Gentle Force Counseling is a trusted provider of intellectual and developmental disability services in Montgomery and Delaware County. We help individuals with IDD live more independently, in their own homes and as active members of their communities.
Our team offers personal care, medication management, meal preparation, transportation, and companionship. We tailor every plan to each person's needs. We also build strong relationships with families to create a warm, supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Our compassionate team of support staff provides a wide range of services tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of each client. Our In-Home Community Support Services include personal care assistance, medication management, meal preparation, household chores, transportation to appointments or activities, companionship, and more. We prioritize building strong relationships with our clients and their families to ensure a warm and supportive environment that fosters well-being and happiness.
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Intellectual and developmental disability services are a range of personalized supports that help individuals with cognitive, adaptive, and developmental challenges live more independently and take part in their communities. These services, often called IDD services or disability support services, are available to eligible children and adults through state-administered programs and federal Medicaid waiver funding.
An intellectual disability (ID) involves significant limits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. A developmental disability (DD) is a broader category that includes conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome that appear before age 22. When both are present, the term IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) is commonly used, following guidelines set by the AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities).
At Gentle Force Counseling, we provide intellectual and developmental disability services that are built around each person's strengths, goals, and choices, not a one-size-fits-all model. Updated in 2026 to reflect current best practices, our programs align with Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services standards and home and community-based services (HCBS) requirements.
To qualify for IDD services, a person usually needs a formal diagnosis of an intellectual or developmental disability that began before age 22. A licensed psychologist or doctor confirms this using standard IQ and adaptive behavior tests.
In Pennsylvania, eligibility is determined through the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and your local case management agency. To qualify for Medicaid waiver programs, including the HCBS waiver, individuals usually need to meet both clinical and financial criteria. Common qualifying conditions include:
Not sure if you or a loved one qualifies? Our care coordination team can help you understand the eligibility criteria for IDD services and guide you through the application process. Contact us today to get started.
Our developmental disabilities programs cover a wide spectrum of supports. Whether someone needs help at home, at work, or in the community, we match each person to the right level of care through an individualized support plan (ISP). This includes residential services for IDD, supported living services, and community inclusion services.
Home and community-based services (HCBS) allow individuals to receive IDD supports in their own homes or local communities rather than in institutional settings. HCBS waiver funding through Medicaid makes these services accessible to many eligible individuals. Supports include personal care, daily living skills training, community inclusion services, and more.
Supported employment for IDD helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find, keep, and grow in real jobs within their communities. Job coaches, skills training, and employer outreach are all part of this service. Meaningful work promotes self-determination and greater independence.
Day habilitation services provide structured, skill-building activities during daytime hours. Programs focus on social skills, communication, health and wellness, and community participation, helping individuals with IDD build confidence and meaningful routines.
Respite care for disabilities gives family caregivers a short-term break while ensuring their loved one continues to receive quality care. Whether for a few hours or several days, respite care supports the entire family and reduces caregiver burnout.
Learn more about how we support families by visiting our full services page or exploring our about page to meet our team.
Ready to learn more about our intellectual and developmental disability services? We're here to help. Whether you're exploring options for yourself, a child, or a family member, our team will answer your questions and help you take the next step.
You can also explore our full list of services or read about our team before reaching out. We serve individuals with IDD and their families across the Elkins Park, PA area.
You can also explore our full list of disability support services, learn about our team, or review our resources and blog for families and caregivers. We serve individuals with IDD and their families across the Elkins Park, PA area and surrounding communities.
Book an AppointmentWe are dedicated to improving quality of life for people with IDD and their families. Our In-Home and Community Supports Program empowers individuals through tailored services that promote independence, social integration, and overall well-being.
Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) provide hands-on, individualized help to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each DSP is trained to foster independence and help clients participate fully in their community.
Our Direct Support Services (DSP) team plays a crucial role in providing personalized assistance to individuals with IDD. Our skilled DSP professionals are committed to fostering independence and ensuring that each individual can participate fully in their community.
Helping individuals acquire essential skills for daily living, promoting self-sufficiency.
Supporting individuals with personal hygiene, grooming, and bathing while respecting their dignity.
Encouraging social interaction and participation in community activities to build relationships and enhance social skills.
Providing dependable, worry-free transportation for appointments, community outings, and recreational activities.
Behavioral Supports are essential for individuals who may experience challenges related to behavior or communication. Our behavioral support specialists work closely with participants and their families to create and implement individualized behavior intervention plans.
Identifying the underlying causes of behaviors to develop effective strategies for positive change.
Teaching replacement skills to encourage positive behaviors and improve communication.
Providing immediate support and strategies to manage challenging behaviors effectively and with care.
Our goal is to empower individuals by reducing barriers to success and promoting positive behavior changes in all areas of life.
The health and well-being of our participants are paramount. Our Registered Nurses (RNs) provide essential healthcare services to ensure that individuals receive the medical attention they require.
Conducting regular health evaluations to monitor physical health and identify any medical concerns.
Assisting with medication administration and education to ensure correct, consistent use.
Collaborating with physicians, specialists, and family members to create a holistic approach to healthcare.
Offering guidance on healthy lifestyle choices and disease prevention strategies.
At Gentle Force Counseling, every one of our intellectual and developmental disability services is built around the person, not a program. We call this person-centered care: you set the goals, and we help you reach them.
Our team believes in self-determination and community integration. That means we work alongside individuals, families, and local partners to create real opportunities, for work, for connection, and for a full life. Dignity and respect guide everything we do.
At Gentle Force Counseling Services, we pride ourselves on our commitment to person-centered care, promoting dignity, respect, and empowerment for individuals with IDD. Our experienced team is passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. We believe in building strong partnerships with families, communities, and individuals to foster lasting connections and positive outcomes.
If you or your loved one are interested in learning more about our In-Home and Community Supports Program, please reach out to our team. We are here to answer your questions and support you on your journey toward independence and community engagement.
Book an AppointmentPeople with an intellectual disability can access a broad range of disability support services. These include home and community-based services (HCBS), supported employment for IDD, day habilitation services, respite care for disabilities, residential services for IDD, and care coordination. Learn more on our services page.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) cover conditions that affect cognitive functioning and adaptive behavior, including intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy. These conditions typically appear before age 22, per AAIDD guidelines. See our about page for how our team is trained to support each diagnosis.
Start by contacting your local case management agency or reaching out to us directly. Our care coordination team will walk you through the eligibility criteria for IDD services, help gather the required documentation, and connect you with the right Medicaid waiver programs. Contact us to begin the process.
An intellectual disability (ID) specifically refers to limits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. A developmental disability (DD) is a broader category that includes ID as well as other conditions like autism and cerebral palsy. Together, they are referred to as IDD. Our full services page outlines how we support individuals across the full IDD spectrum.