Business Resources

Internet Resources

• AHEDD - http://www.ahedd.org/index.html
  AHEDD is a private non-profit organization with a mission to serve the community as a catalyst in the employment and development of persons with a disability

• Community Resources for Independence (CRI) - http://www.crinet.org/
  Community Resources for Independence (CRI) is a community based, non-residential, non-profit corporation that provides services to individuals with disabilities in order to maximize their independence and the accessibility of the communities in which they live

• Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania - http://drnpa.org/
  

  its a statewide, non–profit corporation designated as the federally–mandated organization to advance and protect the civil rights of adults and children with disabilities.

• Edinboro university's Office for Students with Disabilities - http://www.edinboro.edu/departments/osd/
  Office for Students with Disabilities is to promote confidence and independent functioning of students as well as educate and increase understanding of students with disabilities in the college community.  they recognize our role in promoting the full participation of all people in the global community.  As an integral part of the University’s infrastructure, the services provided by the Office for Students with Disabilities benefit the administrators, faculty, staff as well as regional agencies and organizations

• Erie homes for children and adults - http://www.ehca.org/node/1
  EHCA is a private, non-profit, multi-faceted organization offering both residential and community-based supports to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Through 9 programs, EHCA serves over 275 people and their families every day throughout 4 counties: Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Potter.

• ERIE SPROUT - http://www.eriesprout.com
  

  SPROUT is intended to provide Erie County, Pennsylvania parents, caregivers and youth with information about where to turn for help and how to make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones. The website is interactive and user-friendly – providing people with the ability to submit questions and be linked with agencies and informed individuals to help meet their needs. SPROUT will also allow access to a community calendar, and promote connections with mentors and other support groups.

• Family Services of North West PA - http://www.fsnwpa.org/index.php
  

  Family Services of NW PA can help you handle life's challenges. Our mission is to strengthen family life by providing counseling, education and advocacy. Our continuum of care offers you the ability to access multiple services within our agency according to your needs. No more referrals, phone calls or juggling appointments with several agencies

• Gannon university's Office of Disability and Support Services - http://www.gannon.edu/programs/dss.asp
  Office of Disability and Support Services assists eligible students in receiving basic services free-of-charge as determined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act. Every effort is made to arrange appropriate accommodations based on a student’s disability.They work with other offices, academic departments, and individual faculty members to assure that the classes, programs, and services are accessible. The services provided by these offices are meant to help students devise strategies for meeting college demands and to foster independence, responsibility and self-advocacy

• Google - http://www.google.com
  Google search engine.

• Job Accommodation Network of West Virginia University - http://www.jan.wvu.edu
  A resource for people with disabilities and employers for work place enhancement and reasonable accommodations. The site gives valuable information concerning job accommodations and consultants are available for assistance.

• Penn State Behrend disability services - http://www.behrend.psu.edu/student/Educational%20Equities/DISABILITY.htm
  Penn State is strongly committed to providing full access to its programs and services for all individuals. The University encourages academically qualified students with disabilities to take advantage of the educational programs offered at Penn State Behrend.  The Office of Educational Equity and Diversity Programs, located in the Student Affairs Suite, on the second floor of the Reed Union Building, provides assistance and support for students.  A disability services coordinator provides services tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.

• Pennsylvania Centers for Independent Living - http://www.pcil.net/
  

  they strive to provide breaking news, technical assistance, and special benefits to their members. To the disabled citizens of this Commonwealth, they try to remove physical and attitudinal barriers and facilitate everyone’s dream about choosing where they want to live and how they live by having control over their lives.

• Safe Harbor Behavioral Health - http://www.safeharborbh.org/
  Safe Harbor Behavioral Health has an uncompromising commitment to high quality, state-of-the-art mental health treatment for adults and children. It has been recognized as a Model Program in the development and implementation of Crisis Services and the delivery of innovative outpatient services to individuals and families. A multidisciplinary staff of experienced behavioral health professionals works collaboratively with all hospitals, social service agencies, police jurisdictions and school districts in Erie County.

• Special Education ConsultLine - http://odr.pattan.net/consultline/default.aspx
  

  ConsultLine (1-800-879-2301) is a PA toll free help line for your special education questions and concerns. ConsultLine advisors will answer your questions and provide information about special education programs and the laws governing these programs for parents of and advocates for children with disabilities.

• Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. - http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com
  Spectrum Training Systems, Inc. exists to educate parents, teachers, professionals and friends of individuals with Autism and Asperger syndrome attributes. This organization educates professionals and raises awareness by bringing knowledge to the public through international conferences and workshops. Dr. Patrick Schwarz, Dr. Paula Kluth, Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Jed Baker and Dr. Scott Bellini are among the internationally recognized experts and authors affiliated with and presenting on these topics.

• Stairways Behavioral Health - http://www.stairwaysbh.org/
  Stairways Behavioral Health assists persons with mental health care needs at any stage of life in their recovery by providing comprehensive rehabilitation, treatment and supports essential for living, working, learning and participating fully in the community.

• SUNY Fredonia office of Disability Support Services for Students - http://www.fredonia.edu/tlc/DSS/
  The office of Disability Support Services for Students (DSS), located in the Learning Center, provides support services for students with disabilities on the SUNY Fredonia campus. The DSS office coordinates those services essential for providing the student with a disability the opportunity to be successful at Fredonia. Services range from academic assistance to assistance with residence life.

• The Achievement Center - http://www.achievementctr.org/
   The Achievement Center is celebrating 87 years of assisting children to reach above and beyond their therapeutic goals. Since 1923, the center has expanded and grown to meet the needs of nearly 4,200 children annually with physical disabilities, developmental delays, emotional/behavioral problems, and autism spectrum disorders.

• the Autism Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania. - http://www.nwpa-asa.org/Home.asp
  
  The goal of this organization is to share:  their contacts, their experiences and their friendships.  they will inform you of the many professional agencies that they have in their area.  they will notify you of any important news or legislation that could affect your family.  they will listen to your concerns at our monthly support meetings.  And they will share the fun and laughter at our family gatherings. they are part of a team that will assist your child, and your family, as you navigate the world of autism.  No one should ever have the feeling that they are alone.

• The Barber Center - http://www.drbarbercenter.org/
  the barber center provides everything from life skills to job training and placement in erie.

• The Mentor Parent Program - http://www.mentorparent.org/
  The Mentor Parent Program is a community-based parent project created in 1989 by parents of children with special needs to support, assist and provide expertise to parents in rural northwest Pennsylvania

• The Nth Degree - http://thenthdegree.com/
  

• The Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) at Allegheny College - http://sites.allegheny.edu/disabilityservices/
  The Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) at Allegheny College is dedicated to ensuring nondiscrimination and equal access to all programs, services, and activities for qualified students with disabilities. Students with disabilities have access and opportunities to engage in the full range of experiences available to all students at Allegheny including curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities.

• The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation(OVR) - http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=552292&mode=2
  The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or OVR, provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities, both directly and through a network of approved vendors

• The University of Pittsburgh at Titusville-Disability Resources and Services (DRS) - http://www.upt.pitt.edu/site/health/hc_disability.html
  The University of Pittsburgh at Titusville is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education to academically qualified students with disabilities. Students with disabilities will be integrated as completely as possible into the University experience. Disability Resources and Services (DRS) shares with you, the student, the responsibility for creating equal access toward achievement of your academic goals.

• Transportation Solutions - http://www.drivingneeds.com/ovr.htm
  They help to train people with disability to learn to drive a car or van.

• United Cerebral Palsy/Community Living and Support Services (UCP/CLASS) - http://www.ucpclass.org/
  UCP/CLASS is a nonprofit organization that offers different services to individuals of varying abilities. Previously known as UCP of Pittsburgh, UCP/CLASS is growing into new regions, and expanding its services.

• Voices for Independence (VFI) - http://www.vficil.org/
  

  First and foremost, Voices for Independence provides Many types of attendant services. their services also include  empowering all people with disabilities with the skills to be their own advocates.they also help with De-Institutionalization which is a priority for VFI. they work with individuals who are in group homes, nursing homes, and other institutions who want to relocate into the community setting of their choice.

General Resources

• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
  This federal law discrimination of people with disabilities.
  
  • Title I. Employers may not discriminate
  • Title II. State or local government may discriminate
  • Title III. Public accommodations (i.e., businesses may not discriminate).

• Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  Section 504 states that any entity that receives federal dollars may not discriminate against persons who disabilities. The corresponding PA regulations are chapter XV. Students who only need accommodations without altering the curriculum are protected by this law.