Resource Directory
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accessAbilities
Organizational Information
Parent Organization
Lifesteps
Vision, Mission and/or Purpose of Organization
Our Vision: Improve the quality of life for members of our communities. Our Mission: Providing services that empower people to achieve greater independence and enhanced quality of life.
History of Organization
For nearly 70 years, accessAbilities has been providing quality services to empower people with unique abilities to live life to its fullest. The Agency traces its roots back to 1954, when four families founded the Pennsylvania Cerebral Palsy Institute, later to become UCP of Western PA. Over time, the Agency began to offer services to people with all types of disabilities, not just Cerebral Palsy. In 2004, the Agency changed its name to accessAbilities, Inc. This new name better reflects the wide scope of services provided by the agency in its effort to enable people with disabilities to live independently. In July 2013, accessAbilities affiliated as a subsidiary of Lifesteps, Inc.
Accreditations and Licenses
- Home Care Licensure through the Pennsylvania Department of Health
Legal Structure
Non-profit corporation
Funding Sources
Aging Services, Inc.; Allegheny County Department of Human Services; Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program; Bedford-Somerset Developmental & Behavioral Health Services, Butler County Human Services, County of Cambria Behavioral Health - Intellectual Disabilities and Early Intervention Program; Clarion County MH/DD/EI Administration; Community Connections of Clearfield - Jefferson Counties; Department of Human Services; Fayette County Behavioral Health Administration; Greene County Human Services; Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission; United Way of Indiana County; Washington County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Westmoreland County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Various Grants; Fundraising Efforts; General Contributions; Private Pay and other various third party payers
Contact Information
Key Leader(s)
Contact Person(s)
Contact Number(s)
724.837.8278 - Agency Fax
724.832.8272 - Westmoreland County Office
877-822-8272- Toll Free Number
Contact Email(s)
info@accessabilities.org - General Agency Email
Web Addresses
Primary Address
Additional Addresses
Service Information
Service Area
accessAbilities provides services in Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Mercer, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Service Description
accessAbilities First Steps Early Intervention program provides a variety of home-based services for children ages birth to age 3. These services are designed to foster learning and growth during the most important developmental stages as well as provide the services listed below.
FIRST STEPS EARLY INTERVENTION - PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical therapists focus on large muscle development in order to help the child to roll over, sit, crawl, or walk.
FIRST STEPS EARLY INTERVENTION - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Occupational therapists focus on small muscle development, helping the child to reach, grasp toys, and play in a purposeful way.
FIRST STEPS EARLY INTERVENTION - SPEECH THERAPY Speech language pathologists help to build an early foundation for language development and communication. Feeding and swallowing therapies can also be provided.
FIRST STEPS EARLY INTERVENTION - NUTRITION THERAPY Registered dieticians address feeding issues, dietary intake, and offer consultations with parents regarding special dietary needs.
FIRST STEPS EARLY INTERVENTION - VISION THERAPY Certified teachers of the visually impaired are available to help children work toward independence.
FIRST STEPS EARLY INTERVENTION - SPECIAL INSTRUCTION Early education specialists provide strategies to assist the child with problem solving, social skills and to promote the child's comprehension and use of language.
FIRST STEPS EARLY INTERVENTION - RESOURCE LIBRARY The agency offers a resource library including toys and assistive technology for families to borrow and reinforce skills.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - PERSONAL CARE & ASSISTANCE These services may include assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, drinking, food preparation, ambulating, transfers, toileting, bladder and bowel management, bathing, dressing, grooming and self-administered medication and health maintenance activities that include dressing changes and catheter care. Qualified individuals may also be eligible for laundry, transportation, shopping and housekeeping assistance.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - INDEPENDENT LIVING/COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SKILLS accessAbilities' provides services to assist individuals in developing and strengthening independent living skills, by providing support in reaching individual goals of increased physical and social integration in the community.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - RESPITE CARE Is designed as a short-term temporary support for family caregivers, in the event of illness or absence while knowing that their family member is receiving the support and services needed to maintain their health and safety.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - HOMEMAKER SERVICES FOR SENIORS (Indiana County Only) The Indiana County Home Support Program and Options Personal Care Program, in collaboration with Aging Services of Indiana County, provides assistance to eligible resident in Indiana County who are age 60 or older and need assistance to accomplish daily living tasks. The services include limited personal care services, such as bathing, laundry, light housekeeping, grocery shopping and errands. [This project is funded, in part, under a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and Aging Services, Inc.]
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - HOME & COMMUNITY HABILITATION This service supports individuals to acquire, maintain, or improve necessary skills for successful living in the community. The service provides support for independent living and greater productive participation in community life. Supports include basic banking & budgeting, health tips, decision making, balancing risk, fostering choice, and guidance with medical, financial and social services that assist a participant to remain involved while residing in the community.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - COMPANION SERVICES Focus on health, safety and overall well-being. Services allow an individual to experience independence, personal choice and management of risk while participating in community and home activities.
Keywords
Early Intervention; adult services; therapies; disability services; therapy; personal care; homemaker services; children; developmental delays; intellectual and developmental disabilities; IDD; EI; seniors; infants;
Available Hours
8:00 am - 4:30 pm / Monday through Friday
Fees/Cost for Services
Many services are free to participants or covered under waiver funds. Please call for additional information.
Eligibility Requirements
Varies depending upon program or service. Please call for details.
How to Access Services or Schedule Appointments
Contact accessAbilities at 877-822-8272 or 724-832-8272.
Miscellaneous Information
Handicap Accessibility
Yes
Speaker Available
Yes
Volunteer Use
Yes
Volunteer Need
Yes
Volunteer Description
Volunteers are needed to assist with special events and projects, including health fair booths, special event publicity, event committees and more. In addition, volunteers may assist with office administration tasks, such as filing, preparing mailings, word processing, or database entry.