Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

COMHAR supports individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to reach their fullest potential and live happy, productive lives. We provide customized programming that helps individuals maximize the skills they need to thrive at home or in their communities.

COMHAR offers a complete spectrum of services and has been a trusted name for over 45 years via three programs:

Community Participation Support (CPS) Program

Community-Living/Residential Program

Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)

Vanderwoude Center

COMHAR’s Vanderwoude Center is the epicenter of our ID Supports. In addition to housing our administrative offices, the Vanderwoude Center is the hub for the Community Participation Supports and Supported Employment programs. This wonderful space offers individuals a safe environment where they can continue to grow.

Community Participation Support Services

Direct Support Professionals assist individuals to improve self-care skills and greater independence by increasing their capacity to be more self-sufficient and, for those who desire, vocational skill building which can lead to employment in the community.

The individuals served in this program must have a primary diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disabilities or autism. Many are dual diagnosed with ID and mental health issues. We serve a substantial number of wheelchair users in this program and others with complicated medical conditions.

The services provided offer:

Home and Community Habitation (Community Based Instruction)
Companion Services
Older Adult Services

Supported Employment

Job coaches support individuals to obtain employment that best meets the individual’s needs. Once a job is obtained, the job coach works to support the participant to become independent on the job or help to bridge paid support with natural support at the work site. The program can serve persons with any OVR certified disability (not limited to ID and autism).

Access to Supported Employment services is made through Consolidated or Person/Family Directed Support (PFDS) Waivers, OVR contract, Adult Autism Waiver, or private pay.

For more information, contact the Employment Program Coordinator at 215-425-9212 ext 238 or email sharon.skirkie@comhar.org.

Behavioral Support Services/Autism Support Services

Members receive one-on-one clinical supports to address specific behavioral challenges. The Master’s level clinicians assess the behaviors, determine what is driving the behaviors and then, in consultation with the individuals’ teams, develop support plans to be implemented by care givers.

The Vanderwoude Center

The Vanderwoude Center is located at 3825 Whitaker Avenue.
For more information, call (215) 425-9212.

Directions

ID Residential Services

Community Living Arrangements

Direct Support Professionals (DSP) support residents with activities of daily living in community-based residences. These homes typically support between one and three residents, and offer various levels of staffing supports. Additionally, our teams help residents to maintain medical care for both chronic and acute conditions. DSPs will promote community experiences for the residents as we support individuals to reach their fullest potential.

The individuals served in this program must have a primary diagnosis of intellectual/developmental disabilities or autism. Many are dual diagnosed with ID and mental health issues. We serve a substantial number of wheelchair users in this program and others with complicated medical conditions.

For more information, call (215) 425-9212.

Respite Care

COMHAR’s ID Residential Program offers short-term support for individuals whose caretakers are unable to temporarily provide care. These services are provided in one of COMHAR’s licensed residential homes and are staffed by our Direct Support Professionals. Typically, these services are offered for less than 30 days.

Access to Supported Employment services is made through Consolidated or Person/Family Directed Support (PFDS) Waivers, OVR contract, Adult Autism Waiver, or private pay.

For more information, call (215) 425-9212.

Intermediate Care Facility

The Intermediate Care Facility/Intellectual Disability program serves individuals who are diagnosed with severe to profound intellectual disabilities or other related conditions. Each individual’s services are delivered in accordance with a single, comprehensive individual rehabilitation plan that is developed, monitored, coordinated, and revised by an interdisciplinary team.

The goal of the program is to provide active treatment to all individuals. Team members teach basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills to help enrich the individuals’ lives. Regulations require that all residents attend the day program and participate in community activities as part of the active treatment process. Access to services that enhance development, well-being and quality of life are provided to each individual.

Additionally, access to the most normal and least restrictive social and physical environments consistent with each individual’s needs are provided. Services reflect person-centered planning, inclusion in community life, and control and choice by the individuals served.

For more information, call (215) 425-9212.