NEW! Transition Quality Empowerment Project

TQEP for young people with disabilities across Pennsylvania . . .

Since we’re all #TQEPtogetherathome, how about we hang out and have some fun (maybe even learn how to do something new)? Young people with disabilities across Pennsylvania are planning to get together weekly through Zoom for ”TQEP Tuesdays”. As cool as we THINK we are here at TQEP (yeah, we know…), us adults are going to be supporting, not leading these hang outs. So far you all have some pretty cool events coming up. Oh yeah, we have prizes, just sayin!

Click here to get/print the flyer)

Local Resources

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Verbal Beginnings provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children ages 2-18 who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using positive reinforcement and measurable goals, ABA is used to increase desired behavior across a variety of settings and social environments. It’s an individualized approach tailored to a child’s specific needs. For more information, call 855-344-5977 or email at begin@verbalbeginnings.com.

Mental Health Association

Family/Child Education Advocacy Program

105 Brighton Avenue
Rochester, PA 15074
Phone: 724.775.4165
Fax: 724.775.8523

Does your child need an evaluation for individualized support? Need assistance and advocacy with IDEA 2004, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or gaining a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)? The Education Advocate at the MHA will help you understand Federal Education Laws and your child’s rights.

HopeWorks-PA, LLC

3572 Brodhead Rd., Suite 103
Monaca, (Center Twp) PA 15061
724.709.7867

Psychological Evaluations for Wraparound, MST, Family-Based Therapy and Diagnostic, Outpatient Therapy, Autism and Developmental Testing, Individual Tutoring, Behavioral Health Evaluations, Educational Advocacy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Community Outreach

Wesley Spectrum / Wonder Kids (WK)

Now available for Beaver County Residents!

A social skills group for children ages 5-21 which provides therapeutic and social relationship interventions designed to teach and enhance age-appropriate social skills for those who have an Autism Spectrum or Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder diagnosis.

Pressley Ridge School for Autism

514 Marshall Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15214
412.322.0140 (phone)
412.321.5313 (fax)

NOW OPEN! The Pressley Ridge School for Autism is a Licensed Private Academic School that provides intensive social, behavioral, and academic interventions to children with Autism from ages 6 to 21.

ACHIEVA

ACHIEVA – Beaver County
105 Route 18
Beaver Valley Mall
Monaca, PA 15061
724.775.1602 (phone)
724.775.2905 (fax)

Southwestern Pennsylvania’s largest provider of lifelong services and supports for people with disabilities and their families. Located in Beaver Valley Mall, their Office Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ACHIEVA provides the following services:

Advocacy & Family Supports
“A Home of My Own”
Early Intervention
Employment Supports
Home Care
Preschool Readiness
Recreation
Residential Supports

ACHIEVA – Beaver County
105 Route 18
Beaver Valley Mall
Monaca, PA 15061
724.775.1602 (phone)
724.775.2905 (fax)

Family Resource Guide Special Needs support for Allegheny County and surrounding areas. See the Top Ten questions families ask about special needs support. Includes family-recommended tips!

Miracle Dental Associates Integrated Dentistry for Children and Special Needs from ages 0-20. Occupational therapists, therapy dogs, and other useful modalities are used to increase positive experiences with an emphasis on those with spectrum and psychological diagnoses. Introducing On-Site Dentistry.

PA ABLE Savings Program for Disability-Related Expenses
A PA ABLE account gives individuals with qualified disabilities (Eligible Individuals), and their families and friends, 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.

Parent to Parent of PA

Because I have been where you are … I offer …

My listening ears

My experience

My time

My heart

Parent to Parent of PA

Links parents and family members of children and adults with disabilities or special needs on a one-to-one basis, according to conditions or concerns. These may include:

Physical disabilities

Developmental disabilities

Special health care needs

Behavioral health / mental health concerns

Foster care or adoption

Educational issues

(Services are free and confidential.) 1.888.727.2706

Education

The Education Law Center’s mission is to ensure access to a quality public education for all children in Pennsylvania. The Center pursues this mission by advocating on behalf of the most vulnerable students — children living in poverty, children of color, children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, children with disabilities, English learners, LGBTQ students, and children experiencing homelessness.

Education Law Center
429 Fourth Avenue Suite 702
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412.258.2120

Scholarships for Students with Mental Health Problems (edubirdie.com)
According to the American College Health Association, anxiety and depression represent two major challenges among American students: 60% of respondents confirm extreme anxiety cases, while 40% of students deal with the depression that affects their daily activities . . .

Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP)

Disability Rights Pennsylvania protects and advocates for rights of people with disabilities so that they may live the lives they choose, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and segregation. They provide information and assist with problems accessing needed disability services in all systems, including Juvenile Justice and Education.

Harrisburg toll-free: 1.800.692.7443

Pittsburgh Office:

429 Fourth Avenue
Suite 701
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1505
412.391.5225 [Voice]
412.467.8940 [Fax]

Support for Parents and Families

PA Parent and Family Alliance

PROVIDERS: How can the Parent Alliance Help the Families You Serve?

Family Support Partners are just that, partners. They are highly trained parents who have raised or are raising a child (up to age 26) with challenges that may mirror the ones your families may be be encountering. Family Support Partners will walk with them on their journey until they feel ready to walk on their own.

(Learn more / View / Print / Share a flyer by clicking on the blue link above.)

PACER CENTER

Champions For Children with Disabilities

Special Features
Categories / Programs
Workshops / Live Stream Events
Learning Center
Youth and Transition-Age
Special Ed Info (IEP/504)
Coronavirus Resources
Bullying Prevention Center
Publications
Newsletters

Web Resources

Essayontime – List of College Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students With Disabilities
Getting an education is a complex task for all students, especially for those who are disabled. Such students have to work twice as hard to get a degree compared to other students who do not have such health issues.

Understood – A website where 15 nonprofit organizations have joined forces to support parents of the 1 in 5 children (ages 3-20) with learning and attention issues throughout their journey. With the right support, parents can help children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more, Understood aims to be that support.

Friends of Quinn – is an online community that offers resources and support for young adults with learning differences, as well as for the people who love them.

LD Online – The educator’s guide to learning disabilities and ADHD. This website begins with a definition and common signs of learning disabilities, and includes sections on college and college prep, school to work transition issues, and adults with LD.

Our-Kids
This website provides information and support for kids and caregivers dealing with a large variety of physical and mental disabilities.

Federation for Children with Special Needs
This website is for families of children with special needs to keep them informed of their rights in the areas of education, health care, and many other topics of concern.

Cerebral Palsy Guide

Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents

Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping

Resources for Military Families

Moving with Special Needs Kids

Home Modifications for Special Needs Kids

Fully Accessible Guide to Smart Home Tech for Disabled and Elderly
(Designed and optimized for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0, this guide was built to meet the needs of those with visual and hearing disabilities.)

Academic Accommodation Resources

Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Kids

Estate and Financial Planning Guide for Families of Children With Special Needs

Keeping Your Child with Autism Safe