Reaching Out To Families
www.compass.state.pa.us Compass - can screen to see if you are eligible for services and has an online application.
www.dli.pa.state.us Unemployment Compensation. Click on area-“Assistance for Individuals” then click on “Unemployment Compensation”. You can file online-remember to print out copies for your records
www.dhs.pa.gov Pa Department of Human Services. DHS is charged with numerous program areas (i.e.-cash assistance, food stamps, Medical Assistance, etc.). You can apply online.
www.usa.gov (click on for citizens)-Has online information regarding programs.
www.county.allegheny.pa.us (offers various programs of support).
www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/childrens-health-insurance-program/ CHIP-Children’s Health Insurance Program 1-800-986-KIDS(5437) Provides health insurance to uninsured kids up to age 18, regardless of their parents income, can qualify, although there may be up to a 6-month waiting period. The cost for coverage is based on income and ranges from free to about $150 per month per child, and there are co-pays for some services.
www.careerlinkpittsburgh.com One-stop system for employers and job seekers to enroll on a statewide website that offers access to thousands of jobs and services you may need to re-enter the job market.
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
PaTTAN is a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This website has a treasure trove of Pennsylvania-specific information regarding access to assistive technology for Pennsylvanians birth to 21 https://www.pattan.net
PaTTAN Short Term Loan Program (STL)
Short Term Loan Library (STL) is a library of assistive technology and resource materials available to local educational agencies (LEAs) for trial and evaluation. The STL Program provides assistive technology and resource materials to educators, and provides LEAs with the tools to effectively assess and evaluate the assistive technology needs of students up to age 21 .www.pattan.net/Short-Term-Loan
TechOwl leads the Commonwealth's effort to implement the provisions of the Federal Assistive Technology Act of 1998 through device demonstrations, device loans, technical assistance and public awareness. www.techowlpa.org
www.elc-pa.org ELC provides advice and direct legal representation in all educational issues affecting children including special education. ELC publishes free manuals for parents on AT for Special Needs Children, The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania, which explains the special education process, and Special Education for Charter Schools.
How to apply for Medical Assistance - Fill out the application. Make sure to write "MA Disabled Child Category PH95" across the top of the form. This will alert the caseworker to consider the child for eligibility because of their disability.
If this information is helpful and just a place to start, don’t get discouraged-seek, ask and you will find your answers. If you have some time on your hands, look around you, if someone else needs a hand (opening a door, ride to the store, a short visit), please extend yourself even when you’re not asked. We are all part of one Family.
1 800-982-2248