Assistive technology products and community programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every listing is researched and verified.
AssistiveWare
Symbol-based AAC app that enables people with speech difficulties to communicate using a research-based vocabulary system with customizable symbols and natural-sounding voices.
PRC-Saltillo
Full-featured AAC app with synthesized and recorded speech output, designed for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, ALS, apraxia, and other conditions affecting speech.
Attainment Company
Durable, portable dedicated AAC device with 20 message buttons plus 5 core vocabulary keys, requiring no software setup — just record and go.
Tobii Dynavox
Flexible AAC software platform offering multiple page sets including Core First, Motor Plan, and PODD, accessible via touch, eye gaze, or switch.
Time Timer LLC
Visual countdown timer that makes the abstract concept of time concrete through a patented disappearing red disk, ideal for transitions and task management.
MedMinder
Smart pill dispenser with visual and audible reminders, locking compartments, and cellular-connected caregiver alerts designed for medication adherence.
North Coast Medical
Weighted stainless steel eating utensils with built-up soft handles that provide added control for individuals with limited hand coordination or tremors.
Amazon
Smart display with Alexa voice assistant that enables hands-free control of smart home devices, video calls, reminders, and routines through simple voice commands.
SimpliSafe
DIY wireless home security system with entry sensors, motion detectors, and optional professional monitoring, providing safety and independence for supported living.
Signify (Philips)
Smart LED lighting system controllable via voice assistants or app, enabling automated lighting schedules and color cues to support daily routines.
AbleLink Technologies
Research-based visual and auditory prompting system that guides individuals with cognitive disabilities through multi-step tasks for employment, education, and independent living.
Goally
Dedicated tablet-based system with visual schedules, routines, and task management designed by behavioral therapists to build independence for individuals with autism and IDD.
AbleLink Technologies
GPS-based travel training app that guides individuals with intellectual disabilities safely through community travel with step-by-step visual and audio directions.
Braze Mobility
Retrofit sensor system for power and manual wheelchairs that detects obstacles in blind spots and provides real-time feedback through lights, sounds, and vibrations.
AbleNet
Single-message speech generating device with a large 5-inch activation surface, used as an adaptive switch for communication, environmental control, and switch-adapted toys.
Komodo OpenLab
Cloud-connected assistive device that enables control of smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart home devices through wheelchair driving controls or adaptive switches.
AbleNet
Wireless dual-switch Bluetooth interface with feather-touch proximity sensors, enabling access to tablets, phones, and computers for individuals with significant motor impairments.
Loop Earplugs
Reusable noise-reducing earplugs made from soft silicone that reduce noise by up to 24 dB, designed for sensory overload management in autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders.
Harkla
Therapeutic weighted blanket made with soft minky fabric that provides deep touch pressure to calm the nervous system, designed for children with sensory processing challenges.
Interaxon
EEG brain-sensing headband that provides real-time biofeedback during meditation through responsive audio cues, helping individuals with sensory and anxiety challenges learn self-regulation.
Bee Visual
Picture-based visual schedule app with Schedule, Waiting, and Feelings boards that helps children complete routines, manage emotions, and improve waiting skills.
Good Karma Applications
Visual schedule app for iOS that uses photos and audio to create customizable daily schedules, supporting individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and developmental delays.
Reading Horizons
Multisensory literacy software based on Orton-Gillingham principles that teaches phonics, decoding, and reading comprehension to adolescents and adults with learning disabilities.
AngelSense
GPS tracker and wearable watch designed for children and adults with special needs, featuring real-time tracking, two-way speakerphone, and non-removable wearing options.
Jiobit (Life360)
Ultra-lightweight clip-on GPS tracker using Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, and GPS for continuous location monitoring of children and adults with special needs.
Medical Guardian
Wearable medical alert device with automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and 24/7 professional monitoring for individuals who need emergency response support.
Empatica
FDA-cleared wrist-worn seizure detection device that automatically alerts caregivers when a possible tonic-clonic seizure is detected, with 98% accuracy.
Project Lifesaver International, administered by county Sheriff's offices and police departments
Radio-frequency tracking wristband program for individuals with cognitive conditions who are at risk of wandering. If a person goes missing, trained search teams use receivers to locate the signal. Active in dozens of PA counties including Lancaster, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, and Delaware counties.
Project Lifesaver International, administered by county Sheriff's offices
Same radio-frequency tracking wristband program for individuals prone to wandering. Active in Maryland counties including Baltimore County, Harford County, Wicomico County, and Caroline County. Search-and-rescue teams are certified by the national Project Lifesaver agency.
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (Norristown, PA)
Voluntary photo-ID database for residents with autism, dementia, Down syndrome, or other cognitive disabilities that may impede communication. Deputies can access critical emergency contact and medical information when they encounter a registrant who cannot communicate.
Rave Mobile Safety (contracted with 9-1-1 centers)
Free service allowing families to create a safety profile with disability-specific information (wandering risks, triggers, communication methods, photos) that automatically displays to 9-1-1 dispatchers when a registered phone number calls emergency services. Active in numerous PA counties and integrated statewide with the Maryland 9-1-1 Board.
National Autism Association
Free toolkit for families of children with autism who are at risk of wandering or elopement. Contains safety resources including door/window alarms, ID tags, visual alert materials, and caregiver checklists for creating a comprehensive safety plan.
MedicAlert Foundation and Alzheimer's Association
24/7 wandering response service providing ID jewelry and a nationwide emergency response system. While originally designed for dementia, the program also serves individuals with autism, Down syndrome, and other cognitive disabilities who are at risk of wandering.
Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
Pennsylvania's Assistive Technology Act Program. Provides free short-term loans of assistive devices (AAC devices, mobility aids, smart-home technology, vision/hearing equipment) through the PA Assistive Technology Lending Library. Also offers device demonstrations, training, and a device reuse/recycling program.
Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD)
Formerly known as MDTAP. Operates a Device Loan Program (free 4-week loans of assistive technology), device demonstration centers, and a Reuse Program providing refurbished equipment at low or no cost. Covers communication devices, adaptive computer access, mobility aids, and daily living tools.
PA Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), via County MH/ID Offices
County-based crisis system for individuals with IDD/autism enrolled in PA waiver programs. Services include mobile crisis response, emergency placement, crisis respite, and stabilization. Access is 24/7 through the individual's Supports Coordinator or County ID Emergency Line.
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Regional crisis system providing immediate response for individuals with IDD enrolled in DDA services. Includes Crisis Response Beds (CRB) for temporary residential stabilization, mobile crisis teams, and after-hours telephone support coordinated through DDA regional offices.
Center for START Services / University of New Hampshire, with regional implementations
Evidence-based crisis intervention model specifically designed for individuals with IDD and co-occurring behavioral health needs. Provides crisis assessment, prevention planning, and coordination between IDD and mental health systems. Maryland has implemented START-model programs through DDA.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Year-round sports training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Operates 58 local programs across the state offering 26 sports including swimming, basketball, track and field, bocce, and unified sports with non-disabled partners.
Special Olympics Maryland
Year-round sports training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Operates 21 county and school-based programs plus Unified Sports that pair athletes with and without disabilities on the same team.
Best Buddies International
One-to-one friendship matching, leadership development, and integrated employment programs for individuals with IDD. Chapters operate at universities and in communities in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, State College, and other locations across PA.
Best Buddies International
School and community-based friendship and inclusion programs pairing individuals with IDD with peer buddies. Maryland headquarters in Columbia with chapters across the state.
Community-based chapters (Miracle League of Lancaster County, Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley, others)
Adaptive baseball league using specially designed rubberized playing fields accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Every player bats, runs bases, and scores in a supportive environment. Multiple chapters operate across Pennsylvania.
Community-based chapters (Miracle League of Annapolis, Miracle League of Greater Baltimore, others)
Adaptive baseball on accessible rubberized fields for children and adults with disabilities. Multiple chapters across Maryland provide inclusive sports experiences.
Variety – the Children's Charity of the Delaware Valley
Provides adaptive sports and recreation programs including wheelchair basketball, adaptive baseball, and dance at no cost to families of children with disabilities in the Philadelphia region.
Montgomery County Department of Recreation
Adaptive sports, social clubs, day camps, and inclusion support programs for individuals with disabilities. Offers year-round programming including swimming, fitness, arts, and community outings.
Easterseals
Residential camp and weekend respite recreation programs in Chestertown, MD for children and adults with disabilities. Offers swimming, boating, arts and crafts, nature activities, and social programming in an accessible waterfront setting.
Camphill Soltane
Intentional community in Glenmoore, PA for young adults with IDD offering a transition-to-adult-life program blending vocational training, arts, community living, and social engagement in a residential setting.
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills
Intentional community for adults with IDD in Kimberton, PA providing lifelong residential community, meaningful work in gardens, kitchens, weavery, and woodshop, plus arts and cultural activities integrated into daily life.
Self-Advocates United as 1 (independent statewide nonprofit)
Statewide self-advocacy organization in PA run by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Focuses on systems advocacy, voting rights, ending abuse, and leadership development. Runs the Liberty Riders voter registration project and the Advocacy Leaders Network.
Speaking For Ourselves PA
Peer-led self-advocacy organization in PA providing advocacy training, leadership development, and empowerment for people with intellectual disabilities. One of the oldest self-advocacy organizations in the country, with local chapters across Pennsylvania.
People On The Go, supported by The Arc Maryland
Statewide self-advocacy group run by and for people with IDD in Maryland. Advocates for community living, against sheltered workshops, and for voter access. Holds monthly meetings and engages in legislative advocacy at the state level.
The Arc of Pennsylvania / PA Developmental Disabilities Council
Leadership training program for self-advocates with disabilities and family members of people with disabilities. Teaches participants to be effective advocates and influence public policy on disability issues through multi-session training over several months.
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
Leadership and advocacy training program for people with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities. Participants learn skills to influence disability policy and become community leaders.
PA Department of Aging (federal Lifespan Respite grantee), administered through Area Agencies on Aging and disability partners
Coordinates respite voucher programs and maintains a respite provider registry. Connects family caregivers (including those caring for adult children with IDD) to screened providers and sometimes funds short-term emergency respite through vouchers.
Maryland Department of Aging, coordinated through the Respite Care Maryland coalition
Provides respite vouchers for eligible family caregivers, training for respite providers, and coordination of the Respite Care Maryland coalition. Serves caregivers of all ages, including parents of children and adults with IDD/autism.
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Respite care as a covered Medicaid waiver service for individuals enrolled in DDA Community Pathways or Family Supports waivers. Provides in-home or community-based temporary care to give family caregivers a break.
Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania
In-home and out-of-home respite care including camp weekends and center-based programs in the Lehigh Valley and Bucks County areas. Provides temporary relief for family caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
The Arc Montgomery County (MD)
Provides recreation-based respite programs including weekend outings, evening programs, and summer activities that give families a break while participants engage in social and recreational activities.