Support and Advocacy

Bancroft is committed to helping families gain knowledge and access important resources to help their family member be successful. The information and resources provided here was collected by Bancroft professional staff to help family members learn more about specific topics. Bancroft professionals are also available to answer specific questions or help you access support, when needed, for your family. Please be advised that the information provided is for educational purposes only and that Bancroft does not endorse any of the products or services listed.

Bancroft's Important Advocate Phone Numbers

Web Resources

Action Alliance for Parents of the Deaf
3033 Mathers Mill Road
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610-825-4568

Information and emotional support for parents of deaf, hearing impaired, and hard-of-hearing children.

Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities (ABCD)
The Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with multiple physical and developmental disabilities so that they may have the opportunity to attain the highest level of purpose and dignity.

American Society for Deaf Children
3820 Hartzdale Drive
Camp Hill, PA 17011
866-895-4206 / 717-703-0073

Information, support and referral services for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

ASPEN, Inc.
ASPEN provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with education, support and advocacy.

Bright Beacon
Bright Beacon exists to provide a safe haven for parents of children with medical needs to meet, discuss their children, their children's medical needs, and perhaps even their own personal stories: their victories, defeats, joys and sorrows. Access is free of charge.

Delawareans with Special Needs: Medicaid Support Group
102 Glade Circle W.
Rehoboth, DE 19971
302-226-5231

For people with disabilities having trouble with Delaware’s Medicaid program. Advocate for children with special health care needs and their families

Disabled Citizens of Cherry Hill Township
Office of Ombudsman
820 Mercer Street
Room 102
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
856-488-4279 / 856-488-4280

Provides information to assist in advocacy, social services, recreation and legislation.

Disability is Natural: People First Language
The mission of this site is to encourage new ways of thinking about developmental disabilities, in the belief that changes in our attitudes and actions can help create a society where all children and adults with developmental disabilities have opportunities to live the lives of their dreams, included in all areas of life.

Disability Rights New Jersey
Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ) is the consumer-directed, non-profit organization that serves as New Jersey's designated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in the state. In partnership with individuals with disabilities and their families, DRNJ works to protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities. DRNJ provides information and referral and a broad range of advocacy services, including legal representation in numerous cases in state and federal courts.

Division of Advocacy for the Developmentally Disabled
The Division of Advocacy for the Developmentally Disabled shall promote, advocate, and ensure the adequacy of the care received, and the quality of life experienced, by persons with developmental disabilities, including patients, residents, and clients within the developmental disabilities facilities and programs operated, funded, or licensed by the state. In determining what elements are essential to ensure adequate care and quality of life, the Division shall consider the unique medical, social, and economic needs and problems of persons with developmental disabilities as patients, residents, and clients of facilities and as citizens and community members.

Family Support center of New Jersey
The Family Support Center is a clearinghouse of up-to-date information on a national, state and local family support programs, services and disabilities. The Center offers a "One-Stop-Shopping" approach to individuals seeking information on disabilities and services by providing them with easy access to a comprehensive array of services.

Freedom Valley Disability Center
3607 Chapel Road
Suite B
Newtown Square, PA 19073
800-427-4754 / 610-353-6640

Offers peer counseling, peer support and advocacy for all people with all disabilities.

National Downs Syndrome Society
National Downs Syndrome Society web site provides links to various support groups for parents of children and adults with Downs Syndrome.

New Jersey Department of Human Services Good Neighbors
Good Neighbors, Community Living for People with Disabilities, is the Department's public education program to increase public awareness about people with disabilities and the kinds of community living arrangements in which they reside. As part of this effort, DHS representatives reach out to municipal officials, private organizations and New Jersey residents to provide information and to answer their questions, in hopes to achieve broader public acceptance and accommodations for people with disabilities.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities: Personal Rights Information
This site provides the personal rights of persons with developmental disabilities.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities: Self-Directed Services
Self-direction gives individuals and families greater control over the services they receive, how they receive them and who provides them. At the same time, people who self-direct must be willing to take on the responsibility of managing their services.

Parents Exchange
102 E. Mermaid lane
Philadelphia, PA 19118
610-962-0337

Information, referral and advocacy service for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.

Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.
132 W. Middle Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
800-990-3300 / 717-337-1134

Provides information, advocacy, support groups and referral services for Tourette syndrome patients and their families.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non-profit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN's supporters include autistic adults and youth, those with other distinct neurological types and neurotypical family members, professionals, educators and friends. ASAN was created to provide support and services to individuals on the autism spectrum while working to change public perception and combat misinformation by educating communities about persons on the autism spectrum. Their activities include public policy advocacy, community engagement to encourage inclusion and respect for neurodiversity, quality of life oriented research and the development of autistic cultural activities and other opportunities for autistic people to engage with others on the spectrum.

The Sibling Support Project
The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns.

Self Advocates Becoming Empowered
This group strives to make self-advocacy available in every state including institutions, high schools, rural areas and people living with families with local support and advisors to help. They work with the criminal justice system and people with disabilities to inform them about their rights within the criminal justice system. They close institutions for people with developmental disabilities labels nationwide, and build community supports.

We The People
Provides legal services in 13 states, specifically preparing legal documents at a reduced cost than that which an attorney would charge.