For individuals living with physical or intellectual disabilities and for the families who support them, finding the right services can often feel overwhelming. Understanding eligibility requirements, navigating waiver programs, coordinating with care providers, and accessing community resources can quickly become a full-time job.
The good news is that help is available.
At A Bridge to Independence, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to live as independently as possible while receiving the support they need to thrive. As an accredited Supports Coordination Organization serving communities across Pennsylvania, we help individuals and families connect with the home and community-based services that can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives. Whether you are seeking assistance for yourself, a child, an aging parent, or another family member, you do not have to navigate the process alone.
Connecting People to the Services They Need
A Bridge to Independence locates, coordinates, and monitors the delivery of home- and community-based services for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities across Pennsylvania. Today, our organization empowers more than 5,300 individuals statewide. From adult autism services to aging and disability services, we help people access programs, resources, and support systems that enable them to remain active participants in their communities.
Our role is not to provide direct care. Instead, we serve as advocates, guides, and coordinators, helping individuals and families understand their options and connect with appropriate services tailored to their unique needs and goals. Every person’s journey is unique. Some individuals may need assistance with activities of daily living, transportation, employment supports, or community participation. Others may require specialized services for autism, intellectual disabilities, or aging. Our team works alongside each individual to develop a personalized plan that supports independence, choice, and quality of life.
Built by Families Who Understand the Journey
One of the things that makes A Bridge to Independence unique is our foundation. After seeking resources for their own families, our founders recognized how difficult it could be to identify and access the services people needed. They saw firsthand the challenges individuals and families faced as they navigated complex systems and searched for answers. That experience inspired them to establish an organization dedicated to helping others overcome those barriers.
Today, that commitment remains at the heart of everything we do. We understand that behind every phone call, assessment, or service plan is a person seeking support, answers, and peace of mind.
Experienced Coordinators Who Know Their Communities
Navigating Pennsylvania’s disability service system requires more than knowledge of programs and regulations. It also requires strong relationships and a deep understanding of local resources. Our Supports Coordinators and Service Coordinators bring an average of 15+ years of experience to their work. Many have spent decades building relationships with service providers, county agencies, healthcare organizations, and community partners. Because our coordinators live and work in the communities they serve, they understand the local landscape and can often identify county-specific resources that families may not know exist. These connections help us bridge the gap between available services and the people who need them most.
Understanding Pennsylvania Waiver Programs
Many individuals qualify for services through Pennsylvania’s waiver programs, which provide subsidized funding for supports that help people remain in their homes and communities rather than in institutional settings. Unfortunately, understanding these programs can be confusing. Eligibility requirements, application processes, service options, and provider selection can pose challenges for families already managing significant responsibilities.
That’s where A Bridge to Independence can help. For individuals who qualify, we serve as a personal guide through the Supports Coordination or Service Coordination process. We help families understand their options, identify appropriate services, and connect with providers that meet their needs.
Our goal is to simplify the process and help individuals access the supports they deserve.
Service Coordination Programs for Physical Disabilities and Aging Services
A Bridge to Independence provides Service Coordination for individuals receiving services through several Pennsylvania waiver programs and service systems, including:
- OBRA Waiver
- Attendant Care/Act 150 Program
- Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver
- Attendant Care Waiver (transitioned to CHC)
- Independence Waiver (transitioned to CHC)
- CommCare Waiver (transitioned to CHC)
- Aging Waiver (transitioned to CHC)
These programs help individuals with physical disabilities and age-related needs access services that promote independence, safety, and quality of life while enabling them to remain in their homes and communities.
Supports Coordination for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
We also provide Supports Coordination for individuals receiving services through programs designed for autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, including:
- Adult Autism Waiver
- Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services
- Consolidated Waiver
- Community Living Waiver
- Person/Family-Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver
These programs offer a wide range of supports, including community participation, employment services, residential supports, behavioral services, transportation, and other resources to help individuals achieve their personal goals. Our Supports Coordinators work closely with individuals and families to ensure services align with their needs, preferences, and vision for the future.
Independence Starts with the Right Support
Living with a disability should never mean facing challenges alone. With the right services, guidance, and community connections, individuals can pursue greater independence, participate more fully in their communities, and enjoy an improved quality of life.
At A Bridge to Independence, we are proud to help make those connections every day. Whether you are just beginning to explore available services or need help navigating Pennsylvania’s waiver system, our experienced team is here to help. If you or a loved one may qualify for supports or services, let us help bridge the gaps between questions and answers, available resources and real solutions, and uncertainty and independence.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live life to the fullest with support and dignity.
