Merakey AVS Admissions

To be eligible for admission, an individual must have a primary diagnosis of IDD, be 19 years of age or older, and Pennsylvania resident

Merakey AVS Admissions


To be eligible for admission to Merakey Allegheny Valley School, an individual must meet the following criteria:

  • Primary diagnosis of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
  • 19 years of age or older
  • Pennsylvania resident

Steps in Admissions Process

1

Contact the Director of Admissions at 412-299-7777 for an admission packet.

2

Complete a full admissions packet which includes:
  • Admissions application
  • Medical, educational, and behavioral records
  • Physical evaluation
  • Most recent IEP, IPP, or ISP

3

The completed admissions packet is reviewed by a team of Merakey AVS staff members including a nurse, psychologist, administrator, programming staff, social services staff and the Director of Admissions.

4

If an individual is determined to be eligible for Merakey AVS services, they and others from their family or support team have a meet and tour with the Director of Admissions.

5

The individual is placed on the Merakey AVS waiting list.

6

The individual’s family or support team is notified when an appropriate residential opportunity becomes available.

At Merakey AVS, every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Merakey AVS does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, color, religious creed, ancestry, or national origin. For more information about our admissions process, please contact the Director of Admissions at 412-299-7777 or through the online Contact Us form.

Family Involvement

Merakey AVS encourages involvement from an individual’s family or other support team members who are invited to be a part of their loved one’s goal planning and team meetings. Merakey AVS has two parent groups that meet regularly and participate in Merakey AVS activities.  The Allegheny Valley School Parents Association meets in Western PA and the Combined Parents Association meets in Eastern PA. Parents groups are open to family members and friends of Merakey AVS consumers. For more information about how to join, please contact the Development Department at 412-299-7777.