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Empowering Lives: Support for Intellectual Disabilities/Autism (ID/A)

At Community Connections of Clearfield/Jefferson Counties (CCC-J), we are deeply committed to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our mission for the Intellectual Disabilities Program is to create, promote, and enhance services and supports that foster choices, meaningful personal relationships, community participation, and dignity and respect as valued citizens. We achieve this by collaborating with other agencies to provide needed supports and services, ensuring individuals have opportunities to lead meaningful lives within their communities.

Our Services

The Clearfield/Jefferson ID/A Program is responsible for determining eligibility based on established criteria of the Office of Developmental Program for persons diagnosed with an :

  • Intellectual Disability (prior to age of 22),

  • Autism (prior to age 22),

  • Developmental Disability or Global Developmental Delay (prior to age 9)

  • Medically Complex Condition (prior to age 22)

Intake/Eligibility Determination

  • The first step to determining if a person meets criteria is to speak with the Intake worker. The following are the methods you may use to contact Intake.

    • Intake for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and/or Autism Services is provided through Service Access and Management through their AE Support Services Team. The following are the various ways to make your intake referral.

  • To access the SAM AE Support Intake Portal: click the following link: https://sam-inc.org/intake/

    • ​OR SCAN this QR Code:

      • Both methods will take you to a web page where you will select the county where the person resides. From there, continue through and provide the mandatory information (Individual’s Name, Contact information…). Additional information can be entered into the screens if you choose, and you can even upload supporting documentation, if available (but not required). Once submitted, the eligibility team will be notified of the referral, and a member will contact you.

  • If you would like to make a referral by phone or need immediate assistance, please contact: Intake /Eligibility Manager at 814-372-7020.

  • You may also enroll through the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/home/#/

  • The Intake/Eligibility Manger will inform you of the documentation required for eligibility determination and can assist you in requesting information from other sources if needed. Some examples of documents are medical, school records, and psychological evaluations.

  • If you are not eligible for ID/A services, you may be provided with resources to obtain possible services through other community programs.

Support Coordination

  • Once determined eligible for service you will be offered a choice of Support Coordination Organizations and a Support Coordinator will be assigned to assist you, family and others who may support you in navigating the available system of support.

  • The Support Coordinator will complete the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) as part of the meeting to help determine the level of funding that may be needed for the services and support identified.

  • The Support Coordinator will develop a comprehensive person-centered plan known as an Individual Support Plan (ISP) with you. This may include ideas for you to: engage in a meaningful life, be well supported in your home, full access and participation in your community, remain healthy and safe, find a job you like, enjoy desired activities, and transition from school to adulthood.

  • This plan includes current natural support and paid community support.

  • The Individual Support Plans are guided by The Office of Developmental Programs principles of Everyday Lives -Values in Action and the Charting the LifeCourse Framework .

Funding

  • The Program receives funding through the Home and Community Base Waiver funds which consist of federal and state funds.

  • There are three waiver types Consolidated, Community Living and Person Family Directed Support.

  • Access to funding is based on eligibility, need for service and the availability of funds. The Intellectual Disabilities /Autism (ID/A) program is the payer of last resort meaning all other funding options must be explored and used before available ID/A resources are used.

SERVICES

The following is a list of some of the support available the Support Coordinator may review with you.

  • Residential

  • Life Sharing

  • Respite

  • Supportive Living

  • In Home and Community Habilitation

  • Community Participation Support

  • Companion

  • Supported Employment

  • Transportation

  • Remote Supports

  • Agency with Choice

  • Vendor /Fiscal Model

What to Expect When You Receive Services from PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)

Infographic on PA ODP services for intellectual disabilities and autism.
Chart of PA Office of Developmental Programs services overview.

The Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) Statewide Steering Committee, in collaboration with the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), developed the infographic above to help individuals and families understand the different surveys and assessments they may be asked to complete regarding available supports and services. View the full infographic by clicking on the Download Button:

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