Air Travel Problems Hotline - The Department of Transportations aviation department has a consumer toll-free hotline 866-266-1368 (voice) and 866-754-4368 (TTY) to obtain assistance if you experience disability-related service problems while traveling by air.

Autism Telephone Support Group - A telephone support group is available for senior parents of adult children with autism who are dealing with the issues of finding group homes, wills and special needs trusts, and other issues that senior parents face. Contact June Francis at 215-659-8166 or balfran@aol.com. Source: Autism Society of Greater Phila newsletter. Dads E-Group for Children with Autism An on-line group to offer ideas, support and information to Dads. To subscribe, send an email to AutDads-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. To post a message, AutDads@yahoogroups.com  Source: Autism Society of Greater Phila newsletter.

Lead Poisioning - Un-leaded Only: Toward A Safer City For Children" is a report on childhood lead paint poisoning in Philadelphia. This report details the problems that families with children face in dealing with lead hazards in the home and possible solutions to the health problems that it causes. Call Steven Fynes, PCCY, 215-563-5848 x11, or go to www.pccy.org, under publications. Source: Childwatch, Spring 2002

Donated Dental Services - With the assistance of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, the National foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped recently expanded the Pennsylvania Donated Dental Services (DDS) program into Eastern Pennsylvania. Approximately 163 area dentists and 58 laboratories donate free, comprehensive dental treatment to eligible applicants. To qualify, a person must be disabled, elderly, or medically compromised and have no other way of paying for dental treatment. A person must also have extensive dental problems; the program does not cover routine dental care, such as checkups and cleanings. This is a one-time service, so use it wisely. To apply, call Jennifer Gillette, at 800-716-8721. Source: PCHC Health Care Alert, July 2002.

Loans for Assistive Technology - The PA Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) has 4.25% interest rate loans for individuals with disabilities to purchase assistive technology. Assistive technology devices include items such as visual aids, hearing aids, wheelchairs, scooters, entry ramps, computers with adaptive peripherals, adapted vehicles, and home modifications. Also, training on how to use the equipment or devices is considered a valid service. Call PATF at 888-744-1938 for information, or PIAT at 800-204-7428. Source: Advocate for Consumer Transportation newsletter, Spring 2002.

Recreation & Leisure - The PA Recreation & Leisure Services for Persons with Disabilities, 877-986-4550, can help with finding events and activities that are accessible for people of all ages. Information includes wheelchair accessibility, hearing and vision accommodations, and speech and behavioral considerations in activities such as theatres, camps, sports, clubs, museums, and more. Source: PPCRN newsletter.