ACCE Resources
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges.
There is often nothing about how people with ASD look that sets them apart from other people, but people with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people.
Autism Society of America: COVID -19 Resource Page
Talking with Children about COVID - 19
Managing Anxiety and Stress with COVID- 19
Feds Weigh in on Special Ed, Medicaid Concerns over Corona Virus
Supporting Individuals with Autism Through Uncertain Times UNC Toolkit
Corona Virus Health and Safety Guide
Parent Education Advocacy and Leadership (PEAL) COVID-19 Resource Page
Aid in PA - A joint effort between ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training) and the statewide HCQUs (Health Care Quality Units), this site is designed to connect individuals with disabilities, families, professionals, and community members with resources that can best serve them in emergency situations. Learn more
Safety and Care Information Sheet
FUNctional Connections LLC and Autism and Behavior Resources put together an individualized safety sheet that can be filled out in emergency situations. Learn more
Support & Referral Helpline Created for Pennsylvanians in Need of Behavioral Health Resources and Referrals During COVID-19 Public Health Crisis. The toll-free, round-the-clock support line number to call is 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
Emergency Preparedness Supply Kit Checklist provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Develomental Program.
Educational Resources
We have heard from families that the list of resources offering distance learning resources is overwhelming. Amazing Educational Resources is working to catalog them to provide a brief overview to assist families.
Sesame Street has videos that include activities at home setting routines, virtual hugs, and more!
Sesame Street Caring for Each Other
ASD and Behavioral Resource Videos/Trainings
VB-MAPP App for Ipad, iPhone, and Web is offering free ABA 101 Web Course temporarily in light of COVID-19. Learn more
The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support is posting daily virtual lessons Monday thru Fridays at 10:00a.m. during COVID-19 that will feature relevant and different topics for families during this time. The videos are available on their Facebook page or YouTube channel
Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Occuptional Therapy
Wyoming Valley Children's Association has put together a variety of resources for speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Learn more
At-Home Activities
Misericordia's Mercy Leaders are doing a Quarantine Quest:
The objective is to give kids something exciting to do while everyone is stuck at home. All details will be provided via email, and the supplies will be household items. If interested please email berrink@misericordia.edu or huntm1@misericordia.edu
S.A.F.E. Inc. has Facebook live Art Project sessions on Tuesdays evenings and Saturday afternoons. Learn more
Physical Education
The Online Physical Education Network (OPEN) has posted activities that can be done from home. Learn more
Virtual Tours and Webcams
Early HeadStart/HeadStart provides low income families with children education, health and social services to develop skills to get them ready for school and life. Learn more
ACCE Parent and Caregiver Support
Support groups for ASD are important. We need parents and caregivers to share experiences, offer suggestions for the community and guide the information and advice to go to the right organization. Let's make new friends and discover ways for better services and provisions for our families. Learn More
ACCE Caregiver Workshop Series
We all need to care for ourselves so we can take care of those we love. The caregiver workshop series will meet once a week for six weeks and each session is designed to provide caregivers the tools they need to succeed. Learn more
ACCE Caregiver Wellness Group
The purpose of this group is to identify self-care strategies, discuss the benefits and challenges of maintaining self-care, and to gain a better understanding of wellness among primary caregivers. Learn more
PA Family Network
Provides information, connections and support through their Family Advisors and networking opportunities.Learn more
Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania
Links families of children and adults with disabilities or special needs. Learn more
Getting Medical Assistance for a Child with a Disability, Behavioral or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Medical Assistance Income Requirements for 2019
Adult Autism Waiver Programs provide long term services and supports for the community living for adults over 21.
The Adult Community Autism Program, also known as ACAP, is one of two programs in Pennsylvania specifically designed to help adults with autism spectrum disorder participate in their communities in the way that they want to, based on their identified needs.
Pennsylvania Bureau of Autism Services
The mission of the Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) is to develop and manage services and supports to enhance the quality of life of Pennsylvanians living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and to support their families and caregivers.
The Bureau will carry out its mission through the creation and administration of adult service delivery models, the development of resources to support individuals with autism and their families across the lifespan and by collaborating with and providing technical assistance to other Department of Human Services (DHS) offices and government agencies.
Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)
The Medical Assistance Transportation Program (“MATP”) is available to any Medical Assistance (“MA”) enrolled consumer who needs help with non-emergency transportation to and from MA-covered health care services or treatments.
MATP: A Fact Sheet for Consumers developed by PA Health Law Project
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation - OVR provides assistance for people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. For information about OVR click here
To find the OVR services in your county click here
WorkforceGPS- has resources for employer families and indviduals with ASD. click here
Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities - MAWD is a program to ensure people 16 to 65 with disabilities are able to maintain healthcare coverage at reduced or no cost when they re-enter the workforce. For more information click here
- For a guide to understand the eligibility requirements and what can count as work click here
- For paper application click here
- To find the county assistance office click here
- To apply online click here