Access to COMHAR's Mental Retardation Services
Access to all mental retardation services for adults in Philadelphia is through the Philadelphia County of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services. This Office will schedule an intake appointment for you and/or your family member. If you are eligible for services you will be referred to one of the four organizations which provide city-wide Supports Coordination and Management. A Supports Coordinator will work with you to develop an individual service plan and assist you in choosing services offered by local agencies. COMHAR is one of the service providers you can select. We offer a full continuum of person centered, community integrated services for adults with mental retardation which are described below. The number to call to register for services is 215-685-4MRS (4677).

Core Team Services
Provides in-home clinical services to adults with developmental disabilities/mental retardation who live in the community, plus consultation and skills training for their caretakers so these adults can remain in the community and achieve greater independence. Consultants in behavioral intervention, mobility and orientation and sexuality education develop an individualized program for each client, train families and caretakers to carry out the program at home, and help them to handle the challenges of living with and caring for persons with disabilities. For information call 215-426-4537.

MR Training Services
Serves adults with mental retardation through four programs using a team approach to support individual needs and interests – from development of basic life skills to employment follow-up services. Adult Developmental Training helps more challenged individuals to learn and enhance basic life skills and to function as independently as possible. Vocational Training instills and strengthens work-related skills in a facility-based “workshop” setting. COMHAR Industrial Services contracts with area businesses to provide packaging, assembly, fulfillment, and other services. Individuals in the vocational program receive pay for their work as they learn important work skills. Visit the program website at www.comharservices.com for additional information. Community Integrated Employment Training refines participants' work-related skills and helps them find and retain competitive employment in the community. Job coaches work with individuals at their work site to help them learn required tasks and meet employer expectations. Older Adult Services provides both center based and community integrated activities to meet the needs and interests of seniors and their caretakers. For information on any of these training services call 215-425-9212. .

Residential Services
COMHAR's community based residences serve individuals with mental retardation who may also have additional disabilities such as cerebral palsy, hearing and vision impairments, physical handicaps and mental illness. Located throughout Philadelphia and in Montgomery County, these homes offer varying levels of supervision and assistance based on the individuals' needs. Residential programs provide staff support and a range of training, habilitation services, and community experiences that enable each person to develop the skills and competencies required for increased independence. Staff encourage individuals to participate actively in their own care, in their community and in making life choices. For more information call 215-203-3076.

Bilingual staff members are available to work with Spanish speaking individuals—both adults and children—in most COMHAR programs.