Supports coordinators at A Bridge to Independence are committed to supporting individuals with an intellectual disability, developmental disability or autism, and also helping to fulfill the needs of their families. Bridge looks at the complete picture to make personalized recommendations for connecting participants to the best programs and services that suit them most, so they can continue to make their unique contribution within the home and community.
The needs of individuals and their families can change over time, and our individualized, person-centered approach emphasizes continuity of care to identify options and monitor all supports — including informal, mainstream and community needs — as well as build trust and help participants maintain their daily routines.
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Which waivers fall under Intellectual & Developmental Disability Services in PA?
The waivers that fall under the umbrella of intellectual and developmental disability services in Pennsylvania include the Consolidated Waiver, Community Living Waiver and Person/Family-Directed Support Waiver.
Each of these waivers are designed to help individuals with an intellectual disability, autism or developmental disability live more independently in their homes and communities, and provide a variety of services that promote community living. The PA Community Living Waiver also focuses on services that promote employment, communication, self-direction, choice and control. The community living services that the Pennsylvania Person/Family-Directed Support Waiver — also known as the PFDS Waiver) — promotes include self-directed service models and traditional, agency-based service models.
Consolidated Waiver, Community Living Waiver and Person/Family-Directed Support Waiver services for PA residents may include:
- Advanced Supported Employment
- Assistive Technology
- Behavioral Support
- Benefits Counseling
- Communication Specialist
- Community Participation Support
- Companion
- Consultative Nutritional Services
- Education Support
- Family/Caregiver Training and Support
- Family Medical Support Assistant
- Home Accessibility Adaptations
- Homemaker/Chore
- Housing Transition and Tenancy Sustaining Services
- In-Home and Community Support
- Life Sharing (not under the PFDS Waiver)
- Music, Art and Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Participant-Directed Goods and Services (not under the Consolidated Waiver)
- Residential Habilitation (not under the Consolidated Waiver, nor the PFDS Waiver)
- Remote Supports
- Respite
- Shift Nursing
- Small Group Employment
- Specialized Supplies
- Supported Employment
- Supported Living (not under the PFDS Waiver)
- Supports Broker
- Supports Coordination
- Physical Therapy
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Orientation, Mobility and Vision Therapy
- Transportation
- Vehicle Accessibility Adaptations
Bridge provides supports coordination throughout all 67 Pennsylvania counties. For more information, visit Pennsylvania DHS Intellectual Disabilities Services.
View eligibility requirements for the PA Consolidated Waiver
- The following diagnosis and age requirements apply:
- Individuals of any age with an intellectual disability (ID) or autism.
- Children with a developmental disability under age 9 with a high probability of resulting in an ID or autism diagnosis.
- Children under age 22 with a developmental disability due to a medically complex condition.
- Level of Care
- Medical Evaluation
- Diagnosis of an intellectual disability, autism or developmental disability
- Recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation
- Determined eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) in Pennsylvania
- Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office
View eligibility requirements for the PA Community Living Waiver
- The following diagnosis and age requirements apply:
- Individuals of any age with an intellectual disability (ID) or autism.
- Children with a developmental disability under age 9 with a high probability of resulting in an ID or autism diagnosis.
- Children under age 22 with a developmental disability due to a medically complex condition.
- Level of Care
- Medical Evaluation
- Diagnosis of an intellectual disability, autism or developmental disability
- Recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation
- Determined eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) in Pennsylvania
- Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office
- Individual cost limit of $85,000 per person per fiscal year (Supports Coordination is excluded from this limit)
View eligibility requirements for the PA Person/Family-Directed Support Waiver
- The following diagnosis and age requirements apply:
- Individuals of any age with an intellectual disability (ID) or autism.
- Children with a developmental disability under age 9 with a high probability of resulting in an ID or autism diagnosis.
- Children under age 22 with a developmental disability due to a medically complex condition.
- Level of Care
- Medical Evaluation
- Diagnosis of an intellectual disability, autism or developmental disability
- Recommended for an intermediate care facility (ICF) level of care based on a medical evaluation
- Determined eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) in Pennsylvania
- Meet the financial requirements as determined by your local County Assistance Office
Bridge provides the following supports coordination services:
- Developing trusting relationships grounded in mutual respect and dignity
- Assessing the need for services and funding
- Creating and maintaining an individualized support plan that identifies meaningful and measurable outcomes
- Locating service providers and agencies
- Coordinating services and team members
- Monitoring to ensure that all services and supports are being delivered
- Ensuring the health, safety and well-being of individuals served
