Family Resources
Partner Organizations
PEAL Center
The PEAL (Parent Education Advocacy Leadership) Center is an organization of parents of children with special health care needs and disabilities reaching out to assist other parents and professionals. For more information, visit their website here.Â
Eruption Athletics
Eruption Athletics is a group personal training program for men and women with extra needs and disabilities. This athletic trainer-certified program helps aid in the development of strength, flexibility, endurance, and body control as well as providing a safe comfortable social environment in which these individuals can grow and learn. If you would like more information, check out their website.
Best Buddies
Best Buddies is a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information or to find a local program, please click here.
Lifesteps
Lifesteps provides adult services for adults with special needs. They help individuals and families with life’s changing needs by developing programs and providing services which will improve their quality of life. For more information on their programs, please visit their website.
21 and Able
21 and Able is an initiative that is working to create a roadmap for youth with disabilities who are transitioning out of the education and supportive services system to work, live independently, and participate actively in their communities to the extent possible for each individual. To learn more, click here.
Special Activities
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Sensory-Friendly Performances
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Sensory-Friendly Performances
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is proud to continue its sensory-friendly programming. Experience these shows in a supportive theater setting designed for patrons with sensory sensitivities and other special needs. Accommodations include relaxed house rules, lower sound levels, and specially trained volunteers. Learn more click the link below.
Sensory-friendly Performances: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (pbt.org)
Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Loews Waterfront is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Visit their website to check for showings and movie times.
Three Rivers Adaptive Rowing Association
Three Rivers Rowing Adaptive Programs offer athletes aged 12 and older with disabilities the chance to enjoy the fun, challenge, and relaxation experienced by all who have been “hooked” by the sports of rowing and paddling. For more information on the program, please visit the Three Rivers Rowing Association website.
New Horizons
The CLO New Horizons program teaches performing arts to people with disabilities. Learn to sing, dance and act in the convenience of your own location, as their new online classes are now available! Learn more by visiting the link below.
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
To learn more about sensory friendly activities, engaging programs, and accommodations at The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, visit the link below!
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra hosts sensory friendly performances throughout the year. Visit their website to learn more.
https://www.pittsburghsymphony.org/accessibility/sensory_friendly?org=2
Planning for the Future
Estate Planning for Parents of Children with Autism
As people grow older, especially parents, they begin to think about the future, and how their children will be provided for after they’re gone. This can be especially important when you have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. To learn more about how to best plan, please click the link below.
https://www.justgreatlawyers.com/estate-planning-checklist-basics
Special Needs Trusts
A Special Needs Trust or Supplemental Needs Trust is designed to allow individuals with special needs to access additional funds without risking the loss of their government benefits. To learn more about this and how to best plan, please click the link below.