A Message from the President

PAR was incorporated in 1970 as a statewide, not-for-profit 501c3 organization. Our mission is to ensure that the quality of supports and services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and individuals living with autism and their families is continuously improved through an association of providers who are committed to that purpose.

PAR is unique in that it is the only statewide provider association in the Commonwealth dedicated exclusively to intellectual disabilities and autism. PAR members provide over $1.34Billion in mental retardation services and supports in Pennsylvania and employ over 27,000 Pennsylvanians.

PAR members provide the full range of supports and services to more than 42,000 individuals with mental retardation and over 8,000 children and adults living with autism in over 4,500 locations in the Commonwealth in addition to providing numerous non-residential and in-home supports.

We represent home and community-based service providers from every region of the Commonwealth, providing supports and services in all 48 county/county joinders. PAR members range from small family providers to large multi-state agencies – the majority providing both licensed and non-licensed waiver services.

All PAR providers are bound to a Code of Ethics dedicated to providing a normative environment which supports human and civil rights, and contributes to human dignity and growth.

To assist this association of providers, PAR has a dedicated core staff, a 17-member Board of Directors, a network of lobbyists, attorneys, consultants and business partners that help us carry out the association's mission.

I invite you to explore our website and involve yourself in our mission by applying to work for one of our members, by donating to the association or our individual members, by finding the services you need through our website or by joining this great association where good things happen as we work together.

Sincerely,