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Transitioning to Adulthood

Disclaimer

Horizons to Hope provides resources for informational purposes only and does not endorse or recommend any listed provider or service. Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and due diligence before engaging with any resources referenced on this site.  Horizons to Hope strives to provide accurate and reliable information; however, we cannot guarantee the completeness or validity of external content. We assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or the services offered by linked providers.

Bucks County Support Organizations for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Bucks County Center for Independent Living (BCCIL)
Serves people with all types of disabilities. Provides transition services from school to adult life, teaches independent living skills (budgeting, health, self-advocacy), and offers peer support, information, and referrals.
Address: 3466 Progress Drive, Suite 111, Bensalem, PA 19020
Phone: 215-781-5070
Website: https://buckscil.org

Delta Community Supports (Bucks County)
Supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through community living homes, lifesharing, supervised independent living, and supported employment.
Phone: 215-654-1000
Website: https://deltaweb.org/location/bucks-county/

Indian Creek Foundation
Provides services for children, adolescents, and adults with IDD. Programs include day programs, residential services, behavioral health, ABA, and peer support. Transition Age Youth Program helps prepare young people for adult life.
Address: 420 Cowpath Road, Souderton, PA 18964
Phone: 267-203-1500
Website: https://indcreek.org

Access Services (Bucks County)
Behavioral health and intellectual disability/autism programs including respite care, day programs, employment services, behavioral supports, and transition planning.
Phone: 215-540-2150 or 888-442-1590
Website: https://www.accessservices.org

Bucks County Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Programs
Oversees services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, or autism. Coordinates programs and planning to promote community participation and independent living.
Address: 55 E. Court Street, 4th Floor, Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: 215-444-2800
Website: https://buckscounty.gov/315/Behavioral-Health

The Next Step (TNS Programs)
Provides IDD waiver services in Bucks County. Programs include Community Participation Support (Explore Program) for young adults, supported employment, and advanced employment supports.
Website: https://tnsprograms.org/services/idd-waiver/

Bucks IU – Transition Services & Programs
Transition programs for students with disabilities (ages 14–21). Focus on post-secondary education, employment, life planning, and community resources.
Website: https://www.bucksiu.org/child-student-services/transition-services-and-programs

Supporting Families Bucks County
Helps families of individuals with IDD navigate systems, plan for the future, and access resources during the transition to adulthood.
Website: https://www.buckscounty.gov/2114/Supporting-Families-Bucks-County

Best Buddies Pennsylvania
Promotes inclusion, friendship, leadership development, and independent living for individuals with IDD.
Website: https://www.bestbuddies.org/pennsylvania/

SpArc Philadelphia / The Arc of Philadelphia
Supports independence, inclusion, life planning, advocacy, supported employment, and community engagement for individuals with IDD.
Website: https://sparcphilly.org

Access Services – TIP (Transition to Independence Process)
Supports youth ages 16–26 with mental health and related challenges through housing, education, employment, and independent living skill development.
Website: https://www.accessservices.org/services/transition-to-independence/

Bucks County Intellectual Disabilities / Autism Services
Coordinates supports and community services for eligible adolescents and adults with IDD or autism.
Address: 55 East Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: 1-888-942-8257
Website: https://www.buckscounty.gov/962/Intellectual-DisabilitiesAutism-Services

St. Luke’s Penn Foundation – Supports Coordination
Supports coordination for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, helping them access necessary services and community programs.
Phone: 215-257-1183
Website: https://www.pennfoundation.org/services/intellectual-disabilities/

Lenape Valley Foundation – Intellectual Disabilities Services
Partners with Bucks County MH/DP to provide intake, supports coordination, and service planning for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Phone: 215-444-2800
Website: https://www.lenapevf.org/services/intellectual-disabilities-id/

AHEDD – Youth Transition Services
Supports youth with disabilities in career exploration, work-based learning, internships, and connections to adult services.
Website: https://ahedd.org/business-services-disability-employment/youth/

Pennsylvania Medicaid Waivers for young adults with Developmental Disability

1. Consolidated Waiver
Who It’s For: All ages with Intellectual Disability (ID), Autism, or Developmental Disability. Also children under 9 with a developmental disability likely to result in ID or autism, and children under 22 with medical developmental disability.
Key Services: Supports independent community living including habilitation, employment supports, and community participation.

2. Person/Family Directed Support (PFDS) Waiver
Who It’s For: All ages with ID, autism, or developmental disability.
Key Services: Self-directed services with family control; $47,000 annual cap (as of 2025).

3. Community Living Waiver
Who It’s For: All ages with ID, autism, or developmental disability.
Key Services: Supports living in home/community; higher cost cap of $97,000 annually (as of 2025).

4. Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)
Who It’s For: Adults age 21+ with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Key Services: Career planning, day habilitation, respite, residential habilitation, family supports, home modifications, and small group employment.

Evaluation & Application Process

  • Initial Contact / Registration: Register with local County MH/ID office.

  • Medicaid Eligibility: Determined via County Assistance Office.

  • Medical/Diagnostic Evaluation: Confirming ID, Autism, or Developmental Disability.

  • Functional Assessment: Adaptive behavior, communication, self-care, socialization.

  • Financial Assessment: Income/resources check for Medicaid.

  • Waiting List Placement: Via PUNS (if necessary).

  • Individual Support Plan (ISP): Developed once services are available.

Commonly Required Documents

  • Proof of Identity (Birth certificate, SSN, ID)

  • Proof of Residency (PA residence verification)

  • Medical/Diagnostic Report (confirm ID, Autism, or DD)

  • Adaptive Behavior Assessment (functional limitations)

  • Medical Evaluation (ICF/IID Level of Care eligibility)

  • Psychological Evaluation (IQ, adaptive scores for ID diagnosis)

  • School Records / IEPs (developmental/educational history)

  • Financial/Income Documentation (Medicaid eligibility verification)

  • Guardianship/Legal Documents (guardianship or POA authority)

  • Insurance Information (coordinate with private insurance)

Low-Income Housing Options

Low-Income Housing Programs & Types

Public Housing
Government-owned housing managed by the local Public Housing Authority (PHA). Rents are typically subsidized to remain affordable for low-income households.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Provides vouchers to low-income families so they can rent in the private market. The tenant pays a portion of rent, and the voucher covers the rest.

LIHTC – Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties
Privately owned housing that sets aside some units for people below certain income thresholds. Often accepts Section 8 vouchers.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
Federal funds (through HUD) distributed locally to build or rehabilitate affordable housing, or help people rent or buy homes.

HUD Multifamily & Project-Based Assistance
Apartment complexes that receive HUD subsidies (project-based) so rents are affordable for low or very low-income households.

Local & State Resources

Affordable Development / Nonprofits & City Programs
Philadelphia programs through the Division of Housing and Community Development (PHDC) and related nonprofit initiatives.

Emergency / Homeless Assistance Programs
Shelters, transitional housing, and case management support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Local Philadelphia-Area Resources

  • Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA): Housing Choice Voucher program

  • PHARE: Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund

  • Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC): Affordable housing and landlord/tenant assistance programs

  • PAHousingSearch.com: Search available units by income, location, and accessibility

Adaptive Driving Programs for Teens & Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Modern Driver Institute
Specialized driving school offering defensive driving instruction customized for individuals with developmental, intellectual, learning, and behavioral differences (autism, ADHD, anxiety, etc.). Curriculum is adapted to each student’s learning style and needs.
Website: https://moderndriver.org/

Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital – Driver Rehabilitation Program
Outpatient driver rehabilitation service for new and experienced drivers (ages 16+). Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (CDRS) and occupational therapists provide:

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation – Driver Evaluation & Training
Provides driving evaluation and training for people with physical or cognitive impairments. Includes:

Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital – Driving Rehabilitation
Full clinical and behind-the-wheel driver rehabilitation program. Services include:

Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence (DRCE)
National center providing comprehensive driver rehabilitation, wheelchair-accessible vehicle consulting, and adaptive equipment solutions. Offers evaluations, training, and customized vehicle modifications.
Website: https://www.driverrehabcenter.com/

Driver Rehabilitation Services
Supports individuals whose driving ability is affected by neurological or physical impairments. Offers:

  • Clinical assessments

  • Adaptive equipment recommendations

  • Training and behind-the-wheel evaluations

  • Programs for “special needs novice drivers” (including autism, learning disabilities)
    Website: https://www.driver-rehab.com/

Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Tri-State Area

Temple University – Leadership & Career Studies (L&CS)
4-year certificate program for young adults with IDD or autism. Students take academic courses, engage in campus life, work experiences, peer mentoring, and plan for independent living.
Website: https://disabilities.temple.edu/lcs

CUNY Unlimited (City University of New York)
Credential program for students with intellectual disabilities offering inclusive college courses, internships, and campus activities at multiple CUNY campuses (BMCC, Hostos, Queensborough).
Website: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/student-affairs/programs-services/disability/unlimited/

AHRC NYC – Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program (CUNY partnership)
Inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disabilities. Provides college courses with supports, peer mentoring, internships, and career development.
Website: https://www.ahrcnyc.org/services/get-an-education/college/

Georgian Court University – Pathways to Possibility
Inclusive college program with residential, academic, social, and employment supports for students with IDD.
Website: https://spanadvocacy.org/programs/new-jersey-inclusive-higher-education/

The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) – Career and Community Studies (CCS)
4-year inclusive certificate program for students with IDD. Focus on academic enrichment, career exploration, independent living, and social participation.
Website: https://ccs.tcnj.edu/

Taishoff Center – Syracuse University (InclusiveU)
Provides individualized coursework, internships, and full participation in campus life for students with intellectual disabilities.
Website: https://disabilityinclusioncenter.syr.edu/taishoff/

Montclair State University – Certificate in General Education Studies
Commuter certificate program for students with IDD offering inclusive coursework, supports, and work/college readiness.
Website: https://www.montclair.edu/newscenter/2023/11/09/montclair-state-university-takes-inclusive-education-to-the-next-level/

Millersville University – Integrated Studies
Inclusive postsecondary initiative for students with intellectual disabilities, offering coursework, internships, housing, and campus life.
Website: https://www.millersville.edu/integratedstudies/

Misericordia University – Integrated Studies Program
2-year certificate program for students with autism and intellectual disabilities including coursework, internships, and seminars.
Website: https://www.misericordia.edu/integrated-studies

West Chester University – RAM Initiative
2-year inclusive postsecondary experience for students with IDD, fully engaged in campus life.
Website: https://www.wcupa.edu/universityCollege/ramInitiative/

Saint Joseph’s University – PACE Program
4-year certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities. Includes inclusive classes, campus life, and vocational experiences.
Website: https://www.sju.edu/departments/special-education/pace/about

Bergen Community College – Turning Point / Center for Adult Transition
2-year inclusive, nonresidential transition program focused on academic, social, and employment preparation.
Website: https://www.bergen.edu/center-for-adult-transition/

Mercer County Community College – DREAM Program
Program allowing students with intellectual disabilities to enroll in mainstream courses with supports and mentoring.
Website: https://www.mccc.edu/

Bucks County Adult Developmental Disability Service Providers

BARC Developmental Services

Provides residential group homes, supported living, community participation support, employment services, behavioral supports, and DSP staffing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Phone: 215-794-0800
Website: https://www.barcprograms.org

Indian Creek Foundation

Provides residential services, day programs, supported employment, behavioral supports, community participation support, and in-home staffing for adults with ID/autism.
Phone: 215-723-6527
Website: https://indcreek.org

Access Services

Provides direct support staff, autism services, residential services, community participation support, life sharing, respite, and behavioral supports.
Phone: 215-540-2150
Website: https://www.accessservices.org

Lifepath

Provides residential programs, supported independent living, employment services, adult day services, and life sharing for adults with developmental disabilities.
Phone: 610-264-5724
Website: https://www.lifepath.org

New Vitae Wellness and Recovery

Provides community residential rehabilitation, behavioral health supports, psychiatric rehabilitation, and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Phone: 610-928-5200
Website: https://www.newvitaewellness.com

Comfort Keepers

Provides in-home care, companion staffing, personal care assistance, respite support, and daily living assistance for adults with disabilities.
Phone: 215-340-5950
Website: https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/pennsylvania/doylestown

OneWell Health Care

Provides home and community habilitation, respite care, companion services, behavioral support staffing, and personal assistance services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Phone: 267-803-6002
Website: https://www.onewell.org

Ken-Crest

Provides community living, residential services, supported employment, autism services, and day programming for adults with developmental disabilities.
Phone: 610-825-9360
Website: https://www.kencrest.org

Woods Services

Provides residential treatment, vocational services, behavioral supports, autism services, and lifelong supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Phone: 215-295-5500
Website: https://www.woods.org

Brian’s House

Provides community residential homes and support staffing for adults with intellectual disabilities in community settings.
Phone: 215-750-3003
Website: https://www.brianshouse.org

Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) – Pennsylvania Services & Supports Directory

HCSIS

The Pennsylvania Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) Services & Supports Directory is a statewide resource that helps individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and their families locate service providers and support programs throughout Pennsylvania. Users can search by county, provider name, or service type to find community-based supports, residential services, employment programs, behavioral health resources, respite care, and other services designed to promote independence and quality of life.
Phone: 1-866-444-1264
Email: c-hhcsishd@pa.gov

Directory URL: https://www.hcsis.dhs.pa.gov/hcsis-ssd/

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