Resources
Community & Family Resources
Our skilled staff, dedicated families, and self-advocates have compiled a list of the best resources.
Self-Advocate Resources
Self-Advocacy in Action
Meetings monthly on the 4th Thursday of each month from 5:00-6:30. They include a variety of topics and a light dinner.
Email advocacy@arcofwashpa.org for more information and to be added to our distribution list for upcoming events.
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DisabilityRightsPA.org
Disability Rights Pennsylvania works to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with a wide range of disabilities.
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ADA.gov
Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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ADA.gov/CGuide.htm
A guide to disability rights law.
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SAU1.org
Self-Advocates United as One – mission is to support the self advocacy of people with disabilities for positive impact in our communities and in people’s lives.
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FEMA and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers Release Disaster Preparedness Guide
When forced to evacuate, relocate to emergency shelters, or find temporary housing, care recipients and caregivers require support and services that meet them where they are and account for unmet needs.
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SelfAdvocacyInfo.org
Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Family Resources
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ACC Community is an effort to unite all individuals concerned with communication rights for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disability, autism, movement difficulties and other disabilities that create complex communication needs. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is any form of communication other than spoken/oral language used to express thoughts, needs, wants and ideas.
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Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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A guide to disability rights law.
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https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/community/parents-caregivers/
Cerebral palsy help for parents and caregivers.
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https://couponfollow.com/research/financial-resources-for-students-with-disabilities
Helpful information on financial aid options, college scholarships, accommodations for college students with disabilities, as well as assistive technology, equipment and tools.
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https://disabilityrightspa.org/
Disability Rights Pennsylvania works to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with a wide range of disabilities.
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https://www.disabilityscoop.com/
The premiere source for Developmental Disability news.
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The mission of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and their families to achieve greater independence, choice and opportunity in their lives. This resource center is the home for ODP’s training, communications and informational resources.
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https://home.myodp.org/2023/07/14/odp-reissues-the-gold-book/
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs has published its latest edition of the Gold Book. The Gold Book is intended to be a comprehensive guide for families as they enter and navigate the ODP service system. For those new to the system, it can feel overwhelming. The Gold Book is intended to be a guide to the system. The information contained in this publication was gathered from a variety of sources.
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https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Special%20Education/Pages/default.aspx
The Bureau of Special Education works collaboratively with educators, schools, agencies, and other stakeholders across Pennsylvania to ensure students have access to quality and meaningful education supports, services, and opportunities.
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https://archumanservices.org/family-resources/paparentandfamilyalliance.org
If you have children who are struggling, we’re here to help!
We provide 1-on-1 support to parents and caregivers whose children (including those 18+) may be experiencing social, emotional, behavioral and/or mental health struggles, including learning and attention issues and substance use disorders.
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http://www.paautism.org/community/Support-Groups
Pennsylvania’s leading source of autism-related resources and information.
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The Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council is a group of people with disabilities, family members, advocates, and state department representatives who work to create favorable conditions for people with developmental disabilities and their families in the Commonwealth.
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http://www.parenttoparent.org/
Linking families of children and adults with disabilities.
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Working with the Bureau of Special Education (BSE), Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), PaTTAN provides a full array of professional development and technical assistance targeted to improving student results.
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The mission of the PEAL Center is to educate and empower families to ensure that children, youth and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs lead rich, active lives as full members of their schools and communities.
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The Arc of Pennsylvania promotes the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
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The Arc of the United States promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Training opportunities available on website.
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https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
The mission of the Washington County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is to provide holistic, person-centered services and supports for infants, children, adolescents, and adults with Mental Health, Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities.
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Accurate, reliable information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.