Developmental Disabilities
Allegheny County provides technical assistance to people with developmental disabilities and their families in accessing resources to meet their specific needs. Allegheny County, however, does not provide financial support in providing these supports and services, but will assist people with accessing supports and services that may be available and appropriate.
The term Developmental Disability (1) means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that –
- is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments
- is manifested before the individual attains age 22 years
- is likely to continue indefinitely
- result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity
- Self care
- Receptive and expressive language
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-direction
- Capacity for independent living
- Economic self-sufficiency and
- reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated
(1) Information referenced: "Public Law 106-402 Section 102 (Oct. 30, 2000) Titled - Programs for Developmental Disabilities "
Developmental Disability for Infants and Young Children
An individual from birth to age nine years, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition, may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting three or more of the criteria described above, if the individual, without services and supports, has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.
Office of Intellectual Disability brochure
Developmental Disabilities Services on HumanServices.net
Websites of Interest
ABOARD
ABOARD is dedicated to maximizing the social, education and vocational potential & possibilities of children, adolescents and adults with autism and related disorders
American Public Human Services Association
The association’s mission is to develop, promote, and implement public human service policies that improve the health and well-being of families, children, and adults
Children's Institute
The Children's Institute is dedicated to promoting the well-being of children, young people and their families and to providing services that meet their special needs.
COMPASS
COMPASS (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Social Services) enable Pennsylvania citizens to apply for social services programs online.
Conductive Education
Conductive Education (CE) can benefit children with cerebral palsy and other motor disorders to build independence and self-esteem by teaching functional motor skills, including those that enhance learning.
CONTACT Pittsburgh
CONTACT Pittsburgh exists to offer immediate, emotional support, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, by telephone volunteers trained to help people of all ages who may be suicidal, in emotional distress, or in need of reassurance.
Family Web 2.0
A virtual meeting place for parents of children with disabilities to exchange resources that have been user-tested for accessibility and usefulness.
Health Resources and Service Administration Information Center
Publications, resources, and referrals on health care services for low-income, uninsured individuals and those with special health care needs.
healthfinder®
healthfinder® is a free guide to reliable consumer health and human services information, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected by these diseases.
National Family Caregiver Support Programs
The National Family Caregiver Support Program offers caregivers information and support from the National Family Caregivers Association.
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
NICHCY is the national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. Our special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22).
Pa. Department of Public Welfare
The Department of Public Welfare is charged with numerous program areas. The Department oversees all Children, Youth & Families, Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Income Maintenance, Medical Assistance and Social Program issues in the Commonwealth .
Pa. Personal Care Home Directory
A list of licensed personal care homes in Pennsylvania.
Quality Mall
Quality Mall offers free information about person-centered supports for people with developmental disabilities.
Red Book
A summary guide to employment support for individuals with disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Programs.
Three Rivers Center for Independent Living
TRCIL promotes independent living for and by individuals with disabilities; to empower people with disabilities to live self directed, productive, and personally meaningful lives in a self determined setting; and to provide high quality, consumer controlled services and to advocate for effective community change so as to enhance opportunities for people with disabilities.
UCP
UCP provides quality services to people with disabilities, and their families, in Central Pennsylvania.
US Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
United Way of Allegheny County
United Way of Allegheny County is a not-for-profit organization which seeks to measurably improve the quality of life for those in need in the community.