Resources

Advocacy

The Arc of Pennsylvania
Advocacy and Resources for Citizens with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. The Arc of Pennsylvania is a grassroots organization comprised of over 40 local chapters located throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

The ARC website for current information on advocacy efforts around issues and legislation that impact the quality of community-based services provided to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The Arc of the United States
The Arc of the United States is the national organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. For information on current legislative efforts and alerts check out The Arc’s Legislative Action Center at http://capwiz.com/thearc/home/.

The Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program
The Pennsylvania Client Assistance Program (CAP) is an advocacy program for people with disabilities administered by the Center for Disability Law & Policy.  CAP helps people who are seeking services from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Blindness and Visual Services, Centers for Independent Living and other programs funded under federal law.

The Disabilities Rights Network
The Disabilities Rights Network is a statewide, non-profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities. DRN works with people with disabilities and their families to ensure their rights to live in their communities with the services they need, to receive a full and inclusive education, to live free of discrimination, abuse and neglect, and to have control and self–determination over their services.

Speaking for Ourselves
Speaking for Ourselves is an independent, grassroots advocacy organization run by and for people with developmental disabilities.

Assistive Technology

Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology
Pennsylvania’s Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) is the Commonwealth’s statewide, cross-age and cross-disability program under the Assistive Technology Act as specified in the AT Act, PIAT’s priority activities include the development, implementation, and monitoring of laws, policies, practices, and organizational structures to improve access to assistive technology for all Pennsylvanians with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians.

Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library
Pennsylvania’s Assistive Technology Lending Library is a free service that loans assistive technology devices to people with disabilities. It’s available to Pennsylvanians of all ages and disabilities.

Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need.

General Resources

Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare
Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare website provides current information regarding mental retardation services, supports and programs available along with information for families and caregivers on how to inquire about these services.

Bucks County Department of Mental Health/Developmental Programs

Montgomery County Office of Behavioral Health/Developmental Disabilities

AbleData
AbleData is your source for assistive technology information. AbleData provides objective information about assistive technology products and rehabilitation equipment.

Disability Resources on the Internet
Disability Resources on the Internet is a nonprofit organization that provides information about resources for independent living.

Moving Agencies Toward Excellence
Moving Agencies Toward Excellence (MAX) is a member association of human service agencies in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Assisting provider organizations in the field of Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health to excel in the provision of services and to increase efficiency and effectiveness through improved communication, coordination, collaboration and education among member organizations, county officials, legislators and customers.

Housing & Mortgages for People with Disabilities at MortgageLoan.com

This guide is for persons living with a disability and in need of useful information and assistance in buying a home. The guide also turns to you who have a family-member, friend or other relation with a disability and want to learn more about homeownership. After reading this guide on housing and mortgages you will know more concerning:

• Deciding to buy your own home
• The process of buying a house
• Housing & Mortgages terminology (common words and terms you need to understand when buying a home)
• Getting started
• Financial assistance for people with a disability