Medical / Physical Health Information / Resources
H1N1 Flu Information for People w/ Disabilities	2009 H1N1 Flu Information for People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers or Personal Assistants
American Cancer Society	Information about cancer, research, treatment and clinical trials, as well as resources for healthy living to lower your cancer risk.
American Diabetes Association	Information on diabetes, research, treatment and prevention. Resources, recipes and tips to help reduce the risk of diabetes.
American Heart Association	Resources, recipes and tips to help reduce the risk of heart disease & strokes.
American Lung Association	Information and resources to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.
American Red Cross	Domestic disaster relief; community services that help the needy, support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of lifesaving blood and blood products; and educational programs that promote health and safety.
Arthritis Foundation	Information and resources to improve lives through prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)	Your online source for credible health information.
eMedicineHealth	Site contains health and medical articles written by physicians for patients and consumers in areas to include: First Aid and Emergencies, Health and Medical, and Lifestyle and Wellness.
Endocarditis Prophylaxis	If you have congenital heart disease, print out this information and give it to your physician. You can also download a PDF version of the wallet card.
Environmental Health News	AAIDD launched an environmental health initiative designed to promote good health and reduce disability by forging ground breaking partnerships among the developmental disabilities networks and the environmental health communities.
Food and Drug Administration	The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.
General Health Information	All of the information on this site has been written and reviewed by physicians and patient education professionals at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Health Care	A powerful new information tool that gives consumers more control over their own health care and allows them to compare their coverage options.
Healthfinder	Your guide to reliable health information. Sponsored by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Health Promotion for Women with Disabilities	This web site is meant to address issues shared by women with various types of disability. Not all the material will apply to all women, but this information can be useful to women who want to learn more about their own health and about ways to improve their health and quality of life.
Household Products Database	What's under your kitchen sink, in your garage, in your bathroom, and on the shelves in your laundry room? Learn more about what's in these products, about potential health effects, and about safety and handling.
Medline Plus	MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. Also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.
Men's Health Information	Information on Men’s health issues.
National Cancer Institute	For the general public, patients, and health professionals - consumer-oriented information on a wide range of topics as well as comprehensive descriptions of our research programs and clinical trials.
National Center for Victims of Crime - DNA Resource Center	The National Center for Victims of Crime is committed to raising awareness of the importance of forensic DNA as a tool to help solve and prevent crime and bring justice to victims.
National Institute of Health	NIH is the nation’s medical research agency - making important medical discoveries that improve health and save lives.
PA Pandemic Preparedness	Use the resources on this website to learn the facts and help you prepare.
Quality Insights of Pennsylvania	Quality Insights of Pennsylvania is the Commonwealth's Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). Their vision is to work with Pennsylvania's health care providers to foster an environment in which every patient receives the right care every time and where care is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable.
The Starkey Hearing Foundation	Hear Now, sponsored by the Starkey Foundation,is a national non-profit programthatassists deaf and hard-of-hearing persons with limited financial resources to obtain hearing aids.
Walk Away the Pounds!	This site is designed to help people find the information they need to successfully support individuals who want to participate in a successful in-home fitness program.
WebMD	WebMD is the leading consumer-focused healthcare information website. Consumers can access health news, articles, research reports, condition-specific centers and support communities, interactive tools and programs, as well as online health and lifestyle product catalogues and ordering services.
What is a Pandemic? (video)	Video. What is a Pandemic
Behavioral Health Information / Resources
Autismlink	Information and support for parents and family members of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Society of America	ASA is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact.
Milestone Centers, Inc.	Milestone offers a wealth of mental health services throughout Western Pennsylvania including crisis programs, in-home services, outpatient, residential and case management services.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)	Information on research focused on the understanding, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health.
Pennsylvania Dual Diagnosis Forum	This page is designed to help people find the information they need to successfully support individuals who have both mental retardation and a concurrent mental illness.
Positive Practices Resource Team	The Positive Practice Resource Team (PPRT) is a joint initiative between the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) to serve those individuals with a developmental disability who are demonstrating at-risk behavioral challenges and who the support team determines may be needing enhanced levels of support not readily known or available to them.
Intellectual & Developmental Disability Information / Resources
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)	AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
American Association of People with Disabilities	Resource for the national disability community, policy makers, news media, diversity professionals, and researchers.
ASL Video Dictionary	American Sign Language video dictionary of words and phrases. Very useful tool!
Department of Health and Human Services	US Department of Health and Human Services.
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania	Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a statewide, non–profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities.
Environmental Health News	AAIDD launched an environmental health initiative designed to promote good health and reduce disability by forging ground breaking partnerships among the developmental disabilities networks and the environmental health communities.
Health Care	A powerful new information tool that gives consumers more control over their own health care and allows them to compare their coverage options.
Housing & Mortgages for People with Disabilities	A guide is for persons living with a disability and in need of useful information and assistance in buying a home.
Medicaid Information	Information about Medicaid for people with cognitive disabilities.
Medication Administration Train-The-Trainer 2007- 2008	A two-day training course for trainers who train and monitor staff in their agencies to administer medications using the principles and guidelines that are taught in the course and train and monitor the Medication Practicum Observers.
Medication Administration FAQs	Frequently asked questions regarding medication administration requirements from Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
National Down Syndrome Society	Information on Down Syndrome and resources in education, research and advocacy
National Organization on Disability	Programs and resources designed to expand the participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life.
ODP Form Repositiry	A list of forms created by the Office of Developmental Programs Consulting System (OCS). The website lists the forms by form number and name. All forms are in PDF format. Some of the forms contain instructions for completion, and other forms are designated as User Friendly (UF). UF designated forms allow the user to enter information directly onto the form; however the information canot be saved, only printed.
Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)	The Office of Developmental Programs supports a comprehensive array of services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including: community residential and day support services which are either administered or operated by county MH/MR programs; contracted private residential intermediate care facilities for persons withintellectual and developmental disabilities (ICF/MR) services or services in state centers. Theintellectual and developmental disabilities system is funded through federal, state and county funds.
Pennsylvania Dual Diagnosis Forum	This page is designed to help people find the information they need to successfully support individuals who have both mental retardation and a concurrent mental illness.
The President’s Committee for People with intellectual Disabilities (PCPID)	A federal advisory committee, established by presidential executive order to advise the President of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on issues concerning citizens with intellectual disabilities, and coordinate activities between different federal agencies and assess the impact of their policies upon the lives of citizens with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The Starkey Hearing Foundation	Hear Now, sponsored by the Starkey Foundation,is a national non-profit programthatassists deaf and hard-of-hearing persons with limited financial resources to obtain hearing aids.
Dental Resources
Accessible Dental	Accessible Dental is a unique, non-profit organization that provides quality dental care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Community Health Connections	Our own Dental Resources page on this website!
Health EDCO	Brings health education to life with a wide variety of models, games, 3-D displays, multimedia charts, and more!
Specialized Care Co, Inc.	Specialized Care Co, Inc. markets products that facilitate the delivery of oral health services. Their products assist dental professionals, nurses and at-home helpers as they provide care for individuals who need dental care, but who are unable to cooperate for safe and effective dental treatment.
Disaster Planning & Special Needs Preparedness
CDC - Emergency Preparedness and Response	Center for Disease Control - What's New in Emergency Preparendness.
Council for Excellence in Government	The Readiness Quotient – or RQ – is a first of its kind tool for individuals, families and communities to determine and evaluate their readiness, should an emergency occur.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)	Provides disaster preparedness information specific to people with disabilities and other special needs, including the elderly.
Fieldtex Products, Inc.	Disaster and Emergency Preparedness kits and products.
Flu Pandemic	Flu pandemic information.
Flu Pandemic (video)	Outstanding and interesting educational video about flu pandemic.
Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS)	The Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) provides National Security/Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) personnel a high probability of completion for their phone calls when normal calling methods are unsuccessful.
Homeland Security Threat Advisory System	See current threat level.
Inclusive Preparedness Center  (formerly Center for Disability and Special Needs Preparedness)	The INCLUSIVE PREPAREDNESS CENTER (IPC) works to include everyone in emergency planning, response and recovery -- particularly those more vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters.
Know What 2 Do	Informative and entertaining Disaster Preparedness Video. This was done for North Central Texas, but the video is relevant to everyone. Also available at same site is an outstanding fully illustrated preparedness manual.
Preparing for Disaster (Red Cross)	Download booklet entitled Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities.
Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs (FEMA)	Downloadable booklet to help people with disabilities prepare and emergency plan to protect themselves, family, friends, personal care assistant and others in the support network in the event of an emergency.
Ready America	Recommends items to have in an emergency.
Self-Advocacy Information / Resources
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE)	The United State's national self-advocacy organization. Supporting self-advocates to speak up to gain their independence nationwide.
The Pennsylvania Training Partnership for People with Disabilities and Families	The Pennsylvania Training Partnership for People with Disabilities and Families—The Partnership—believes knowledge is power.  Knowledge of the systems that serve people with disabilities allows people to move through systems more easily, to use systems more fully, and to change systems more effectively. The Partnership is made up of the agencies known as ACHIEVA, Institute on Disabilities, Mentors for Self-Determination, Self-Advocates United as 1, and Vision for Equality.
Services for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing
ASL Video Dictionary	American Sign Language video dictionary of words and phrases. Very useful tool!
Center for Hearing and Deaf Services	A non-profit agency in continuous operation since 1921. Our professional staff provides a wide range of services for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. You are invited to call for information or an appointment. Our telephone number is (412) 281-1375(V/TTY).
First Baptist Church of New Castle	An accepting and teaching ministry with and for the area’s deaf and hard of hearing.
Goodwill Industries	Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can access a number of services at Goodwill, including one-on-one instruction in communication and academic skills, interpreting services and instruction in daily life skills such banking, budgeting, understanding bus routes, home management and time management.
Oral Deaf Education	Today, even children with profound hearing loss can learn to listen and talk through oral deaf education. Oral deaf education puts families first and prepares children for success in the mainstream at an early age. By combining today's sophisticated hearing technologies with intensive early intervention, oral deaf education builds a child's confidence and life skills by teaching children to listen and talk.
Pittsburgh Health Information	Reliable health care information for people who are Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing, in a format that is accessible to all.
Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf	Find a deaf interpreter at this site.
Southwestern PA Resources Guide of Behavioral Health Providers for Persons who are Deaf, Deafblind, or Hard of Hearing	Resource guide of Behavioral Health Providers for people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing.
Durable Medical Equipment
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Information on Durable Medical Equipment.
Assistive / Adaptive Technology
ASL Video Dictionary	American Sign Language video dictionary of words and phrases. Very useful tool!
Institute on Disabilities - Temple University	A list of Assistive Technology-related programs.
Recycled and Exchanged Equipment Partnership	Supported by Pennsylvania's Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT) this website is a source for "previously-owned" assistive devices, usually available at a lower cost than buying new. These efforts help get used assistive technology devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, lifts, portable ramps, and other devices out of attics and garages and into the hands of people with disabilities who need them.
Community Agencies
American Red Cross	The American Red Cross offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters.
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania	Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) is a statewide, non–profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities.
Milestone Centers, Inc.	Milestone offers a wealth of mental health services throughout Western Pennsylvania including crisis programs, in-home services, outpatient, residential and case management services. We have programs specifically for children, adults and seniors.
Aging Information / Resources
AARP	AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services	Information on Durable Medical Equipment.
Health Care	A powerful new information tool that gives consumers more control over their own health care and allows them to compare their coverage options.
Medicaid Information	Information about Medicaid for people with cognitive disabilities.
Quality Insights of Pennsylvania	Quality Insights of Pennsylvania is the Commonwealth's Medicare Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). Their vision is to work with Pennsylvania's health care providers to foster an environment in which every patient receives the right care every time and where care is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable.
Senior Housing Locator	Sponsored by "SocialWork Today", website contains a nationwide database of senior housing options. Over 65,000 facilities. Free and easy to use.
Grief Counseling Information / Resources
Catholic Charities of Erie	Catholic Charities provides counseling on a variety of issues. Payment is based on a sliding fee scale, dependent on income, and family size.
Catholic Charities of Greensburg
Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh
Forbes Hospice	Offers hospice and home care, as well as grief and bereavement support.
Good Grief Center	A comprehensive bereavement resource and referral center that builds a more compassionate community through grief awareness, education, support and hope; creating a safe place where all who have experienced the pain of death may come to work though loss and learn to manage grief.
GriefShare	Grief Share is a non-denominational group and features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics.
Hope and Healing Grief Counseling	Grief Support, Counseling and Resources in Indiana County.
Hope Hospice	The Hope Hospice Bereavement Program offers opportunities to develop a better understanding of grief, learn healthy coping skills, and share feelings with others who are experiencing loss. It is not necessary to be a family member of a Hope Hospice patient to participate.
The Samaritan Counseling Center	The Samaritan Counseling Center of Western Pennsylvania offers counseling on a variety of issues, including grief and bereavement.
VNA Hospice of Western PA	Offers grief and bereavement programs to residents of Butler, Armstrong and Northwestern Westmoreland County and portions of Lawrence, Beaver, Mercer and Allegheny Counties.
Lifesharing through Family Living Point Persons
Regional Point Persons
Western	Don Stahlman dstahlman@state.pa.us
Central	Dan Kuruna dkuruna@state.pa.us
	Harvey Erb Erbherb@state.pa.us
Northeast	Michelle O'Toole micotoole@state.pa.us
	Debbie Fox debfox@state.pa.us
Southeast	Cheryl Boyle cboyle@state.pa.us
County Point Persons
Armstrong/Indiana	Randa Dunmire rdunmire@AIMHMR.net
Beaver	Carole Yuhasz Cyuhasz@bcbh.org
Butler	Amy Trempus atrempus@co.butler.pa.us
Clarion	Thomas Summerville tsummerville@clarioncountydhs.org
Crawford	Valerie King vking@co.crawford.pa.us
Lawrence	Denise Zona denise@lawrence.swsix.com
Mercer	Sue Formichella sue.formichella@mercercountybhc.org
Venango	Kay Crawford KCrawford@co.venango.pa.us

revised 3/16/2010