VACHP: Support Resources

ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
Provides information to support service providers and families through training, technical assistance, evaluations and research.

Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
A comprehensive, on-line information and resource center providing illness-related information, family stories and photos, message boards, and much, much more!

Family Village
This site integrates information, resources and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with mental retardation and other disabilities, for their families, and for those who provide them services and support.

Grand Parent Again
For grandparents raising their grandchildren. Includes information about support groups, legal information and personal stories.

International Ventilators Users Network
IVUN links ventilator users with each other and with health care professionals interested in mechanical ventilation and home care.

Liberty Resources
Liberty Resources is a non-profit, consumer-controlled organization that advocates and promotes independent living for persons with disabilities. Services include information and referral, peer support, skills training, advocacy, as well as several additional programs and services.

Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation
Provides a lot of useful information for families on muscular dystrophy.

Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania
Matches parents and family members of children and adults with disabilities or special needs to supporting parents on a one-to-one basis.

The Peal Center (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center)
The PEAL Center is Pennsylvania's parent training and information center serving Western and Central PA. This organization of parents of children with disabilities reaches out to assist other parents and professionals.


	Psychosocial Support Resources There is nothing like a common experience to draw people together. Being understood and supported by others who have been in similar situations provides the valuable support that families facing illness and disability need. The following resources contain information and suggestions for all family members. Ability On-line An active support network that connects young people with disabilities to disabled and non-disabled peers and mentors via e-mail. This site is also a good resource for obtaining information about current medical breakthroughs, educational and employment opportunities.	Philadelphia Office: 100 N. 20th Street Suite 201 Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-977-8830 215-977-8228 (FAX #) Pittsburgh Office: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC One Children's Hospital Drive 4401 Penn Avenue AOB, 2nd Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15224 1-877-KID-VENT
		Updated 03-24-2010
	ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center Provides information to support service providers and families through training, technical assistance, evaluations and research. Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy A comprehensive, on-line information and resource center providing illness-related information, family stories and photos, message boards, and much, much more! Family Village This site integrates information, resources and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with mental retardation and other disabilities, for their families, and for those who provide them services and support. Federation for Children with Special Needs Support for families with special needs children. Grand Parent Again For grandparents raising their grandchildren. Includes information about support groups, legal information and personal stories. International Ventilators Users Network IVUN links ventilator users with each other and with health care professionals interested in mechanical ventilation and home care. Liberty Resources Liberty Resources is a non-profit, consumer-controlled organization that advocates and promotes independent living for persons with disabilities. Services include information and referral, peer support, skills training, advocacy, as well as several additional programs and services. Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation Provides a lot of useful information for families on muscular dystrophy. Parents Involved Network (PIN) Provides support, information, referral, advocacy and workshops/conferences. Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania Matches parents and family members of children and adults with disabilities or special needs to supporting parents on a one-to-one basis. The Peal Center (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center) The PEAL Center is Pennsylvania's parent training and information center serving Western and Central PA. This organization of parents of children with disabilities reaches out to assist other parents and professionals. Vent Users Support Network Site contains a newsletter for ventilator-dependent adults, as well as many links to helpful resources.