Government Resources

 

There is a wide-range of government resources for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families at the local, state, and federal levels. Below is a comprehensive list of resources pertaining to Pennsylvania residents.

 

• County Websites for Disability Services:

  • Allegheny

  • Bucks

  • Berks

  • Butler

  • Carbon/Monroe/Pike

  • Chester

  • Delaware

  • Lancaster

  • Lehigh

  • Luzerne

  • Montgomery

  • Northampton

  • Philadelphia

  • York

  •  

Disability.gov

Disability.gov is the federal government website for comprehensive information on disability policies, programs and services in communities nationwide. The site links to thousands of resources from federal, state and local government agencies; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations.

Home and Community Services Information System

The HCSIS Services and Supports Directory is a tool for individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and circle of support to locate services and service providers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The directory can help you locate particular service providers or search for services and supports provided in an individual’s community.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is committed to improving results and outcomes for people with disabilities of all ages. OSERS provides a wide array of supports to parents and individuals, school districts and states in three main areas: special education, vocational rehabilitation and research.

Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW)

The Department of Public Welfare supports programs for individuals with disabilities throughout the state with a focus on individualized care and benefits programs designed to meet the specific needs of each person. From assisted living and personal care homes, to individual supports plans for community services, to Medical Assistance, DPW seeks to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the community.

Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

The mission for the Office of Developmental Programs is to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and their families the services and supports they need and the opportunity to make real choices about living, working and options for social activities to enable them to live in and participate fully in the life of their communities.

Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

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. They are an extremely helpful resource in transition planning for youth with intellectual disabilities.

 Philadelphia 311

Philadelphia 311 is a free resource for Philadelphia residents to get information and help from the City. Philly311 helps eliminate the need to sort through the 500 phone numbers and hotlines available to contact the City government. You can call 3-1-1 and a customer service specialist will connect you to the information and services you need.