Assistive technology products and community programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every listing is researched and verified.
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.
Cost:Free or low-cost (varies by county; some charge a small monthly battery fee)
Coverage:County-level — varies by participating law enforcement agency across PA
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.
Cost:Free or low-cost (varies by county)
Coverage:County-level — varies by participating law enforcement agency across MD
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.
Cost:Free
Coverage:Available in select PA counties (including Philadelphia, Allegheny, Bucks, Lancaster) and statewide in MD
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.
Cost:Free
Coverage:Nationwide (available to PA and MD families)
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.
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.
Cost:Free for device loans and demonstrations; reuse equipment at low or no cost
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.
Cost:Free (covered through waiver services)
Coverage:Statewide PA (administered by county MH/ID offices)
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.
START (Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment)
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.
Cost:Free to individuals (system-funded)
Coverage:Regional (MD has implemented the model; availability varies)
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.
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.
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.
Cost:Free
Coverage:Multiple chapters across PA (university and community-based)
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.
Cost:Free
Coverage:County-level (Lancaster County, Lehigh Valley, and other PA locations)
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.
Cost:Free
Coverage:County-level (Annapolis, Greater Baltimore, and other MD locations)
Variety – the Children's Charity Adaptive Programs
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 MD Therapeutic Recreation Services
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.
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.
Cost:Fees apply (camperships and financial assistance available)
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.
Cost:Tuition-based (funding through county IDD offices and private pay)
Coverage:Chester County, PA (residential program draws from across PA and beyond)
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.
Cost:Funded through county/state programs and private arrangements
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.
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.
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.
Cost:Free (including travel and accommodations for training sessions)
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.
Cost:Free or sliding scale (respite vouchers cover part or all of cost)
Coverage:Statewide PA (availability varies by county)
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.
Cost:Subsidized (respite vouchers available for eligible families)
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.
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.
Cost:Varies (financial assistance may be available)
The Arc of Montgomery County MD – Respite Services
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.
Cost:Fees vary (scholarships available; may be funded through DDA waiver)