Family Support

MISSION:  To assist and empower people with disabilities and their families to seek quality and satisfaction in their lives as well as equal access to supports and services.

The mission of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities and their families to achieve greater independence, choice and opportunity in their lives. This resource center is the home for ODP’s training, communications, and informational resources. For information on regulations, ODP Bulletins, licensing and the Department of Human Services, visit the DHS website

The Charting the LifeCourse Framework was created BY FAMILIES to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live. Individuals and families may focus on their current situation and stage of life but may also find it helpful to look ahead to think about life experiences that will help move them toward an inclusive, productive life in the future.

Even though it was originally created for people with disabilities, this universally-designed framework may be used by any person or family making a life plan, regardless of life circumstances.

The Community of Practice for Supporting Families of Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities involves working with six states to develop systems of support for families throughout the lifespan of their family member with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).