Potential Inc. specializes in understanding the unique needs of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Potential Inc. is certified by the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE).
To teach and support adults with autism to successfully function in their daily lives and in the community, we offer the following services under the State of Pennsylvania’s Adult Autism Waiver Assistance Program:
Community Inclusion
Potential Inc. teaches individuals with autism the skills needed for activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, or doing housework, managing money, and cooking. We also help individuals learn to function in the community, which may include using public transportation, shopping, participating in a hobby, or attending an event.
Behavior Support
Potential Inc. provides support to individuals with autism whose behavior can make it difficult to live at home and be active in the community. Such behavior may be disruptive or destructive.
Our Behavioral Specialists are trained to understand why a person may act out. Behavioral Specialists create a support plan for the individual and those who are in regular contact with the individual to help the individual be more independent and provide assistance when he or she is in crisis.
Job Assessment/Finding
Potential Inc. assesses individuals with autism and helps them find paid or volunteer work in the community.
Job assessment includes reviewing the individual’s work history, interests, and skills to determine what types of jobs and/or training will be best-suited for the person; identifying appropriate types of jobs in the community; and providing situational assessments to determine if the individual has the ability and/or interest to do a particular job.
Job finding includes identifying a specific job that matches the participant’s skills and interests with an employer’s needs; and helping the individual apply for an appropriate job.
Respite (In home)
Potential Inc. provides the unpaid caregiver of an individual with autism a short break from caretaking duties when the caregiver is unable to do so because of unusual circumstances. This support is provided in the individual’s home.
Examples of respite circumstances include when a caregiver has jury duty or needs to be away overnight to attend to a family emergency.
Supported Employment
Once an individual with autism has found employment, Potential Inc. provides him or her with ongoing assistance to keep the job. Supported employment is designed to decrease the individual’s need for specialized help in the work environment.
For example, a Potential staff member may accompany the individual to work to help him or her learn the workplace routine and meet coworkers. The Potential staff member can also assist the individual’s supervisor and coworkers become familiar with the individual and his or her needs. The Potential staff member will accompany the individual to work less frequently over time but be available to provide extra support if needed.
For more information on becoming a part of the Waiver and its offering please use the links and descriptions below:
Applying for the Autism Waiver Program
To be eligible for the program, individuals must:
- Be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Be at least 21 years old at the time of the application
- Live in Pennsylvania
- Meet certain financial and functional requirements
Applications can be requested by calling the state’s Bureau of Autism Services’ toll-free number at 1-866-539-7689. Callers are requested to leave a message with the following information:
- Name of the person who wishes to apply
- Telephone number
- Address
- County of residence
- The name and daytime phone number of the person calling on behalf of the person applying (if applicable).
For more information, visit www.autisminpa.org.
