Pennsylvania Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in Pennsylvania. They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in Pennsylvania and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Pennsylvania, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The Pennsylvania state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is the Disability Rights Network (DRN) of Pennsylvania. The DRN is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. The DRN is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
Legal Services Organizations
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
- Pennsylvania Health Law Project
- Laurel Legal Services, Inc.
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania
- MidPenn Legal Services, Inc.
- Neighborhood Legal Services Association
- North Penn Legal Services, Inc.
- Northwestern Legal Services
- Philadelphia Legal Assistance Center
- Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services, Inc.
Other Disability Advocacy Organizations
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
- Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
- Disability Advocacy Program
- The Arc of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability
- Disabilities Rights Advocacy Group, Inc.
- Kids Together, Inc.
State Medicaid Agency
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Pennsylvania.
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Other State and Non-Profit Agencies
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
- Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
- Works for Me - Employment Solutions for People with Disabilities
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Free assistance with transitioning from a nursing facility or institutional care to the community.
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- Pennsylvania Suicide Hotlines
- Einstein Crisis Response Center
- Hall Mercer Crisis Response Center
- HelpLine of Northeast PA
- re:solve Crisis Network
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
Services for Senior Citizens
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- Pennsylvania Department of Aging
- Ombudsman Program
- Area Agencies on Aging
- Senior Community Centers
- Adult Day Centers
- Pennsylvania Department of Aging Waiver
- PA Commutes - Free Transit and Shared Ride Programs
Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Pennsylvania disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
Developmental Disabilities Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Pennsylvania disability services.
- Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council
- Office of Developmental Programs
- Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP)
- Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental Programs
- OBRA Waiver
- Person/Family Directed Support Waiver
- Infant, Toddlers, and Families Waiver
- Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability
Mental Health Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Mental Health - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Pennsylvania
- Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania
- Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association
- Pennsylvania Recovery and Resiliency
- Pennsylvania Housing Choices
Physical Disabilities Services
Free or low-cost Pennsylvania disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
- Services for Persons with Disabilities - Department of Human Services
- Independence Waiver
- AIDS Waiver Program
- Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF)
- Assistive Technology - Department of Human Services
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
- Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania
- Traumatic Brain Injury - Pennsylvania Department of Health
- Pennsylvania Head Injury Program (HIP)
- BrainSTEPS
Addiction and Substance Abuse Services
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
- Pennsylvania Recovery and Resiliency
- Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
- Substance Abuse Services - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Low-Income Housing Services
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- Pennsylvania Low Income Housing
- Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help
- PAHousingSearch.com
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
- Pennsylvania Housing Choices