The resources listed below compliment the 2023 Transition Age Navigation Guide for Lehigh and Northampton Counties. These comprehensive resources provide support in a variety of helpful ways for youth and young adults. Please check back frequently as these resources will be updated on an as needed basis.
Keystone Autism Services Vocational Initiative (KASVI)
An initiative to support young adults, ages 12-35, in Lehigh County as they transition from high school to pursue employment, higher education, and increased independence in their home and community.
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL)
An organization to help young adults achieve and maintain independence via support services and programs (advocacy, peer support, independent living skills).
ASERT
An assessment guide that helps you know if you have the necessary skills required to be a good driver.
Good Shepherd
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation offers two on-the-road driving evaluation and training programs, depending on your needs.
PA Teen Safe Driving Resource Guide
This is a comprehensive resource guide from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for anyone interested in learning to drive and includes an extensive list of safe driving resources by type and geographic location.
PA Yellow Dot Program
The Yellow Dot Program offers emergency care following a traffic crash when they may not be able to communicate their needs themselves. Placing a Yellow Dot decal in your vehicle’s rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure you receive the medical attention you need.
Roadway to Independence
A driver’s education program that will perform a comprehensive assessment to get a driver’s baseline abilities. It makes recommendations based on your abilities what the next step will be including the process of obtaining a permit or driver license.
ARC of Lehigh & Northampton Counties
This organization advocates for inclusion and equality for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit (CLIU21)
The coordinating agency to bring together school districts, career and technical schools, businesses, and community groups.
College Autism Spectrum Search Tool
A search tool to locate post-secondary institutions that offer training programs, certificate programs, individual and group services throughout the country.
Colonial Intermediate Unit (CIU20)
This agency develops relationships to support positive relationships for student growth. They service 13 school districts and 3 career and technical centers.
Communities In Schools (CIS)
An evidence-based model to connect students to adults and communities.
Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP)
This organization protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities including educational rights.
Lehigh Carbon Community College – Success, Engagement, Education, Determination [SEED] program
This program provides direct services for students with disabilities interested in a college experience to include: support with transition, academic, and career areas.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Early Outreach Program
This program promotes successful outcomes for youth with disabilities by increasing awareness of OVR services and early career planning.
PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN): They provide professional development and technical assistance for students.
Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL)
A legal resource for individuals with disabilities and specialty needs, families, and professionals across Pennsylvania.
Resources for Human Development – The Lodge: This program provides supported housing, educational and recreational programs, and vocational opportunities for adults with mental illness.
Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL)
An organization to help achieve and maintain independence via support services and programs (advocacy, peer support, independent living skills).
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVR)
They provide diagnostic services, vocational evaluations, counseling, training, restoration services, placement assistance, assistive technology, and support services in Lehigh/Northampton Counties.
PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley
An online learning tool for individuals, employers, and training providers to support with coordination and linkage to job opportunities and vocational development.
PaTTAN- Planning for the Future Checklist
An age-specific guide to help prepare for education/training after high school, employment, community living, and contacts for adult agencies.
PaTTAN- Preparing for Employment, Secondary Transition
A guide for family members to support their children with disabilities to be successful for secondary transitions and employment.
VIA
A Lehigh Valley program that supports community employment, school to work transition services, ViaWorks Small Group Employment, pre-vocational services, and business solutions.
The entry point for service requests for all divisions in the Department of Human Services:
Financial assistance, medical assistance, food stamps, energy assistance, employment and training counseling, information and referral for social services:
To apply for social security or for questions related to the application process or the status of your application:
- Social Security Administration
- SSI Eligibility information for Children
- What you will need to apply for SSI for your child
For more information about the Affordable Care Act:
For questions or assistance with the application process or status of your Medical Assistance application or other benefits:
- Compass Helpline – 800-692-7462
- COMPASS HHS Contact Us
The CDC: “ASD in Teenagers and Adults”
An overview of transition needs for adolescents and adults:
CIU20 Local Task Force
This task force serves as a resource for children with all disabilities in their families to assist parents of students with special needs in understanding laws, regulations, and developing appropriate education.
CLIU21 Local Task Force
This task force that represents the needs and interests of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provides parents with a representative from the local IU, local MH/MR office, local ARC, and/or area school districts.
Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania LEAP (Learn, Earn, Achieve, Practice) Program
A 5-week comprehensive employment prep experience to include community supports and summer camps. They also have an overnight camp named Easterseals Camp Growing Green that lasts up to 6 weeks long, for 10+ yrs old.
Easton Parent Support Group – A support group for families to connect that have children or adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism. Contact Leslie at leslie.mckelvey@yahoo.com.
Lehigh Valley Autism Guide
A central place for families and professionals to come together to foster an inclusive, accepting community for people diagnosed with Autism or other disabilities in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. There is information about getting a diagnosis, therapy, education, IEP, transitions, and need to know information.
PA Department of Health: Transition to Adult Living in Pennsylvania Guide
PA Local Transition Coordinating Councils (LTCCs) – Primary contact for local supports and resources related to secondary transition:
PA HealthChoices managed care physical health care plan contact information can be found here.
For information regarding legal guidance and support, please contact or review the resources below:
- Act 65 of 2020: Consent for Mental Health Treatment for Minors
- Administering a Special Needs Trust: A Handbook for Trustees (2022 Edition)
- Department of Human Services: Special Needs Trust Fact and Information Sheet
- Disability Rights Pennsylvania Chapter 10: Guardianship in Pennsylvania
- Healthcare Advanced Directives (Mental/Physical Health)
Legal Case Management: If you need additional legal case management, please contact the Northampton County or Lehigh County intake line for additional supports.
- Lehigh County Intake & Referral Department – 610-782-3200
- Northampton County Intake & Referral Emergency Services – 610-829-4800
Lehigh County Autism Guide: Wills, Guardianship, Power of Attorney, and Waivers
Lehigh County Legal Issues FAQs
North Penn Legal Services: They provide legal services for seniors, children and family, members, protection from abuse, education and school, employment, housing, landlord/tenant rights, home ownership, public benefits, and social security benefits. Call to apply by phone (877-953-4250) or apply online.
United Way of Pennsylvania 211 Legal Guardianship Service Providers
For information or guidance related to Magellan or county support and services, please see the resource links below:
Magellan Member Handbook (English)
Magellan Member Handbook (Spanish)
Big Red Safety Toolkit
A toolkit to support those caring for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder whose diagnosis interferes with their ability to recognize danger and/or stay safe.
PA Yellow Dot Program
The Yellow Dot Program offers emergency care following a traffic crash when they may not be able to communicate their needs themselves. Placing a Yellow Dot decal in your vehicle’s rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure you receive the medical attention you need.
Bradbury Sullivan Center- LGBT Community Center
This organization creates a vibrant LGBTQ+ community in the Lehigh Valley through arts, health, youth, training, and Pride programs.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Allentown
This organization provides compassionate human services with respect for the sanctity of all human life.
Easter Seals, Camp Lily
Ages 8 to young adult. They have inclusive activities to build skills, promote friendship, and increase independence.
Equi-librium
They provide access to therapy utilizing horses for people with physical, developmental, social and/or emotional needs.
Jewish Family Services
They help individuals and families to live healthier and more stable lives by providing social services, professional counseling, education, and community programs.
Kaleidoscope Clubhouse
They offer a variety of clubs and services for neurodiverse children (ages 2-30 years old) with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delays, Speech Delays, ADHD or Anxiety (diagnosis not required).
Lehigh County Conference of Churches
They assist those most in need in our community through programs directed to the homeless, the hungry, and people with mental health concerns.
Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment (MY LIFE)
Youth ages 13-23 gather to improve lives of those dealing with issues related to mental health, substance abuse, foster care and juvenile justice.
Manito Equestrian Center
Farm offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine-Assisted learning, Therapeutic Riding, and Hippotherapy to individuals who are experiencing trauma, diagnosed with autism, or have physical or cognitive disabilities.
Muslim Association of the Lehigh Valley
They organize a variety of educational and social activities and gatherings that provide the children, youth, and families with wonderful opportunities to learn and grow as brothers and sisters in faith.
Northampton County Drop-in Center Recovery Partnership
A social rehabilitation program to relax, meet new people, and participate in activities. There is a bi-monthly newsletter with monthly activity calendars.
Office of Intellectual Disabilities Resources:
- Adult Autism Waiver: Medicaid waiver designed to provide long-term services and supports for community living for adults ages 21 years or old with Autism.
- Eastern PA Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU): Free training resource for health and wellness.
Resources for Human Development – The Lodge
They provide supported housing, educational and recreational programs, and vocational opportunities for adults with mental illness.
Unity House & Twin Rivers Clubhouses
A vocational psychosocial rehabilitation service to adults with mental health diagnoses. Provides meals, companionship, training, supported education, and work opportunities. They also provide transitional employment, supported employment, and independent employment with assistance to further vocational and educational goals.
Find My Ride
Apply directly to transportation providers across Pennsylvania that offer affordable transportation services for persons with disabilities, and people who need assistance to get to medical appointments.
LANTA
For information about using public transportation including the schedule, cost, and any special accommodations based on a disability. LANTA Telephone: 888-253-8333.
Medical Assistance Transportation Program
The Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) covers transportation services under certain situations. Contact your local MATP provider by calling 1-888-647-4814. A one-time MATP application must be completed and signed. The MATP provider will give you information about how to schedule transportation, use the local program and about your rights.
You can also download the TRANSIT app