Disability
American with Disabilities Act
Accessibility guidelines 800.872.2253 or TDD 800.872.2822
Disability & Business 800.949.4232
Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund 800.466.4232
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
Deafness
National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
This web site is the primary source of online information about the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), which is part of the National Institutes of Health. The site was established in 1996 and has become a key resource for information about human communication disorders.
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/
Education
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The IDEA Partnerships are four national projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to deliver a common message about the landmark 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
www.ideapractices.org
Education
Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers
The Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers is an innovative project that supports a unified technical assistance system for the purpose of developing, assisting and coordinating Parent Training and Information Projects and Community Parent Resource Centers under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in each state provide training and information to parents of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and to professionals who work with children.
http://www.taalliance.org/
Education
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN)
35 Halsey Street, 4th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
Phone: 973-642-8100
Toll-Free: (866)-637-8221
Fax: 973-642-8080
span@spannj.org
Web Site: www.spannj.org
Grants
Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration maintains this site. It describes the state grant program and has useful TBI information
http://www.tbitac.org/
Health
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
Publications, resources, and referrals on health care services for low-income, uninsured individuals and those with special health care needs
888.275.4772
www.ask.hrsa.gov
Housing
HUD
Pennsylvania State Office
Michael Levine - Acting Secretary's Representative
HUD Philadelphia Office
The Wanamaker Building
100 Penn Square, East
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3380
215.656.0600
Housing
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities
451 Seventh St. SW
Washington, DC 20410
202.708.1102
TTY 202.708.1455
Information
National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
Collects and disseminates the results of federally funded research projects Their literature collection, includes commercially published books, journal articles, and audiovisuals. Ther are funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to serve professional and lay persons, who is interested in disability and rehabilitation, including consumers, family members, health professionals, educators, rehabilitation counselors, students, librarians, administrators, and researchers.
National Rehabilitation Information Center
4200 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 202
Lanham, MD 20706
800/346-2742 (V)
301/459-5900 (V)
email:naricinfo@heitechservices.com
Website: http://www.naric.com
Medicare
800.633.4227
Social Security
800.772.1213
TTY 800.325.0778
Social Security
Ticket to Work Program
Maximus Ticket to Work Contact
Matthew Fabian
866-968-7842
703-236-3405
matthewfabian@maximus.com
www.yourtickettowork.com
Aging
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
The Pennsylvania Department of aging funds Area Agencies on Aging. The Department offers advocacy, planning, training, research and the administration of federal and state funds. Most of the services and benefits are provided through the states 52 Area Agencies on Aging.
717-783-1550
http://www.aging.state.pa.us
The federal ElderCare Locator, through the Administration on Aging, has a nationwide service to help families & friends find information about community services for older people through a network of organizations serving older people at the state and local level.
1-800-677-1116
Children
Special Kids Network
A free, statewide network for families, like yours, with children who have special needs or disabilities. They can connect you with a broad range of resources and support services in your community.
800.986.4550
www.health.state.pa.us/skn
Children - Rehabilitation
Parents or guardians seeking help to secure brain injury rehabilitation for children through Medicaid are encouraged to call
Eric Ulsh - 717-705-8259
Jean Whitehead, RN - 866-588-9819
Education
Pennsylvania Department of Education
www.pde.psu.edu
If problem cannot be resolved for children in grade or high school, contact -
Richard Brown
Phone: 717.783.6906
email: ribrown@state.pa.us
Education
Pennsylvania Training & Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. PaTTAN supports the Department of Education's efforts to lead and serve the educational community by offering professional development that builds the capacity of local educational agencies to meet students' needs. PaTTAN's primary focus is special education. However, services are also provided to support Early Intervention, student assessment, tutoring and other partnership efforts, all designed to help students succeed.
6430 Flank Drive, Suite 600
Harrisburg, PA 17112
800.360.7282
717.541.4960
Website: www.pattan.k12.pa.us
Education
Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education
A Bureau of the Department of Education provides consultation for special education. It is staffed by persons trained in law pertaining to IEP's for the brain injured. The Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) has defined TBI for special ed and this group can advise school districts on services needed for students who have suffered TBI .
800.879.2301
General
Accessible PA
Accessible PA is an online disability resource for Pennsylvanians which combines the latest information on programs and services in one convenient site for people of all ages with disabilities, as well as their families and support providers.
www.accessiblepa.state.pa.us
General
Pennsylvania Home Page
General information on Pennsylvania.
http://www.state.pa.us/
General
Human Services Development Fund (HSDF)
The Human Services Development Fund (HSDF) provides funding for programs in Pennsylvania counties that help senior citizens stay healthy, keep people out of institutions, and nurture children, youth and families. If you, or someone you know has a low-income, has problems because of age, a mental, physical or emotional disability, or an addiction problem, please contact your County Human Service Office to get more information. Some of the more common services, available under HSDF funding are Adult Day Care, Chore Service (home maintenance help), Counseling Service, Employment Service, Home Delivered Meals Service, Homemaker Service, Housing, Life Skills Education Service, Protective Service (emergency situations), Service Planning/Case Management Services, and Transportation Service. More services may be available depending on the county in which you live. Contact your local County Health and Human Services Department or go on-line at:
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/Family/HumanServDevelFund/
Health & Human Services
Health & Human Services Portal
Your one-stop online guide to services, programs, agencies, and organizations in Pennsylvania, that are ready to help you. Contains quick links to the Departments of Aging, Health, Insurance and Welfare. Also lists all of the toll free numbers for state programs.
www.helpinpa.state.pa.us
Human Rights
Human Rights Commission
Investigates complaints of discrimination and monitoring bias-related crimes and tension within our communities.
Riverfront Office Center,
1101-1125 S. Front Street, 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104-2515
Voice: (717) 787-9784 / Text Telephone (TT/TTY): (717) 787-7279
www.phrc.state.pa.us
Insurance Denials
Attorney General's Health Care Unit
Filing a complaint with the Attorney General may not preserve your appeal rights, pursuant to ACT 68 or Medicare. To preserve your rights, you must file a complaint or grievance appeal directly with your health plan or in conformance with the terms of your coverage. The Office of Attorney General does not give legal advice.
If you have a problem with your HMO or Point of Service plan, you should "Take the Proper Steps", as follows:
" Call your managed care plan member services department. Always call your managed care plan member services department first. Give them a chance to solve the problem. Many problems are solved at this level in an informal manner.
" File a formal complaint or grievance with your plan. If your phone call to the plan does not solve your problem, call the plan again and tell them that you want to file either a formal complaint or a formal grievance.
" File a complaint with the Attorney General's Health Care Section.
Office of Attorney General
Health Care Section
14th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
877.888.4877
Insurance
Pa Insurance Department
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department administers the laws of the Commonwealth as they pertain to the regulation of the insurance industry and the protection of the insurance consumer. The Department monitors financial solvency, licenses insurance companies and producers, reviews and approves rates and forms, and coordinates the takeover and liquidation of insolvent insurance companies and the rehabilitation of financially troubled insurers. The Department also investigates and enforces state laws and regulations pertaining to insurance and responds to consumer inquiries through its three regional offices. The Department provides the public with information and educational brochures regarding various types of insurance.
877.881.6388 (Consumer Services Hotline)
Insurance
Pa Health Choices Hotline
(For Help in choosing a Medicaid HMO or PCP)
800.440.3989
TDD 800.618.4225
Long Term Care
Pa Long Term Care Hotline PROBABLY OF LIMITED USE. Is same center as BI Help line. They are sending me information.
866.286.3636
website: www.longtermcare.state.pa.us
Managed Care
Pa Bureau of Managed Care
The Department of Health reviews, approves, licenses and monitors the quality of care provided to consumers by health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other managed care systems. The Department promotes innovation in the health care marketplace by encouraging the development of alternative health delivery systems. It identifies problems associated with cost, quality and access within the managed care industry and initiates solutions with consumers and providers.
The Department also administers a consumer grievance program and ensures that each licensed HMO has an approved process in place to handle member complaints and grievances. When an HMO member is dissatisfied with the way their insurer has handled their complaint or grievance, a toll-free number, answered by Department of Health staff is available to provide additional information and/or assist them in obtaining resolution.
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Bureau of Managed Care
Health & Welfare Building, Room 912
7th and Forster Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
(717) 787-5193 or toll-free 1-888-466-2787
Medical Assistance
Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP)
Medical Assistance (also known as Medicaid) is a federal and state funded program. It is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law.
Office of Medical Assistance Programs
Health & Welfare Building
Room 515
PO Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA. 17105-2675
717.787.1870
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/OMAP/
Medicare
Department of Aging
555 Walnut St., 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1919
717.783.1550
800.638.6833
Email: aging@state.pa.us
Prescriptions
Pennsylvania Patient Assistance Program (PA PAP)
Helps individuals obtain free prescription drugs from the companies that make them. Offers assistance to people with little or no prescription coverage and who are 55 or older or adults with disabilities (of all ages). PA PAP has no income guidelines, however the participating drug manufacturers do. Call for information and assistance in applying.
1.800.955.0989
Recreation
Pennsylvania Recreation & Leisure Services for Persons with Disabilities
PA's Recreation & Leisure help line is nearing the final stages of development. When the line is operational, persons who have disabilities and are seeking information about recreation and leisure resources may call the toll-free number, 1-877-986-4550 (Voice) or 1-877-986-5432 (TTY). Callers will be connected to an Information Specialist in one of six regional offices. This professional and friendly staff is ready to provide callers with support, up-to-date information, and referrals to organizations that provide recreation and leisure services for individuals with disabilities. The helpline is intended for persons of all ages and disabilities.
Contact: 1-877-986-4550 (Voice) or 1-877-986-5432 (TTY).
Rehabilitation
Head Injury Program
The Head Injury Program (HIP) pays for head injury rehabilitation services for people who qualify. The goal of the program is to help individuals with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) live independently in their homes and communities. Enrolled individuals may receive no more than 12 consecutive months or $100,000 for rehabilitation services as specified in the rehabilitation service plan, followed by a maximum of six consecutive months or $1,000 for case management to assist in transitioning out of the HIP. Services are provided in residential facilities; day facilities (outpatient); and other home and community-based settings.
866.412.4755
Social Programs
The Office of Social Programs (OSP) is one of several program offices within the Department of Public Welfare. The OSP is comprised of the Deputy's Office, the Bureau of Home and Community Based Services, the Bureau of Supportive Social Services, the Bureau of Program Management, and Personal Care Home Licensing. OSP administers the following programs.
Attendant Care Program
The purpose of the Pennsylvania Attendant Care Program is to enable individuals with physical disabilities to perform activities of daily living. Consumers have ultimate control of their attendant care services including the right to recruit, hire, train, supervise, pay and, if necessary, terminate their attendants.
Who is Eligible? Pennsylvania residents ages eighteen (18) through fifty-nine (59) inclusive who are mentally alert and have physical disabilities.
COMMCARE Waiver
The COMMCARE Waiver is a Home and Community-Based program developed for individuals with a medically determined diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). COMMCARE prevents the institutionalization of individuals with TBI and helps them to remain as independent as possible. Persons over age 21,who require a Special Rehabilitative Facility (SRF) level of care are eligible.
Community Services Program for Persons with Physical Disabilities (CSPPPD)
The Community Services Program for Persons with Physical Disabilities (CSPPPD) provides services to people with severe developmental physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or similar conditions. Individuals must have an other related condition which manifests at least three substantial functional limitations in the areas of mobility, communication, self-care, learning, self-direction, or capacity for independent living.
Independence Waiver
The Independence Waiver is a Home and Community-Based waiver program that provides services to persons with physical disabilities to allow them to live in the community and remain as independent as possible. Pennsylvania residents age 18 and older with severe physical disability requiring a nursing facility level of care are eligible.
Who is eligible? Pennsylvania residents age 18 and older with a severe physical disability requiring a nursing facility level of care. The disability must result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities: mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and learning.
OBRA Waiver
The OBRA Waiver is a Home and Community-Based waiver program that provides services to people with developmental physical disabilities to allow them to live in the community and remain as independent as possible.
Who is eligible? Pennsylvania residents age 18 and older with a severe developmental physical disability requiring an Intermediate Care Facility / Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC) level of care. The disability must result in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following major life activities: mobility, communication, self-care, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and learning
OSP Contact Information
DPW, PO Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675
717.787.3438
866.412.4755
www.dpw.state.pa.us
Keyword search on Office of Social Programs
Social Security
Social Security Benefits Counseling
(one provider is contracted for each PA region)
717.763.0968
Vocational Rehabilitation
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's (OVR) is to assist Pennsylvanians with disabilities to secure and maintain employment and independence.
OVR CENTRAL OFFICE
1521 N. 6th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
717-787-5244 Voice
800-442-6351 Voice
717-787-4885 TTY
866-830-7327 TTY
Other Resources
Advocacy
Disability Rights Center of Pennsylvania (formerly Pa Protection & Advocacy)
The mission of the Disability Rights Network is to "provide advocacy in a culturally competent manner for eligible individuals…". They offer case services for those who meet certain criteria. They also provide information and referral services. They have a grant for 2002-2003 to serve 125 people with TBI
1414 N. Cameron St.
Harrisburg, PA. 17103
Contact: Deborah Delgado 800.692.7443
Advocacy
Center for Patient Advocacy
800.846.7444
703.748.0400
Advocacy
Center for Disability Law and Policy
The Center for Disability Law & Policy (CDLP) provides advocacy to individuals with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania. This includes assisting such individuals pursue administrative, legal and other remedies to ensure the protection of their rights under the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. CDLP also focuses on vocational rehabilitation and employment public policy and systemic issues impacting persons with disabilities at the state and federal levels. The center administers a program called the Client Assistance Program (CAP). 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. CAP help is provided to you at no charge, regardless of income.
Philadelphia Office
1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite. 800
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
215.557.7112 or 888.745.2357
http://www.equalemployment.org
Aphasia
North Hills Aphasia Support Group
UPMC Passavant Hospital,
9100 Babcock Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA.
Contact: Bill Connor
412.367.5200
Assistive Technology
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology.
Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) is a program of the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, and Pennsylvania's University Center of Excellence on Developmental Disabilities. It is funded through a grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education, under P.L. 108-364, the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended.
Mailing Address:
Institute on Disabilities
1601 N. Broad St.
University Services Bldg., Suite 610
Philadelphia, PA 19122
423 Ritter Annex
Philadelphia, PA 19122
800.204.7428 (PIAT)
Email: ATinfo@temple.edu
http://www.temple.edu
(Keyword search on Assistive Technology)
Assistive Technology
Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North Anerica
1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1540
Arlington, VA 22209-1903
Phone: 703-524-6686 Fax: 703-524-6630 TTY: 703-524-6639
email:info@resna.org
http://www.resna.org
Brain Injury Treatment (New York)
Brain Injury Society
Brain Injury Society
1901 Avenue N, Suite 5E
Brooklyn NY 11230
718.645.4401
718.469.4100
email: bisociety@aol.com
Website: www.bisociety.org
Camp for Children
Pennsylvania Lions Beacon Lodge Camp
114 SR 103 South
Mount Union, PA 17066
814-542-2511
fax: 814-542-7437
beacon1@hcworkshop.com
Camp for Children
Carousel House
Philadelphia
summer day camp
215-581-2945
Camp for Children
Camp Joy
Schwenksville
summer camp and weekend programs
610-754-7880
Camp for Children
Variety Club Camp
Worcester, PA
610-584-4366
Camp for Children
Variety Club
Philadelphia
215-735-0803 - year round programming
Camp for Children
MossRehab's Camp Independence
Philadelphia
one week, each August
215-456-9102 (Kathy Elokdah)
Camp for Children
Special Camp Guide
Book, available through Resources for Children with Special Needs
200 Park Ave, South, suite 816
NY, NY 10003
212-677-4650
Caregivers
Pennsylvania Parents & Caregivers Resources Network
PPCRN is a statewide cross-disability, grassroots network that supports parents' and caregivers' efforts to help their children and adult family members with developmental disabilities
1-888-572-7368.
www.ppcrn.org
Epilepsy
Epilepsy Foundation of Western PA
1323 Forbes Ave., Suite 102
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Contact: Francine Eden
412.261.5880
Families
Families USA Foundation
202.628.3030
Hearing/Speech
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org/
Housing
Self-Determination Housing Project of PA
The SDHP Website provides information and resources that empower people with disabilities in Pennsylvania to have control over their housing choices.
The Self-Determination Housing Project of Pennsylvania, Inc. (SDHP) is a statewide organization founded in 1994 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1998. SDHP promotes self-determination in housing choice and control for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania.
The goal of SDHP is to increase the stock of affordable, accessible and integrated housing and to expand access to public and private housing programs for people with disabilities. All Pennsylvanians should have the opportunity to live in decent housing which is appropriate for their needs.
717 East Lancaster Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
Phone: (610) 873-9595
Toll-Free: 1-877-550-7347
Fax: (610) 873-9597
Lehigh Valley
VIA
Via is a nonprofit human service organization whose mission is to provide leadership, support, opportunities and resources for people with disabilities so that they may be independent, productive and enjoy full lives within the community
3144 Linden St.
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Contact: Dave Snyder
610.317.8000 Ext. 253
Website: www.vianet.org
Legal Issues
Disability Rights Network
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a statewide, non-profit corporation designated as the federally-mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of all 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.
Harrisburg Office
1414 N. Cameron St., Suite C
Harrisburg, PA 17103
drnpa-hbg@drnpa.org
1-800-692-7443 [Voice]
1-877-375-7139 [TDD]
(717) 236-8110 [Voice]
(717)-346-0293 [TDD]
www.dlp-pa.org
Legal Issues
Pa Health Law Project
PHLP monitors all legal and administrative developments that affect the disabilities community and disseminates the information in newsletters and bulletins to hundreds of disabilities advocacy groups throughout the state. PHLP provides advice and direct assistance annually to thousands of Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities through its general toll free line
800-274-3258,
TTY line, 1-866-236-6310
e-mail: staff@phlp.org.
http://www.phlp.org
Legal
American Bar Association
http://www.abanet.org
Legal
Pennsylvania Bar Association
100 South Street - P.O. Box 186 - Harrisburg, PA 17108-0186
1.717.238.6715 Phone - 1.717.238.1204 Fax
http://www.pabar.org/
Legal
Philadelphia Bar Association
http://www.philabar.org
Legal
The Legal Clinic for the Disabled, Inc
The Legal Clinic for the Disabled, Inc. is a Pennsylvania not-for-profit corporation dedicated to providing free legal services to low-income people with physical disabilities in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Since opening in 1990, the Legal Clinic has served thousands of individuals with disabilities in our community. The Legal Clinic's goal is achieving equal access to justice for this population. It is housed at the Magee REhab Hospital in Philadelphia.
http://www.mageerehab.org/e3front.dll?durki=4396&site=57&return=4399
Medicare Supplement
Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare
800.638.6833
Neurologists
American Academy of Neurology
www.aan.com
Neuropsychologists
PA Psychological Association
www.papsy.org
Neuropsychologists
National Academy of Neuropsychology
http://nanonline.org/index.shtm
Parents
Pennsylvania Parents & Caregivers Resources Network
PPCRN is a statewide cross-disability, grassroots network that supports parents' and caregivers' efforts to help their children and adult family members with developmental disabilities
1-888-572-7368.
www.ppcrn.org
Psychologists
PA Psychological Association
www.papsy.org
Psychologists
National Academy of Neuropsychology
http://nanonline.org/index.shtm
Rehabilitation (Vocational)
Center for Disability Law and Policy
The Center for Disability Law & Policy (CDLP) provides advocacy to individuals with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania. This includes assisting such individuals pursue administrative, legal and other remedies to ensure the protection of their rights under the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. CDLP also focuses on vocational rehabilitation and employment public policy and systemic issues impacting persons with disabilities at the state and federal levels. The center administers a program called the Client Assistance Program (CAP). 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. CAP help is provided to you at no charge, regardless of income.
Philadelphia Office
1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite. 800
Philadelphia, PA. 19103
215.557.7112 or 888.745.2357
http://www.equalemployment.org
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