PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers examined gaps in services for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities during a policy hearing Tuesday, as families and advocates urged changes to state laws governing education, housing and long-term support after students leave school.
Members of the House Majority Policy Committee toured The Camphill School’s Transition Program before holding a roundtable discussion focused on barriers facing students as they age out of educational services and move into adulthood.
A central issue raised during the discussion was Pennsylvania law requiring students with disabilities to leave school the day before their 22nd birthday, regardless of whether they have completed their educational program.
Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester, who co-hosted the event, characterized the discussion as an effort to identify ways to expand opportunities for students transitioning into adulthood.
“Today’s roundtable is about finding ways we can fundamentally fund opportunities for young people with disabilities to transition into adulthood and safely integrate into their communities,” Friel stated.
The Camphill School’s Transition Program operates on a 133-acre farm in Phoenixville, providing residential and day programs for students ages 18 to 22. The program combines vocational training, life-skills instruction and community living to prepare participants for adult life.
Stakeholders argued that many graduates are unable to access comparable services after leaving school, often moving into group homes or other supported living arrangements that do not offer the same level of programming.
Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, advocated for broader access to programs modeled after The Camphill School.
“I really want to see more communities have access to programs like these,” Otten stated. “It’s my goal to make sure communities like this are part of our system of care in Pennsylvania.”
Parents also urged lawmakers to reconsider state policies affecting residential options for adults with disabilities.
Jody Weaver, whose twin sons attended The Camphill School, described the challenges her family encountered after the students reached the age limit for educational services.
“My boys had the support, the love, and the services they needed to thrive. The day after their 22nd birthday, everything changed,” Weaver stated.
Participants also discussed Pennsylvania’s treatment of intentional communities under the Home and Community Based Services program. According to speakers, the state’s current policies prevent funding for settings such as The Camphill School and limit the development of similar residential communities, even as other states have adopted funding models for comparable programs.
House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, argued that programs preparing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for independent living should be expanded rather than constrained by existing regulations.
“We should be doing everything in our power to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build the personal and professional skills needed to live independently in communities across the commonwealth,” Bizzarro stated.
The roundtable included Guy Alma, director of development at The Camphill School for Children and Youth with Disabilities; Emma Brunner, director of Delphi Provider; Stephanie Kilcoyne, ID deputy administrator for the Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities; Anna Thomas, whose daughter attended The Camphill School; and Weaver.
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