A child might be eligible for 3 types of Social security benefits-
Social Security Dependents Benefits (SSDI)- for children of disabled or deceased parents
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)- benefits are payable to children under 18 years old who have disabilities (an impairment that is as severe as one that would keep an adult from doing any ‘substantial work for at least one year’, i.e. a disability that limits the child’s ability to do things and behave in the way that children of similar age group do.), and limited resources.
Medical Assistance- government funded health program (Medical Assistance and Medicaid are the same thing)-automatic for patients with severe impairments regardless of parental income. – 800-772-1213
https://www.ssa.gov/
A free, statewide service for families with children who have special needs. They will connect parents with resources and support services in their communities, including: advocacy; home health; legal rights; support groups; summer camps; therapies; medical equipment; MA questions; private schools and more- Hours M-F 8:30-4pm-800-986-4550
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/programs/Special%20Kids%20Network/Pages/Special%20Kids%20Network.aspx
A division of the Phila. Dept. of Public Health; Maternal, Child&Family Health Division. This unit can help both families and professionals who are looking for help in navigating the sometimes complex systems that address the needs of CSHCN (birth-21) in the Philadelphia area- call 215-685-5232
www.phila.gov/health/mcfh/specialNeeds.html
The PEAL Center serves families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Our qualified parent advisors assist parents in understanding their children’s disabilities, educational development, and healthcare needs. Families of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs can call PEAL between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday to speak with a parent advisor. There is no cost to the family for reaching out to the PEAL Center and speaking with a parent advisor. We have parent advisors located in Western, Central, and Eastern Pennsylvania. Contact us toll free at 1-866-950-1040 or email us at info@pealcenter.org.
www.pealcenter.org
Dozens of Programs throughout Philadelphia and SE PA for children with Special Health Care Needs. Call 215-879-1000 or go to website for info.
http://sepa.easterseals.com
Links families and friends of children with special needs, provides technical assistance, training- 1-888-727-2706 www.parenttoparent.org
Assists parents of children who have emotional or behavioral disorders, are receiving mental health system services, or are receiving special education services- advocates for these children, and provides information- 1211 Chestnut St.- 267-507-3860.
1-800-879-2301 (Voice/TTY/TDD) Help for families and advocates of children with special needs about: Special Education Regulations, School Related Concerns, and Procedural Safeguards. https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Special%20Education/Complaints/Pages/ConsultLine.aspx
The Office of Specialized Services (OSS) is committed to the educational, social, physical, and emotional well being of students within the School District of Philadelphia. The OSS provides comprehensive special education, behavioral health, school health, and prevention/intervention programs. 215-400-4170
https://www.philasd.org/specializedservices/
The go-to resource for mastering the terminology, procedures and best practices in special education.
Click here for link to guide
Information and referral services to parents of children with disabilities who are less then 3 years old- 800-692-7288
Helps people of all ages and cultures in the community who have developmental disabilities, mental health concerns, physical limitations and other challenges- Children’s Service at 3825 Whitaker Ave- 215-427-5756
www.comhar.org
Variety Philadelphia has several programs for children with special needs and autism including: after school programs and camps; autism resources; and medical equipment. 2950 Potshop Road Worcester, PA 19490 Call 610-584-4366 for info
www.varietyphila.org
Mission is to assist and empower people with disabilities and their families to seek quality and satisfaction in their lives as well as equal access to supports and services. 718 Arch Street. Call 215-923-3349.
HUNE provides free bilingual English and Spanish training, technical assistance and individual assistance to parents of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and to professionals who work with children. 2215 N American Street Call 215-425-6203.
huneinc.org
The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) is a non-profit organization that provides low-interest loans to people with disabilities and older adults so that they can buy the assistive technology devices and services they need. Call 484-674-0506.
http://www.patf.us/
See links below for info on assistive telecommunications (free phones and other technology) for eligible persons. 800-204-7428 email TechOWL@temple.edu Click here techowlpa.org
Consultation with Special Needs program to assist with: home care and equiptment; finding adaptive clothing and toys; and getting advise on educational and treatment issues. Call 814-475-2554.
www.paelks.com/files/Homeserv.htm and www.paelkshomeservice.org
Dedicated to ensuring that each person with intellectual disability will reach his/her potential and exercise his/her right to choose where and how to live- 2350 W. Westmoreland St.- 215-229-4550
sparcphilly.org
State agency that helps people with disabilities help themselves to prepare for, start, and maintain a career- 444 N. Third Street- 215-560-1900 www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/Pages/Disability-Services.aspx
Frankie’s World is a daycare for children with special healthcare needs. We provide skilled nursing care, OT, PT, and speech therapy for children that qualify ages infants through 8 years. Transportation is also provided for children that require it. 1011 Poplar Street. Call 215-763-0151.
www.frankiesworld.com
Lauren’s House is a loving, caring Center for Special Needs Children.
Lauren’s House is a licensed Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Center (PPECC) by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 3 locations: North Philly 888-340-9430; and Coatsville 877-589-0854; Lauren’s House is a brand new state of the art center, operated by professional personnel with years of pediatric experience. Call 888-340-9430
http://www.pediatrichc.com/laurens-house/
Pediatria (Now Aveanna) Healthcare for Kids Day Health program is a day health center for special needs children from birth to age 8. Bus transportation is provided. Hours of operation are 6:30AM – 6:30PM, Monday through Friday. We set ourselves apart from others with our age appropriate classrooms, therapy gym, and both indoor/outdoor play areas. Meals are provided. Call 215-376-6801 for info. 8101 Washington Lane Wyncote, PA 19095. www.aveanna.com
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Dental care for children with special needs. 2301 E. Allegheny Avenue Suite 120 Philadelphia, PA 19134 19134 267-639-6250
www.specialsmilesltd.com
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Helping low-income families of children with disabilities resolve health care coverage issues. Provides FREE legal services on a variety of issues, including the Medical Assistance grievance process. Call 215-587-3158. https://lcdphila.org/
Hotline to answer most questions concerning: special education, health, early intervention and the rights of a child or adult with special needs. Call 215-238-8070 for info.
https://www.disabilityrightspa.org/
Promoting fairness and quality education in the public school system, and helping families understand and enforce their legal rights, from prompt early intervention services, children whose native language is not English, and children with disabilities- 1800 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1900-A Philadelphia, PA 19103 – 215-238-6970
www.elc-pa.org
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Logisticare provides transportation services for children with special health care needs or ANY child who receives medical assistance and Medicaid. Call at least 7 days in advance and up to 30 days in advance to schedule a pick-up- 877-835-7412 or download the app on the website for easy appointment scheduling
https://member.modivcare.com/en/login
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CHOP’s “REACH” programs are designed to help families, and young adults with disabilities, learn how to transition to adulthood. REACH’s mission is to prepare youth 14 to 24, with special healthcare needs, for a successful transition into adulthood by providing peer support, guidance and resources. Click here for info or call 267-426-9267
Amazing organization for families and providers caring for persons affected by Epilepsy. 215-629-5003. Go to www.efepa.org for information. Brochure here
Small World Special Needs.org, is a multi-cultural resource hub for people helping children with special needs to share resources and information. This site is for families, educators, clinicians, therapists and friends in Philadelphia PA, USA and beyond. Amazing resources and videos. Click smallworldspecialneeds.org
The nation’s leading non-profit organization for children and adults affected by ADD/ADHD. Visit www.chadd.org, call 301-306-7070, or email customer_service@chadd.org to find resources in your area. Call 866-200-8098 M-F 1-5 pm to speak with an ADHD specialist
Please click here for listing and hours
The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund is a non-medical resource center that provides advocacy, education, information, and financial assistance for needs not covered by insurance to families caring for terminally, critically, and chronically ill, severely disabled, or seriously injured children. Call 215-643-0763 for info.
www.dolanfund.org
Make-A-Wish Foundation’ grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.
https://wish.org/philadesv
NCLD works every day to make meaningful change for individuals with learning and attention issues. Find out more about our work by calling (301) 966-2234, emailing info@ncld.org, or visiting www.ncld.org/what-we-do/
NDSS is committed to providing individuals with Down syndrome, their families, caregivers, and the public with information to support them from birth to end of life. Through events, videos, publications, and our website, NDSS provides free resources on a variety of topics including health, wellness, education, employment, adulthood and aging, financial wellness and information for new and expectant parents. 800-221-4602 www.ndss.org
This program assesses the developmental, behavioral and health needs of children and adults with Down Syndrome. Also, they can coordinate community resources for families affected by Down as well as referral to parent support groups. Call 267-426-5283.
www.chop.edu
Many sports for children with special needs. 2900 Southhampton Road. Call 215-671-5069 for info.
Also runs Special Olympics Young Athletes Programs for kids 2-7 years old. Click here for details.
www.specialolympicspa.org/
Pegasus horseback riding works with individuals with disabilities. Check out their website for more info.
www.pegasusridingacademy.com. 8297 Bustleton Ave. 215.742.1500
Katie’s Komets is a co-ed wheelchair basketball team for youth with lower limb impairments from Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Our athletes have varying disabilities, yet they all find a common purpose and a home within our community and each other. Email: info@katieskomets.org or website http://katieskomets.org/
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Specialized intensive training for autistic children-
The Autism Society of America, Greater Philadelphia Chapter was established in 1977 by a dedicated group of parents with a strong desire to band together and be a united voice to represent individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and spread awareness. 610-358-5256email autismsocietyphila@verizon.net
http://www.asaphilly.org/
As You Are is a virtual clinic with a team of physicians who specialize in guiding families along their autism journey. For children 16 months to 10 years old. Click asyouare.com to get started.
Autism Navigator online courses offer free interactive video courses, covering topics from early detection of toddlers with autism at 18–24 months to evidence-based intervention strategies and supports for social communication, active engagement, and addressing challenging behavior. Visit autismnavigator.com or call 1-844-427-3457
For autism evaluations and enrollment in various autism research programs.
Center City-NE Treatment Center 7520 State Road Philadelphia, PA 19136 215-238-1426- http://netcenters.org/
NE Philly-SPIN 10541 Drummond Road 1-844-774-6226– For Autism evaluations and assessment for other behavioral health and clinical services- https://spininc.org/
Child Guidance Resource Center at 2901 Island Ave Philadelphia PA 19153 (267-713-4100) and 2000 Old West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 (484) 454-8700- https://www.cgrc.org/
Also can Contact
The Center for Autism
Specialized intensive training for autistic children-4601 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 and 2801 Grant Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19114-1007
215-878-3400
www.thecenterforautism.org
The CAR at CHOP/UPenn is looking for the causes of autism spectrum disorders and is developing new treatments for children and adults with autism. We study infants who have a brother or sister already diagnosed with autism. We also have research studies for toddlers, school-aged children, and adults. Families who take part in our research studies receive evaluation reports and are paid for their time and travel costs. Call 1-866-570-6524.
www.research.chop.edu/center-for-autism-research
The AJ Drexel Autism Institute pioneers research to better understand autism and drive impactful change in our communities and worldwide. 215-571-3401 Click here for info https://drexel.edu/autisminstitute/
Autism Cares Foundation provides children, young adults and families with recreational activities, outings and events at no charge primarily in Bucks and Montgomery Counties as well as for Philadelphia residents. These events provide life-skills development and social interaction for those on the autism spectrum. They include: bounce outings, bowling, social activities and dances, family movies, music events as well as physical fitness activities and arts and crafts from first diagnosis as toddlers into adulthood. 215-942-2273 IG: @autismcaresfoundationand website www.autismcaresfoundation.org
Brochure
Great resources for families broken down by neighborhood. Click here https://www.phillyautismproject.org/supportgroups/
See amazing resource from Sesame Street for families with autism that promotes understanding from all families/communities. http://autism.sesamestreet.org/
ASERT is a statewide initiative funded by the Bureau of Autism Services, PA Department of Public Welfare. The ASERT Collaborative is a partnership of medical centers, centers of autism research and services, universities and other providers of services involved in the treatment and care of individuals of all ages with autism and their families. The ASERT Collaborative has been designed to bring together resources locally, regionally, and statewide.
877-231-4244 (Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM)
PaAutism.org
Click here >> for checklist m-chat and here for scoring m-chat_scoring
Online screening for autism, go here https://www.autismspeaks.org/screen-your-child