Intellectual Disability (Mental Retardation)
The DHS Office of Intellectual Disability provides services for persons with a diagnosis of mental retardation.
Important Resources Regarding the DHS Office of Intellectual Disability (OID)
- OID FactSheets - Brief explanations of important subjects regarding the DHS Office of Intellectual Disability and the ID (formerly MR) service system, especially in Allegheny County. FactSheets include:
- OID Quality Management Plan - Lays out action plans to ensure that targeted objectives in the areas identified by the Pa. Office of Developmental Programs and OID are met.
Key Communicators
A Key Communicator is someone who receives information from Allegheny County OID and, when possible, forwards it to others who may also benefit from it. Key Communicators are people receiving services, family member and caregivers and supporting professionals from many fields. Information will include:
- New and updated FactSheets as developed by OID
- Resources and programs from DHS and DHS Offices
- Resources for people with disabilities across the life span
- Community and specially designed programs
- Workshops, meetings and conferences offered by DHS, OID and others
- Special education information
- Information from the Pa. Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
Please sign up for our Key Communicator email distribution.
Simply fill out the 
Key Communicator Sign-up Form and submit it by mail or fax. (You can also email your information to us.) Additional details are located on the form.
OID Outreach
OID staff is available to you to provide presentations or host information tables. Events staff frequently attend include:
- School events
- Community organizations
- Parent groups and meetings
- Professional groups and meetings
OID is committed to sharing information regarding subjects of particular interest for individuals receiving ID services as well as their family members and caregivers, and professionals who support them. Certificates of completion are provided at all sessions. Hours may be used by direct support professionals and Lifesharing host families as in-service training hours.
For more information please contact Mary Figlar at 412-253-1251 or mfiglar@alleghenycounty.us.
Locating a Provider
- Home and Community Service Information System (HCSIS) Supports and Services Directory (SSD)
HCSIS is a web-based statewide system shared by the Offices of Developmental Programs (ODP), county ID (MR) programs, Supports Coordination Organizations, providers and the community to offer information on services and supports.
- How to Choose an Intellectual Disabilities Provider
The Pa. Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Provider Profiles serve as a reference primarily for individuals and families so that they may choose a service provider based on information that is important to them.
- Provider Reporting System
Information to help consumers of intellectual disability (formerly mental retardation) services select the best providers. NOTE: Users must read and accept the terms of the disclaimer that opens first to view the list of providers.
MiRage
MiRage, coordinated by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging and Office of Intellectual Disability, is a team of stake-holders dedicated to providing resources for those committed to meeting the needs and interests of individuals in the ID service system as they age. MiRage is also invested in providing recommendations for supporting aging caregivers of individuals in the ID service system. MiRage succeeds in its mission through offering learning sessions, an annual conference, the MiRage Messenger e-blast and monthly Planning Reviews.
If you want to learn more about MiRage, learning sessions, or have questions about the Planning Reviews; or want to be added to the MiRage distribution list please learn more from the 
MiRage flyer.
Additional Resources