Resources for
People with Special Needs
In Blair County
Furthering Education
Before going to college or trade school, be prepared to locate information about the school's Office of Student Disability Resources.
Schools, kindergarten through 12th grade, need to be able to identify students' needs and provide accommodations. However, colleges and trade schools are not required to identify needs,but do need to provide accommodations.
This means that the student attending the school needs to be able to:
1. Tell their school what accommodations they need
2. They may be required to provide documentation
Resources to assist with completing these 2 steps can be found below:
Note: There may be specific dates you need to request accommodations by. So, be sure to check with your school as soon as possible.
The Center for Independent Living
Can help you advocate for yourself to get the services you need at your school.
To Learn more or begin recieving these services.... Steps to begin receiving services: Individuals may call the office and an Independent Living Specialist will contact the individual. Phone Number: 814-949-1905 Hours of Operation: Monday -Tuesday 8am -4pm, Friday by appointment Address: 3013 Beale Ave Ste B102 Altoona PA 16601 Email Address: mdombrowski@cilscpa.org Eligibility Requirements: Individuals self-declare that they have a significant disability. The CILSCPA service region includes: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana and Somerset Counties. Cost: CILSCPA is funded through a grant from the Federal Government. There is no cost for Consumers. Additional Services the Center for Independent Living provides: 1. Finding Employment 2. Employment training 3. Independent Living: - Independent Living Skills Training - Advocacy 4. Information and Referral: (Help finding services?) -Transition from High School to Community Living - Nursing Home Transition Learn more at: https://cilscpa.org/ This organization would also like you to know: We help students learn and maintain the independent living skills that they need to lead full lives in a community setting.
TECH OWL- Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
Provides testing and recommendations to match your needs with tools and technology. TechOWL finds tools and technology for people across Pennsylvania.
Links to Some University Disability Offices
Bloomsburg University Disability Services:
https://www.bloomu.edu/offices-directory/disability-services
Bucknell University Accessibility Resources for Students:
Dickinson College Access and Disability Services: https://www.dickinson.edu/homepage/71/disability_services
Indiana University of Pennsylvania Department for Disability Access and Advising: https://www.iup.edu/disabilitysupport/
Juniata College Student Accessibility Services:
https://www.juniata.edu/student-accessibility-services/
Lebanon Valley College Center for Accessibility Resources: https://www.lvc.edu/offices/accessibility-resources/
Lockhaven University Disability and Community Services:
Disability and Community Services (lockhaven.edu)
Lycoming College Accessibility Resources:
Accessibility Resources - Academic Resource Center | Lycoming College
Mansfield University Services for Students with Disabilities:
Services for Students with Disabilities | Mansfield University
Messiah University for Students with Disabilities: https://www.messiah.edu/info/21167/library_services/1845/for_students_with_disabilities
Mount Aloysius College Accessibility Services:
https://www.mtaloy.edu/student-life/health-wellness-services/accommodation-services/
Penn State Altoona Student Disability Resources:
Penn State Harrisburg Student Disability Resources:
https://harrisburg.psu.edu/student-disability-resources
Penn State University Park Student Disability Resources:
https://admissions.psu.edu/sasd-2023/infofair/student-disability-resources/
Pennsylvania College of Technology Accessibility Statement:
https://www.pct.edu/student-life/disability-services/accessibility-statement
PennWest California Office for Students with Disabilities: https://www.calu.edu/inside/student-resources/disabilities/index.aspx
PennWest Clarion Disability Support:
https://www.clarion.edu/academics/student-success-center/disability-support/
Shippensburg University the Office of Accessibility Resources:
Shippensburg University - Accessibility Resources
Slippery Rock University Office of Disability Services:
https://www.sru.edu/offices/students-with-disabilities-office-for
St. Francis Disability Services:
https://www.francis.edu/about-us/campus-offices/disability-services
University of Pittsburgh Disability Resources and Services: https://www.diversity.pitt.edu/disability-access/disability-resources-and-services
Some Links from the Pennsylvania Department of Education
Page about College Planning - scroll down to see resource links for students with disabilities:
https://www.education.pa.gov/Postsecondary-Adult/CollegeCareer/CollegePlanning/Pages/default.aspx
Map of PA's Postsecondary and Higher Education Institutions – click on school names in the left column and links to school websites pop up: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1sg-07oIGvrderCPPkYiy3c3RDW8&ll=40.79821330000003%2C-77.8599084&z=8
Last Updated: 12/13/23
Map description from website:
Pennsylvania is home to nearly 250 postsecondary and higher education institutions.
-14 community colleges
-14 state-owned universities
-4 state-related commonwealth universities and 2 affiliates
-8 private state-aided institutions
-92 private colleges and universities
-13 theological seminaries
-4 private two-year colleges private two-year colleges
-1 state school of technology
-63 specialized associate degree granting institutions
-25 "other" institutions
Resources Provided by a Transition Coordinator
My Future: https://myfuture.com/
- Careers, college, military
PA Post-Secondary Offices for Disability Services Contact Information: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1sISsusZtmayWYNl_K4jFbeQb_ZwZfogvWWUndE3LiVQ/edit#gid=0
Supporting Students with Disabilities and Learning Differences in College Admissions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1daiDTvzpRt165RGzH70qqe5oKs_lksFMBhAV3Oc5rNI/edit
OVR Flowchart: https://padlet.com/lrusso17/virtual-secondary-transition-for-tac-kgkk0f9puw11/wish/1111182446