivers offer an array of services and benefits such as choice of qualified providers, due process, and health and safety assurances. The name waiver comes from the fact that the federal government "waives" Medical Assistance/Medicaid rules for institutional care in order for Pennsylvania to use the same funds to provide supports and services for people closer to home in their own communities.

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Autism resources

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Email newsletter

ASERT sends out a regular email newsletter with autism-related resources, events, training and news.
Sign up here

The earliest symptoms of ASD can emerge between 6 - 18 months of age, with reliable diagnosis possible by 24 months. These symptoms are developmental "red flags" and do not necessarily mean your child has ASD but you may want to contact your child's doctor if you notice these symptoms in your child.

This manual, developed by the Rochester Institute of Technology, in conjunction with other up and coming higher learning institutes, and funded by the Autism Speaks Family Services Community Grant, is designed to help colleges and universities prepare to support individuals with autism attending college and help them succeed.

The ASERT Collaborative and the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services, provide resources for Pennsylvanians with autism, their families, communities and the providers who support them.

View all announcements

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PAAutism.org, an ASERT Autism Resource Guide

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The ASERT Collaborative and the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services, provide resources for Pennsylvanians with autism, their families, communities and the providers who support them.

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Autism Resources

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Email newsletter

ASERT sends out a regular email newsletter with autism-related resources, events, training and news.
Sign up here

The earliest symptoms of ASD can emerge between 6 - 18 months of age, with reliable diagnosis possible by 24 months. These symptoms are developmental "red flags" and do not necessarily mean your child has ASD but you may want to contact your child's doctor if you notice these symptoms in your child.

This manual, developed by the Rochester Institute of Technology, in conjunction with other up and coming higher learning institutes, and funded by the Autism Speaks Family Services Community Grant, is designed to help colleges and universities prepare to support individuals with autism attending college and help them succeed.

The ASERT Collaborative and the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services, provide resources for Pennsylvanians with autism, their families, communities and the providers who support them.

View all announcements

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PAAutism.org, an ASERT Autism Resource Guide

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The ASERT Collaborative and the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services, provide resources for Pennsylvanians with autism, their families, communities and the providers who support them.

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Embracing Possibilities Beyond Disabilities

Since 1998, Aaron's Acres has provided children and young adults with disabilities something very unique-possibility. The possibility to learn, to grow, and to succeed despite any challenges. With every family we serve, our goal is always the same: to provide social and recreational programs that nurture important socialization and communication skills. All children regardless of ability can partake in the Aaron's Acres experience.

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Embracing Possibilities Beyond Disabilities Since 1998, Aaron's Acres has provided children and young adults with disabilities something very unique-possibility. The possibility to learn, to grow, and to succeed despite any challenges. With every family we serve, our goal is always the same: to provide social and recreational programs that nurture important socialization and communication skills.

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Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group

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Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group

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Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group

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Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group is committed to the success of individuals with Down syndrome. By promoting acceptance and awareness in our community we can empower individuals with Down syndrome to meet and exceed their dreams.

Community Social Events: Provide a social environment where families of individuals with Down syndrome can come together to socialize and support one another.

Education/Family Focus Events: Provide families with the information they need to ensure they are maximizing the resources available to individuals with Down syndrome.

Individual Grants/Funding: Provide funds to people with Down syndrome for programs, equipment, etc that promote forward progress.

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Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group

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Central PA Down Syndrome Awareness Group is committed to the success of individuals with Down syndrome. By promoting acceptance and awareness in our community we can empower individuals with Down syndrome to meet and exceed their dreams.

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OVR: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

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OVR: Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

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Connect with OVR on Social!

To apply for OVR services, please contact the OVR District Office that serves your county or apply for services online via the PA CareerLink's Job Seeker Registration Page.
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain or maintain employment. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities, both directly and through a network of approved vendors. Services are provided on an individualized basis. The OVR counselor, during face-to-face interviews, assists customers in selecting their choice of vocational goals, services and service providers. An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is developed, outlining a vocational objective, services, providers and responsibilities. Certain services are subject to a Financial Needs Test (FNT) and may require financial participation by the customer. Counseling and guidance, diagnostic services, assessments, information and referral, job development and placement, and personal services such as readers or sign language interpreters are provided at no cost to the individual. Also, by law, OVR customers receiving Social Security benefits for their disability (SSI, SSDI) are exempt from OVR's Financial Needs Test.

Statewide there are 21 District Offices staffed with trained, professional Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors who serve Pennsylvania in all 67 counties. The Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown provides vocational training and comprehensive rehabilitation services to people from across the state. OVR's Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services provides specialized services to blind and visually impaired individuals. These services are designed to increase an individual's independence and employability. OVR's central administrative offices in Harrisburg provide technical assistance to local district offices in order to improve service delivery.

Types of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

OVR provides a wide range of services to eligible applicants. Some services can help you overcome or lessen your disability; others can directly help you prepare for a career. The services you receive will be arranged to meet your individual needs. Not everyone will need every service. OVR services include:

Diagnostic Services: Medical, psychological, and audiological examinations and tests used to better understand your disability and your needs for specific types of services.

Vocational Evaluation: Aptitude, interest, general ability, academic exams, work tolerance and "hands-on" job experience used to understand your vocational potential.

Counseling: Vocational counseling will help you to better understand your potential, to rely on your abilities, to set realistic vocational goals, to change them when necessary, to develop successful work habits and to begin a satisfying career. Counseling is available throughout your rehabilitation program.

Training: Education to prepare you for a job, including, but not limited to, basic academic, vocational/technical, college, on-the-job, independent living skills, and personal and work adjustment training.

Restoration Services: Medical services and equipment, such as physical and occupational therapy, wheelchairs and automobile hand controls can be provided to enable you to pursue and achieve employment.

Placement Assistance: Counseling, job-seeking programs, job clubs, and job development used to increase your ability to get a job. You will receive ideas, practice and advise on finding job leads, filling out applications, getting interviews for a job and on how to interview. Your counselor may also give you job leads or contact employers about available tax credits and hiring incentives. The more contacts with employers you make, the better your chances are of finding a job. For more details, go to our Services for Job Seekers page.

Assistive Technology: Assistive technology includes a wide range of devices and services that can empower persons with disabilities to maximize employment, independence and integration into society. OVR can assist an individual with a disability in effectively selecting and acquiring appropriate assistive technology. OVR can arrange for a consultant to evaluate your situation and to make appropriate recommendations. OVR also operates and maintains our own Center for Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology (CART) at the Hiram G. Andrews Center. There is no charge for evaluation and vocational counseling services through OVR. Based upon your financial needs, you may have to contribute to the cost of assistive technology devices and services. For more details, visit our Assistive Technology page.

Support Services: Other services are provided for eligible persons if they are necessary for you to start and maintain employment. Such services may include:

Room, board and transportation costs during an evaluation or while completing a rehabilitation program.

Occupational tools, licenses or equipment.

Home modifications, adaptive or special household equipment in order to help you get ready to go to and be on time for your job. Van or car modifications, including special driving devices or lifting devices to enable you to travel to your job.

Personal care assistance provided to help you with your daily needs in order to enable you to participate in a vocational rehabilitation program.

Job site modifications that will enable you to get and keep a job. Independent living training to provide the means for you to become more self-sufficient and thereby make it possible for you to participate in employment.

Text Telephone (TTY), signaling devices, hearing aids, and interpreter services may be provided to help you communicate.

Specialized services such as Rehabilitation Teaching, and Orientation and Mobility Training for persons who are blind or visually impaired.

What if I have Questions or Complaints?

OVR will facilitate your rehabilitation program. Don't hesitate to ask questions about anything. You are entitled to the best service that OVR can give you. Your comments, suggestions, and criticisms are important.

If you are an applicant or a customer of OVR and are dissatisfied with a determination or service OVR is providing, you may file an appeal.

Appeal Procedures: A written request for a hearing must be made within thirty (30) days. This request must be mailed to or filed with the Director:

Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
651 Boas Street, 7th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17121

An impartial hearing officer will be assigned to hear and decide your case. You will be given the opportunity for an informal administrative review prior to the impartial hearing. At any time during your program you may contact the Client Assistance Program for help.

What is the Client Assistance Program (CAP)?

If you have questions or concerns about OVR services, CAP can help. CAP is a federally mandated program that provides assistance and advocacy to applicants for and recipients of OVR services. CAP is not a part of OVR, and services are provided at no cost to its clients.

Contact CAP

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Connect with OVR on Social! To apply for OVR services, please contact the OVR District Office that serves your county or apply for services online via the PA CareerLink's Job Seeker Registration Page . The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain or maintain employment.

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For help with OVR issues

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Your Bridge To Disability Services

YOU CAN COUNT ON

THE CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) TO HELP YOU :

​

​

1. To request review, you must write a letter to OVR that:

Describes the determination with which you are dissatisfied.

Includes the date, if know, when the determination was made.

Identifies who made the determination, and

State what you want or what action will satisfy you.

Director, Bureau of Program Operations Director, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

1521 N. 6th Street 1521 N. 6th Street

Harrisburg, PA 17102 Harrisburg, PA 17102

9.If you have any questions regarding the appeal process, you may contact the Client Assistance Program at 1-888-745-2357, by email at andrew@equalemployment.org, or by mail at CAP, 1515 Market St., Ste. 1300, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

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Advocacy| Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program | United States

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Your Bridge To Disability Services YOU CAN COUNT ON THE CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) TO HELP YOU : ​ ​ 1. To request review, you must write a letter to OVR that: Describes the determination with which you are dissatisfied. Includes the date, if know, when the determination was made.

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For help with OVR issues

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Your Bridge To Disability Services

YOU CAN COUNT ON

THE CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) TO HELP YOU :

​

​

1. To request review, you must write a letter to OVR that:

Describes the determination with which you are dissatisfied.

Includes the date, if know, when the determination was made.

Identifies who made the determination, and

State what you want or what action will satisfy you.

Director, Bureau of Program Operations Director, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

1521 N. 6th Street 1521 N. 6th Street

Harrisburg, PA 17102 Harrisburg, PA 17102

9.If you have any questions regarding the appeal process, you may contact the Client Assistance Program at 1-888-745-2357, by email at andrew@equalemployment.org, or by mail at CAP, 1515 Market St., Ste. 1300, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

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Advocacy| Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program | United States

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Your Bridge To Disability Services YOU CAN COUNT ON THE CLIENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (CAP) TO HELP YOU : ​ ​ 1. To request review, you must write a letter to OVR that: Describes the determination with which you are dissatisfied. Includes the date, if know, when the determination was made.

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The Advocacy Alliance COVID-19 Update

The Advocacy Alliance is currently maintaining regular hours of operation at all our office locations remotely from home. We are closely monitoring the latest news about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we are following official guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with state and local health guidelines.

In case of a mandatory quarantine we have plans in place to allow us to conduct business with limited interruption of services. Checks will be mailed daily and staff will be available directly by email and will return voicemails. Please understand that some communication may be delayed during a mandatory quarantine. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

The Advocacy Alliance

The Advocacy Alliance has a proud history of service. Founded as a Mental Health Association in 1955, we have grown tremendously over the years, expanding our reach to 45 counties in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote mental well-being, and support Recovery for adults who have a mental illness; Resiliency for children and adolescents who have emotional/behavioral disorders; Everyday Lives for individuals who have developmental disabilities; and Independence for older adults and individuals with physical disabilities, by providing advocacy and culturally competent services.

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The Advocacy Alliance is currently maintaining regular hours of operation at all our office locations remotely from home. We are closely monitoring the latest news about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we are following official guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention along with state and local health guidelines.

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Mental Health Assoc/PA Mental Health Consumers Association

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Connection: You are connected to a larger group banded together to produce positive results for mental health recovery and advocacy.

Public Policy / Advocacy: You can offer contribution to the strong advocacy programs centered on assuring that voices are being heard. You can keep track of mental health issues under consideration by the State Legislature through our emails and our quarterly newsletter, VISION.

Free Informational Services: The association keeps members in touch with each other and current issues through the association's web site and email updates of emerging policy and legislative issues relevant to mental health, action alerts, notices of upcoming training, conferences, and recovery employment opportunities in Pennsylvania and associated areas.

Members Only Benefits: Discounts on our events and a special members only area of the website available to those with membership plans

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Connection: You are connected to a larger group banded together to produce positive results for mental health recovery and advocacy. Public Policy / Advocacy: You can offer contribution to the strong advocacy programs centered on assuring that voices are being heard.

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Do you suspect that someone is being abused or neglected?

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​Adult Protective Services

Do you suspect elder abuse or abuse of an adult with a disability?

In 2010, the Adult Protective Services (APS) Law ( Act 70 of 2010) was enacted to protect adults between the ages of 18 and 59 with a physical or mental disability that limits one or more major life activities. The APS Law establishes a program of protective services in order to detect, prevent, reduce and eliminate abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment of these adults in need.

A report can be made on behalf of the adult whether they live in their home or in a care facility such as a nursing facility, group home, hospital, etc. Reporters can remain anonymous and have legal protection from retaliation, discrimination, and civil and criminal prosecution. The statewide Protective Services Hotline is available 24 hours a day.

Common Signs of Abuse

Bruises or broken bones

Weight loss

Memory loss

Personality changes

Social isolation

Changes in banking habits

Giving away assets such as money, property, etc.

Adult Protective Services Annual Report

View annual reports to explore data on reporting, regulations, victims, and perpetrators.

Information for Mandatory Reporters

Mandatory Reporting Webinars

Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 2:00pm (EST)

Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 1:30pm (EST)

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at 10:30am (EST)

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 10:30am (EST)

Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 1:30pm (EST)

Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 1:30pm (EST)

Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 10:30am (EST)

More Information

If you have questions about the APS Law, mandatory reporting, or protective services, please contact the Adult Protective Services Division, or call 717-783-3670.

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Do you suspect elder abuse or abuse of an adult with a disability? In 2010, the Adult Protective Services (APS) Law ( Act 70 of 2010) was enacted to protect adults between the ages of 18 and 59 with a physical or mental disability that limits one or more major life activities.

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Free printable visual recipes

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Accessible Chef - Accessible Cooking for Budding Chefs

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Visual recipes make use of task analysis, which is an evidence-based approach for breaking down a complex task into manageable steps. Each task is separated into discrete skills, and individuals can learn to complete skills in a specific order to learn new tasks.

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Using technology to teach social skills

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A non-threatening way for learners with ASD to practice their communication and social skills.

Milo the robot is designed to be interesting and approachable for learners with ASD. He can walk, talk and even model human facial expressions. Milo never gets frustrated or tired. He consistently delivers lessons in a way that learners with ASD respond to. This recurring positive experience creates an environment in which learners can learn and thrive. Robots4Autism helps learners improve their social and behavioral skills and gain the confidence they need to succeed academically and socially.

Using the Robots4Autism program, individuals with ASD learn to:

Tune in on emotions

Express empathy

Act more appropriately in social situations

Self-motivate

Generalize in the population

The Robots4Autism lessons are designed to teach social behaviors and emotional identification to learners ages 5-17 who meet the Prerequisite Skills. To determine if the curriculum is appropriate for your child, please read the prerequisite skills needed.

Milo delivers lessons verbally. As he speaks, symbols are displayed on his chest screen that will help your learner better understand what he is saying. Throughout the lessons, Milo will ask your learner to watch four to five second video clips on the student tablet. The videos show learners displaying the skills or behaviors both correctly and incorrectly that Milo is teaching. Your learner will be asked "yes" or "no" questions to determine if the learners in the video are doing the behaviors right or wrong.

It is recommended that your learner work with Milo, along with an educator or therapist, for 30 to 60 minutes at least three times a week.

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A non-threatening way for learners with ASD to practice their communication and social skills. Milo the robot is designed to be interesting and approachable for learners with ASD. He can walk, talk and even model human facial expressions. Milo never gets frustrated or tired.

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Article with examples