Phila.gov
Intellectual disAbilities Services
My City, My Place
Philadelphia Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS) is an administrative entity under contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs to administer services in Philadelphia County. IDS works with the Commonwealth and service providers to offer quality supports and services so individuals will have choices in their lives, meaningful relationships, and participation in their community as valued citizens.
Our Services
We at IDS keep the emphasis on “ability,” rather than disability, and so we use the big “A” and little “d” in spelling our name, which can be seen on our letterhead, signage, and websites. We are a division of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, our departmental acronym is “DBHIDS.”
Respect and dignity toward all our citizens is one of the ways a great nation will be judged. DBHIDS is pleased to support the growing movement to eliminate stigma, and stop using the “r-word.”
Our Values
People and their family members want to have an “everyday life” that is typical of the general population, and DBHIDS supports these values. To learn more about the Values, Beliefs, and Guidelines of Philadelphia IDS, use the links below.
IDS Events
You can keep track of IDS events by following the link below. Be sure to keep up to date on everything that’s happening in the city and within the IDS community.
Our Initiatives
“Employment 1st, Employment NOW!” focuses on core values, beliefs, tools, strategies, tips, and techniques, that will move employment forward in our region. The emphasis is on current legislation and how they will impact employment services in Philadelphia and beyond.
More and more people are hearing and understanding the message – having a job is a huge part of realizing personal satisfaction and community inclusion. Earning money, contributing to the community, opportunities for social interaction and increasing social capital are all key aspects of how employment can be an important part of building and enjoying an everyday life.
Realizing employment outcomes for everyone and creating a ‘culture of employment’ requires collaboration and partnership. What is a culture of employment? It is a belief that people with disabilities belong in the community workforce, earning a living, and a commitment to employment outcomes and the resources to “Make Employment Happen.”
Visit our Resources page to view the employment resources we have available.
What is LifeSharing?
LifeSharing is an alternative living arrangement that places individuals with intellectual disabilities in Philadelphia of all ages within a caring household designed to provide a supportive environment to facilitate community integration and individual enrichment. LifeSharing is recognized as both a close personal relationship and a place to live. LifeSharers offer individuals the opportunity to be part of a family, and to participate in community life.
LifeSharing is a supported environment that enhances personal growth and increases community connections. LifeSharing providers not only support the individual, they support the entire family. “LifeSharers” who open their homes and their hearts to a person we serve also reap the benefits that come with giving, and enjoy both the growth of the person they support, as well as their own. Each LifeSharing success story is built one by one, and supported one by one. One person really can make all the difference.
Learn more about LifeSharing, because everybody deserves a family.
LifeSharing Informational Brochure (pdf)
For more information about LifeSharing, please contact:
Cheryl Armbrister
215-685-4631
Cheryl.armbrister@phila.gov
Wendy Williams
215-685-4680
Wendy.williams@phila.gov
Everyone Communicates
Well, of course everyone communicates . . .right? But as we know, not everyone communicates using words. Even then it’s hard to understand what someone is trying to communicate. And isn’t that really the definition of communication? Not only is it putting out information, it is also the successful receiving of that information, because true communication is only achieved when the message is sent, and then received as intended!
Visit our Resources page to view the communication resources we have available.
Resources
Below you can find a series of resources available in the categories of General IDS Resources, Adult Services, and Children’s Services. To access each category’s list of available resources, simply click on the headings below.
General IDS Resources
- Overview of Philadelphia IDS and Its Various Units
- Waiver and Eligibility Requirements
- Priotization for Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS)
PUNS is a statewide database that records information about indivdiuals with developmental disabilities who are potentilaly in need of services.
Community Connections
- That All May Worship
An interfaith welcome to people with disabilities from The Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition
- Disabilities and Faith
Training faith-based organizations how to be more welcoming and accessible.
- Your Religious Community
Autism Speaks provides resources to help those with autism be more welcomed in their houses of worship, and become more active participants in their faith communities.
- DBH Faith and Spiritual Affairs (FSA)
Faith and spiritual affairs is dedicated to informing faith and spiritual communities about behavioral health care services and reducing the stigma of behavioral health concerns.
SEPTA
SEPTA understands the critical role of public transit in making independence and mobility possible. They are dedicated to making it easier for customers to use fixed route and paratransit services. For Customer Service: www.septa.org or call 215-580-7800, or write to Customer Service Department, 1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107.
SEPTA Customized Community Transportation (CCT) provides paratransit service – CCT Connect – to individuals with disabilities and senior citizens. In addition, SEPTA‘s bus fleet is 100% accessible. SEPTA offers ADA Paratransit Service and the Shared-Ride Program.
For information call 215-580-7145 or log on to www.septa.org.
Adult Services Resources
- Leadership and Career Studies at Temple University
The Academy supports individuals with developmental disabilities to fully participate in classes and community life at Temple. Day and evening classes offer an opportunity for students to pursue their individual interests in a wide variety of subjects. - Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
State agency helps people with disabilities prepare for, start and maintain a career. OVR works with schools to make sure people who will benefit from transition services receive the information they need. The Office is located at 444 N. Third St., Philadelphia, PA 19123. For further information call 215-560-1900. - PA Career Link
Connecting businesses with qualified people, and connecting people with training, jobs, and careers. - PA College of Direct Support
A national, web-based curriculum designed for individuals who support people with developmental disabilities. The College is designed to begin to build a common language, enhancing communication and helping everyone to better support the people we serve. The Commonwealth and IDS recognize the value of the work of direct support professionals (DSPs); the curriculum is designed to help DSPs grow and succeed. Individuals and families also can benefit from the College; there is no charge to individuals and families currently registered with IDS.
