KNOW MORE.
CHOOSE WELL.
Plain-language information for Pennsylvania adults with intellectual disabilities or autism, families, Supports Coordinators and people exploring services. TeamPHCA provides this educational resource to make the IDD system easier to understand.
How do I get IDD services in PA?
Understand county MH/ID, eligibility, Supports Coordination and provider selection.
READ GUIDE → 02 / FUNDINGUnderstanding PA waivers
P/FDS, Community Living and
Community Living Waiver —
Consolidated waiver basics.READ GUIDE → 03 / CHOICEHow to choose an IDD provider
Questions to ask about fit, services, communication and authorization.
READ GUIDE → 04 / COMMUNITYWhat is Community Participation Supports?
Learn how community participation can connect to individual goals.
READ GUIDE → 05 / DAY SERVICESAdult Day Program guide
What to consider when comparing facility and community-based day supports.
READ GUIDE → 06 / FAMILYCan a family member provide paid support?
What to ask about service authorization, eligibility and provider requirements.
READ GUIDE →HOW DO I GET IDD SERVICES IN PENNSYLVANIA?
Pennsylvania explains that IDD services are administered through county Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities programs. County programs can serve as a referral source, determine eligibility for service funding, and connect eligible people with Supports Coordination. A Supports Coordinator helps locate, coordinate and monitor supports and can help with provider selection.
Pennsylvania DHS: Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services ↗
P/FDS. COMMUNITY LIVING. CONSOLIDATED.
These Pennsylvania HCBS waivers are designed to support eligible people with intellectual disability, autism or developmental disability in homes and communities. Eligibility, available services, individual budgets and authorization differ. TeamPHCA accepts P/FDS, Community Living and Consolidated waivers for applicable TeamPHCA services.
Pennsylvania DHS: P/FDS Waiver ↗ Community Living Waiver ↗ Consolidated Waiver ↗
THE RIGHT QUESTIONS MATTER.
When comparing providers, consider whether the provider offers the authorized service you need, serves your area, can support the individual's assessed needs, communicates clearly with the team, and can explain scheduling, staffing, transportation when applicable, documentation and what happens next. Pennsylvania's HCSIS Services and Supports Directory can be used with a Supports Coordinator to locate providers and services.
SUPPORT THAT HAPPENS IN REAL LIFE.
Community Participation Supports can help eligible people work toward person-centered goals through meaningful participation in community settings. The individual's ISP, preferences, assessed needs and authorization guide the support. TeamPHCA's CPS model is designed to be 100% community-based.
WHAT SHOULD A MEANINGFUL DAY LOOK LIKE?
When exploring adult day services, look beyond the building. Ask how activities connect to the ISP, how community participation is incorporated, what staffing support is available, how transportation works, how progress is documented, and how the program communicates with families and Supports Coordinators.
CAN SOMEONE I TRUST PROVIDE MY SUPPORT?
Depending on the authorized service, waiver requirements, relationship rules and provider requirements, an eligible family member or trusted support may be able to provide paid support. TeamPHCA can review the applicable pathway for its services; the Supports Coordinator remains an important part of determining authorized services.
LOOKING FOR
IDD SERVICES?
Explore TeamPHCA services and start the admission conversation.
APPLY FOR SERVICES →YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO FIGURE IT OUT ALONE.
Families and caregivers often benefit from connecting with other families, advocacy organizations and local disability communities. Family support groups can offer shared experiences, education, encouragement and connections to resources outside of paid waiver services.
TeamPHCA can also share community and family-support resources as they become available. Inclusion on this resource page does not mean a group is operated or endorsed by TeamPHCA.
I’M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Not every relationship works. You have options.