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Helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities feel valued
Merakey supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to enhance their abilities and interests. We partner with individuals as they become self-sufficient and live everyday lives. Merakey helps individuals find meaningful roles in their community and to feel valued as community members.
We Help With
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Adult Autism
- Dual Diagnosis (mental health challenge and intellectual disability)
Available In
- California
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
Chris's Story
Chris doesn’t let life challenges get in the way of achieving his goals!
Newly independent after graduating from Merakey’s Intensive Transition Services program for adults with dual diagnosis, Chris has made our team proud and is ready for anything.
Programs Offered
Intensive Transition Services (ITS)
ITS provides person-centered, recovery-oriented, and holistic support to individuals who are dually diagnosed with a developmental disability and mental illness, and possibly other co-occurring disorders.
Supported Living
Supported Living is for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who live on their own but want a little extra support with activities of daily living. Merakey staff provide 1:1 support and make sure that individuals get all their physical and behavioral health needs met.
Merakey Allegheny Valley School
Merakey Allegheny Valley School (Merakey AVS), is a private, non-profit organization established in 1960 to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visit avs.merakey.org to learn more about Merakey Allegheny Valley School.
Respite Care
Respite Care provides short term, temporary living arrangements to families caring for a person with disabilities. Individuals who require or request time away from their current residence may also receive respite care.
Specialized Residential Homes
Specialized Residential Homes are designed to meet the complex needs of people with very specialized physical and behavioral health issues, including dementia, autism, dual diagnoses, and problematic sexual behaviors.
Community Living/Group Homes
Merakey provides group living for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Group homes are located in many different communities and neighborhoods and can be single homes, townhomes, or apartments.
Family/Shared Living
The Family/Shared Living program provides adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities the chance to live with a family. Individuals in the program choose a family or individual they want to live with in an apartment or house.
Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) are community-based residential programs that provide services to individuals who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Services include personal care, help developing communication and social skills, and recreational activities.
In-home Support
Merakey staff provide in-home support for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who need help with personal care, safety, communication, social skills development, and more. Merakey staff can also help with any prescribed therapy.
Non-traditional Community Day Services/Home and Community Habilitation
This program is for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities who want to participate in a day program that is less structured than traditional programs. Non-traditional Community Day Services focus on spending time in the community doing recreational and volunteer activities.
Supports Coordination
Supports Coordination is a case management program for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Supports Coordinators make sure that individuals have the services they need, whether they are living in a residential community or in the community.
Behavior Support Services
Behavior Support Services empower people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to lead the lives they want. Behavior Support Professionals work with individuals, family members, and Merakey support team members to create goals and a support plan.
Early Intervention Case Management
Early Intervention (EI) Case Management provides support to families with young children who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), ensuring that they have access to recommended evaluations and therapies so that children have the best chance at growth and development.
Employment (Transitional, Supported, Competitive)
Merakey empowers people by helping them find jobs in the community. Individuals who want help finding a job can work with a Merakey Training specialist or job coach to find a position that is right for their skills and interests.
Adult Training Facility
The Adult Training Facility (ATF) is a specialized day program for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The program offers various activities including community service. Participation in an ATF can prepare people to transition to more independent day programs.
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