Intellectual Disabilities/Autism
People throughout the lifespan can enroll for services as long as they meet one of the following Diagnosis:
- A Diagnosis of Intellectual Disability—an FSIQ of 70 or Lower, or
- A Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, or
- A Diagnosis of Developmental Disability if under 8 years old and a congenital disorder, or
- A Medically Complex diagnosis if under 21 years of age —significant medical issues that affect three body systems
Additional Documentation required is:
- Verification that the Diagnosis occurred prior to age 22, and,
- An assessment that indicates that the person has significant delays in three areas of adaptive skills such as self-care, learning or communication
To begin the enrollment process, contact Venango County Human Services at 814-432-9100 and ask to be referred for Intellectual Disability/Autism Services.
Intake & Referral Process
There are many services available to assist people diagnosed with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism live their Everyday life. All services must be established through the referral and intake process. Individuals may be referred in a variety of ways, not limited to: self-referral, referral by medical professional and/or school personnel.
Once a referral is made, and intake is conducted where the individual is able to select the Supports Coordination Organization of their choice, who will then facilitate the establishment of an Individualized Support Plan that will detail what services are the most appropriate to fit their needs. Supports coordinators function as a liaison between the individual and various service providers.
These services include:
Supported Employment - This service connects an individual with a provider that will support them in on the job training and coaching to help them to be successful in the workforce in out community.
Respite Care - This is the provision of temporary care to an individual(s) with developmental disabilities by a provider or an individual in order to provide a break for a family member who cares for an individual with a developmental disability.
In-Home and Community Supports - In-home and community supports are services to assist individuals in acquiring, retaining, and improving self-help, socialization and adaptive skills necessary to live independently in their homes and communities. These services can include support for daily activities, communication skills and participation in community events. This service may be made available to individuals in their own home or in other residential or community settings.
Community Participation Support - Community participation supports are designed to facilitate active involvement in community life for individuals, especially those with disabilities. These supports focus on building skills, fostering social connections, and promoting independence through various community-based activities and programs. They focus on skill development that is necessary for competitive community employment and involvement, and may include things such as volunteering or participating in community activities. These services are provided in a community setting where individuals can interact with the community at large including people both with and without disabilities, utilizing an individual centered approach to ensure that these activities align with the individuals desired choices and preferences in activities.
Residential Homes divided into two categories:
Group Homes or Community Living Homes - These homes are staffed around the clock with direct support professionals who provide assistance and care. These homes must maintain a license through the Office of Developmental Programs and are subject to licensing on an annual basis. The number of individuals in each home can vary based upon a variety of factors including, house size, need, and compatibility.
Life Sharing through Family Living - This is a program where individuals with a disability live and share a home and life experiences with supportive persons, to whom they are not related, in a family environment. This is the most natural way for community members to support an individual. Through this arrangement, individuals with disabilities become active, participating members of a family.
Here are links for additional resources for Basic Needs in Venango County:
The Child and Adolescent Service System Program is a collaborative approach in PA for coordinating mental health, educational, and support services for Children and Adolescents with serious emotional disturbances. The focus is family-centered and community-based care to prevent out-of-home placement by bringing agencies, families and providers together in meetings to create a comprehensive action plan.
It's a system of principles, not a direct service, ensuring coordinated, culturally competent care that meets individual needs within the child's home community, involving schools, mental health, child welfare, and families.
For additional information about CASSP at Venango County Human Services, please contact:
