Become a Member

If you are or know someone eighteen years of age or older who is developmentally disabled and may benefit from our services, please contact AADD at 215-886-9990 or send an email to info@aaddpa.org with your mailing address.

An Application, Medical Form and Emergency Information Form and other paperwork will be sent to you to complete. The Executive Director or another qualified staff member must interview all candidates (with a family or staff member) before membership is offered. We currently serve individuals in the Philadelphia metro area only.

Follow Along Advocacy Service (FAAS)

Follow Along Advocacy Services (FAAS) are provided individually to members with significant needs that cannot be addressed within the context of the group sessions.  Members who need additional counseling meet with a facilitator on an individual basis.  The member, member's family or caregiver and facilitator will set goals to enable the member to work toward building self-confidence and to help guide the member through life's challenges. Our service include:

• Time management
• Social skills
• Teamwork
• Daily life skills
• Healthy choices
• Relationship building
• Personal goal planning
• Organizational skills
• Good citizenship
• Responsibility
• Independence
• Positive work habits
• Community involvement
• Peer support
• Career skills

The fee for this service is $45.00 an hour and is billed by AADD with an agreement by the facilitator and parents/caregivers.

Computer Training

Few people think about what life looks like for individuals with developmental disabilities, such as Down Syndrome or Severe Autism, as they transition from childhood into adulthood. Once graduated from high school, opportunities for jobs, learning, and socialization become less accessible leaving special needs individuals with little to no assistance other than what their aging parents can provide. In order to address and aid in these increasing challenges, the Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities would like to begin offering computer lessons to our special needs members. The following are just a few of the many reasons why computer literacy is important for special needs adults: 

1. Employment applications are increasingly limited to 
     online platforms and employment is a major 
     milestone of independence for our members. 
     Members will feel more confident about finding and 
     applying to jobs if they have basic computer skills.
2. Government benefits that our members rely on, such 
     as Social Security and HCSIS waivers are also 
     increasingly online. Members will need to learn how 
     to access and update these benefits on their own if 
     they will one day live independently.
3. Public Transit is a form of transportation that many 
     of our members depend on. Schedules and updates 
     for Public Transit are constantly updated online. 
     Members will benefit greatly if educated in accessing 
     this information.

About the Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities:
Although considered adults, special needs individuals find it very difficult to acquire skills for  independent living. Applying-for and retaining employment, personal health and hygiene, public and social etiquette, cooking and nutrition, are just a few of the life skills that come naturally to those of us who are without disabilities. Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (AADD), formerly ADD, serves individuals 18 years of age and older living in the greater Philadelphia area who are affected by severe developmental disabilities. We have learned from our over 42-year history that the unique combination of education and social learning activity we provide is what leads to independence for the intellectually disabled.