Advocacy

There are a wide variety of advocacy organizations, services, and programs available in Pennsylvania that can help with getting the information, services, and supports you or a loved one need to maintain your health and independence. Options include both private pay and publicly funded programs.

Here are some of the types of services that exist:

• Legal advocacy — assistance and support in legal issues regarding disability rights, human rights, immigration issues, tenant's rights, and reasonable accommodations
  
• Health literacy — information and education designed to increase your ability to make appropriate health decisions
  

Please call or fill out our contact form to learn more about the services available in your area.

Other Resources

• Area Agencies on Aging
  The AAAs, both county and non-profit, are a vital source for information, planning, monitoring, providing cost-effective care, and advocating for Pennsylvania's older citizens. AAAs are community designers and builders of support systems that enable older people to be active and vital in their communities. AAAs also serve as a gatekeeper, providing assessment and options as alternatives to costly institutionalization.
  
  
• PACA MH/DS (Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services)
  The Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services represents county mental health and intellectual disability program administrators from all of Pennsylvania's counties. This website provides a County MH/ID Contact list. 
  
  
• PA SILC (Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council)
  A nonprofit, cross-disability, consumer-controlled organization dedicated to securing public policies that ensure civil rights for people with disabilities. This website provides a list of all Centers for Independent Living that exist across Pennsylvania. 
  
  
• PDA (Pennsylvania Department of Aging)
  This is the main website for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. This website includes information related to Aging Services; Recent News; and provides resources for Professionals and Providers.
  
  
• DHS OCDEL (Office of Child Development and Early Learning)
  Increasing evidence has emerged to show that children's learning opportunities in the years before kindergarten have an important effect on their performance in school and ultimately their ability to contribute to society as adults. Through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Pennsylvania is helping our children, families, teachers and communities reach their promise.
  
  
• DHS OLTL (Office of Long Term Living)
  This website provides information about the types of services and supports funded throughout Pennsylvania by the Department of Human Services Office of Long Term Living (OLTL). The information provided will be helpful for caregivers, people who need rehabilitation and/or personal assistance, and/or people who are planning for future needs. Populations served include individuals over age 60 and individuals with physical/developmental disabilities over age 21.
  
  
• DHS OMHSAS (Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services) 
  OMHSAS is committed to providing mental health and substance abuse services and supports that embrace its Mission and Vision that every individual served by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service system will have the opportunity for growth, recovery and inclusion in their community, have access to culturally competent services and supports of their choice, and enjoy a quality of life that includes family members and friends. 
  
  
• Mental Health in PA (DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services)
  This website falls under the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), and helps to ensure that every individual who is served by the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service system has the opportunity for growth, recovery, and inclusion in their community, along with the chance to enjoy a quality of life that includes family members and friends.
  
  
• DHS ODP-ID (Office of Developmental Programs) 
  This website provides information regarding the ever evolving intellectual and developmental disability service system. It is evolving from one focused on providing service in large institutions – often far from a person's home and community -- to one based on a flexible and dynamic system of supports and services close to home and community. The new system is tailored to the needs of persons living in their home community which include community residential and day support services.
  
  
• DHS ODP-BAS (Bureau of Autism Services)
  This website provides information regarding the Department of Human Services' efforts to enhance the quality of life and independence of Pennsylvanians with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and to support their families and caregivers. 
  
  
• DOH (Pennsylvania Department of Health) 
  This is the main page for the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Department's mission is to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent injury and disease, and to assure the safe delivery of quality health care for all Commonwealth citizens.
  
  
• DOH Special Kids Network 
  The Special Kids Network assists children and youth with special health care needs to get the services and supports they require in order to thrive in the community and develop to their full potential. This program is offered through the PA Department of Health.