Special Needs

Social Security Dept.
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 - http://www.socialsecurity.gov
Health Intervention Program (HIP) for Children with Special Health Care Needs
HIP helps parents and caregivers cope with their special needs child's day-to-day health problems by working with families in their own homes to help create a personalized care plan. Services are provided by a team that includes a nurse, social worker, parent-professional and counselor - Following are referral areas:
  • LaSalle Nursing Center (NW, North and lower NE Phila)- 1900 West Olney Ave- 215-951-5034
  • SCAN (West, SW, and Overbrook)- 520 N. Columbus Blvd.- 238-1007
  • Resources for Children's Health(South Phila, Center City, and lower NE)- 215-985-2541
- http://www.phila.gov/health/units/mcfh/HIP/hip.html
The Special Kids Network
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- 800-986-4550 - www.health.state.pa.us/skn
Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)
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 215-685-5236 - www.phila.gov/
United Cerebral Palsy of Philadelphia (UCPA)
This is a multi-service agency for children and adults with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. They offer home and center-based programs, advocacy, referral and information about resources for children with special needs- 102 E. Mermaid Lane- 215-242-4200 - www.ucpphila.org
Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania
Links families and friends of children with special needs, provides technical assistance, training- 888-727-2706 - www.parenttoparent.org
Parent Education Network
Offers parents information about federal and state laws and regulations regarding early intervention and special education for children with special needs- 800-522-5827 - www.parentednet.org
Philadelphia Dept. of Education Special Ed. Consult Line
Main phone number for most issues relating to Philadelphia school system- 800-879-2301
Office of Specialized Services of the School District of Phila.
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 - www.phila.k12.pa.us/offices/oss/
Parents Involved Network of PA
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.- 215-751-1800, ext. 214, 221 - www.pinofpa.org
CONNECT Information Service
Information and referral services to parents of children with disabilities who are less then 5 years old- 800-692-7288
COMHAR (Community Organization of Mental Health and Retardation)
Helps people of all ages and cultures in the community who have developmental disabilities, mental health concerns, physical limitations and other challenges- ChildrenÂ’s Service at 3825 Whitaker Ave- 215-427-5756 - www.comhar.org
The ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) of Philadelphia
Dedicated to ensuring that each person with mental retardation will reach his/her potential and exercise his/her right to choose where and how to live- 2350 W. Westmoreland St.- 215-229-4550 - www.arcpddc.org
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
State agency that helps people with disabilities help themselves to prepare for, start, and maintain a career- 444 N. Third Street- 215-560-1900
Frankie's World Day Care
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.
Lauren's House
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 located in Boothwyn, Delaware County. Lauren's House is a brand new state of the art center, operated by professional personnel with years of pediatric experience. Call 888-340-9420.
- www.laurenshouse.com
Ventilator Assisted Children's Home Program
The Ventilator Assisted Children's Home Program promotes high quality, cost-effective care of the ventilator assisted child in the home and supports the family in coping with this extraordinary endeavor. Call 1-877-PA-VACHP for info. - www.kidshome-vent.org/
Elwyn Dental Clinic
Dental clinic for children with special health care needs. State of the art full service dental facility with full accessibility. 4040 Market Street. Call 215-895-5533 for appointments. - http://www.elwyn.org
HUNE (Hispanos Unidos Para Ninos Excepcionales)
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. 220 N 2nd St. Call 215-425-6203. - huneinc.org
Education Law Center
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- 1315 Walnut Street, 4 th Floor - 215-238-6970 - www.elc-pa.org
Disabilities Rights Network of PA
Hotline to answer most questions concerning: special education, health, early intervention and the rights of a child or adult with special needs. Call 1-800-692-7443 for info. - www.drnpa.org/
Legal Clinic for the Disabled Children's Health Initiative
Helping low-income families of children with disabilites resolve health care coverage issues. Provides FREE legal services on a variety of issues, including the Medical Assistance grievance process. Call 215-587-3350. - www.legalclinicforthedisabled.org
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADD)
The nation's leading non-profit organization for children and adults affected by ADD/ADHD-800-233-4050 - www.chadd.org
The Center for Autism
Specialized intensive training for autistic children- 3965 Conshohoken Ave-215-878-3400 - www.thecenterforautism.org
The Autism Society of America
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.
Click this link for safety toolkit http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/safetytoolkit - http://www.asaphilly.org/
Autism Speaks
National Autism advocacy organization for families and professionals. - www.autismspeaks.org
Variety Philadelphia
Variety Philadelphia has several programs for children with special needs and autism including: after school programs and camps; autism resources; and medical equiptment. 1520 Locust St. Call 215-735-0803 for info - www.varietyphila.org
National Center for Learning Disabilities
888-575-7373 - www.ld.org
National Down Syndrome Society
800-221-4602 - www.ndss.org
Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) Program at CHOP
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
Logisticare Medical Transportation
Logisticare provides transportation services for children with special health care needs or ANY child who recieves medical assistance and Medicaid. Call at least 3 days in advance and up to 30 days in advance to schedule a pick-up- 877-835-7412. - www.logisticare.com - Click here for more information on Medical Transportation
PA Assistive Technology Foundation
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/
PA Elks Home Service Program
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 814-781-7860. - www.paelks.com/files/Homeserv.htm
Transition Map
www.transitionmap.org is an online hub of resources
throughout SE PA guiding youth with intellectual disabilities, their families, and the professionals who support them through the complex transition from special education to adult life in the community. Information is listed step-by-step, county-by-county so that users can easily access local resources.
- www.transitionmap.org
Transition Healthcare Checklist
From the PA Dept. of Health. A checklist to help transition special needs youth into adulthood. - Click here for Checklist
PA Medical Home
Information for parents and health care professionals who take care of children with special health care needs. - www.pamedicalhome.org