Printable Forms
and Applications
Helpful Links
First Signs
Website: http://www.firstsigns.org.
Program sponsored by State DPW and administered through the Chester County Intermediate Unit- mission to spread word on early signs of autism and other forms of developmental disabilities, promote screening and early referral to Early Intervention.
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/actearly
This site is titled "Learn the Signs Act Early" It give typical developmental milestones achieved at various ages during the pre-school years as well as a list of warning signs of developmental delays that should alert families to seek an evaluation and help. There are brief, clear descriptions of the most common developmental problems that occur during the early years and links to further resources.
Networks for Training
Website: http://www.networksfortraining.org/training
This organization provides consultation and training for self advocates, families, and staff working in the field of Mental Retardation and other aspects of developmental disabilities. The website gives information about services available and up-coming trainings.
ARC Community Trust
Website: http://www.arctrust.org
Assists families in long term financial planning through the pooled trust,helping to set up special needs trusts, and providing trustee services.
The ARC
Website: http://www.thearc.org
National advocacy group (with local chapters) for persons having mental retardation. The site contains information about the ARC as well as fact sheets and useful links to related groups
The ARC of Delco
Website: http://www.thearcofdelco.org/
The local association for Retarded Citizens. The site is informative about local activities and issues.
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD, formerly known as American Association on Mental Retardation
Website: http://www.aamr.org
Professional organization which sets standards for research, policy, definitions, treatment, and education. Site contains updates, information about the organization, and useful links.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Website: http://www.aacap.org
Site contains useful links as well as “Facts for Families” information on many topics about child development, issues of raising children, and disabilities
Autism Society of America
Website: http://www.autism-society.org
Site contains information about autism, up-dates on research, information about training and education, sign-up for an on-line newsletter.
College of Direct Supports
Website: http://www.collegeofdirectsupport.com/pa
A series of courses for staff working in the field of mental retardation as well as individuals registered in the County Office of Mental Retardation and their families. County staff, individuals, and families may enroll in the courses at no cost. For a demo, log onto http://commerce.webinservice.com/pa/
Center for Research on Women With Disabilities
Website: http://www.bcm.tmc.edu/crowd
Research team centered at Baylor College of Medicine, focusing on woman with physical disabilities. Topics at the site include: Health and Wellness, Access to Health Care, Abuse and Women, Community Living, and Educational Materials.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU)
website: http://www.dciu.org
Describes the regional education service agency which provides specialized programs and links all the school districts in Delaware County. The site explains the mission, programs, and gives schedules of up-coming meetings and trainings to Home and Community Information System (HCIS's) to access information on services and providers in Pennsylvania.
National Down Syndrome Society
Website: http://www.ndss.org/
Site provides information and resources, news, and research as well as locations of chapters across the U.S.
National Dissemination Center for Children With Disabilities
Website: http://www.nichcy.org
A useful link titled "Learn the Signs Act Early" It give typical developmental milestones achieved at various ages during the pre-school years as well as a list of warning signs of developmental delays that should alert families to seek an evaluation and help. There are brief, clear descriptions of the most common developmental problems that occur during the early years and links to further resources.Fact sheets, clearinghouse for publications and other information on a variety of disabilities
Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
Website: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us
Links to all the program offices of the Department. Click on Disabilities; then to either Mental Retardation or Early Intervention
Pennsylvania Protection & Advocacy, Inc (PP&A)
Website: www.ppainc.org
PP&A is an independent, federally funded, non-profit agency with the mission of providing advocacy statewide for persons with disabilities on an individual basis as well as for systems change. The agency has the mandate to investigate abuse or other situations involving violation of rights that need resolution. Staff are also available to work with persons who need assistance in maximizing their benefits and achieving access to assistive technology devices and services.
Youth Response Network
website: http://www.youthresponsenetwork.org
A partnership founded to provide training and technical assistance to schools in rearguard to violence prevention and crisis response. The website provides information on up-coming workshops and registration.