Disability Advocacy in Central Pennsylvania

Self-advocacy: speaking up for yourself

Self-advocacy means knowing what you're owed and being able to ask for it. An Independent Living Specialist works with you one-on-one to:

• Understand your rights under the ADA, the Fair Housing Act, and special education law
• Prepare for a meeting where you have to make your case, whether that's an IEP meeting, a benefits appeal, a landlord, or an employer
• Write the letter, complete the form, or make the call
• Practice what you're going to say before you say it

We sit beside you. We don't speak for you. The skill stays with you after the meeting ends.

Systems advocacy: fixing the barrier, not just the case

Some problems aren't one person's problem. A bus route that skips an entire neighborhood. A polling place with three steps at the door. A new building that treats the accessible entrance as an afterthought. Systems advocacy goes after the barrier itself so the next person doesn't hit it.

Thrive works with consumers, local officials, transit agencies, and other disability organizations across Central PA to change policies and practices. Consumers lead this work. We bring the organizing and the follow-through.

What we can help with

• Requesting a reasonable accommodation from a landlord or property manager
• Requesting accommodations at work
• Special education issues, IEPs, and 504 plans
• Benefits problems and appeals
• Accessible transportation
• Getting into a building, business, or public meeting that isn't accessible
• Healthcare access and communication access
• Moving out of a nursing facility and back into the community
• Any situation where you know something is wrong and aren't sure what to do next

If it isn't on this list, ask anyway. If we can't help, we'll tell you who can.

What advocacy at Thrive is not

We aren't attorneys, and advocacy isn't legal representation. If your situation needs a lawyer, we'll point you toward legal services that take disability cases.

Thrive is federally funded, so we don't lobby. We don't endorse candidates, campaign for or against legislation, or speak for any political party. We educate, we inform, and we help people speak for themselves.

Who can get advocacy support

Anyone with a disability living in Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin, or Perry county. Family members and caregivers can reach out too. There's no cost, no age limit, and no referral needed.

Live outside our five counties? Call us anyway at (717) 731-1900 and we'll connect you with the Center for Independent Living that covers your area.

Ready to get started?

Advocacy starts with a conversation. Call us at (717) 731-1900, Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, or send us a message and someone from our team will get back to you.

Advocacy does require an intake, and intakes at Thrive are done in person at our Herr Street office. We'll set that up when you reach out.

Questions people ask

Does advocacy cost anything?

No. Thrive's advocacy services are free.

Do I have to come into the office?

For the intake, yes. Intakes at Thrive are done in person at 2601 Herr Street in Harrisburg. After that we can work with you in person, by phone, or by email, whatever works for you.

Do I need a formal diagnosis or paperwork?

No. Call us and we'll walk you through what to bring.

Will someone come to my meeting with me?

Often, yes. An Independent Living Specialist can be there to support you. You do the talking. We're there to help you prepare and to back you up.

What's the difference between advocacy and legal help?

Advocacy is helping you understand your rights, prepare your case, and communicate with the people making the decision. Legal help is representation by an attorney in a formal proceeding. We do the first and refer you for the second.

Can you help if I don't live in your five counties?

Call us and we'll connect you with the Center for Independent Living that serves your area. Every county in Pennsylvania is covered by one.

Don't just live. Thrive.

Nothing about us without us. Every service we offer is built and delivered by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities.