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
Celebrating 65 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.
Accreditations and Licenses
- Home Care Licensure through the Pennsylvania Department of Health
Legal Structure
Non-profit corporation
Funding Sources
Aging Services, Inc.; Armstrong-Indiana Behavioral and Developmental Health Program; 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; Westmoreland County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; United Way of Indiana County; United Way of Westmoreland County; Washington 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 Armstrong, Cambria, Fayette, Indiana, and Westmoreland counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The agency has been approved to provide services in additional counties, as needs from residents arise.
Service Description
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - PERSONAL CARE & ASSISTANCE These services may include help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, food preparation, eating, and non-medical health care such as wound and catheter care. Qualified individuals may also be eligible for laundry and housekeeping assistance
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - INDEPENDENT LIVING/COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SKILLS accessAbilities will help individuals develop independent living skills and enable them to fulfill physical and social integration goals. Areas addressed may include socialization and decision-making skills, basic banking and budgeting, meal preparation, and health tips.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - RESPITE CARE accessAbilities services also include short-term, temporary support for family caregivers so that they can have time for themselves while knowing that their family member has the support and services they need.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - HOMEMAKER SERVICES FOR SENIORS (Indiana County Only) The Indiana County Home Support Program, in collaboration with Aging Services of Indiana County, provides assistance to eligible residents in Indiana County who are age 60 or older. The services include laundry, house cleaning, and errands. [This project is funded, in part, under a contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and Aging Services, Inc.]
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - VETERANS SERVICES In collaboration with the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, PA, provides assistance to eligible veterans. Service options include homemaker services, home health aide services, and respite care.
PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES - HOME & COMMUNITY HABILITATION This service supports individuals to acquire, maintain, or improve the skills necessary to live in the community, to live more independently, or to be more productive and participatory in community life. Supports may include instruction in using transportation or services to assist in shopping or other necessary activities of community life.
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 - SPECIAL INSTRUCTION The experienced team of early childhood teachers can provide strategies to assist the child with problem solving and social skills, and to promote the child’s comprehension and use of language.
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 - TOY LENDING LIBRARY The agency offers a lending library including toys and assistive technology for families to borrow and reinforce skills.
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
8:30 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.