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BEST ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES: 2024 Philadelphia Family LOVE Awards & Family Favorites

Discover the best Philly support, programs, and specialized services for families navigating neurodiversity, special needs, and disabilities.

Our Family Focus Media team is pleased to present the most accessible resources of Philadelphia as recommended by parents in the Philly Family Community. From accessible birthday parties to specialized education programs, from inclusive fitness classes to supportive childcare services, these award-winning businesses and programs are dedicated to empowering children of all abilities.

Read the endorsements from local parents in our Philly Family Community about who they love and then pop over to our Philadelphia Family Best for Families Guide to find more trusted resources! Best for Families Celebration & LOVE Luncheon photos by AMC Photography.

 


2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Excellence in Education for Students with Learning Differences 

AIM Academy

Philadelphia

AIM Academy is simply put an incredible place. I can honestly say that I believe the trajectory of my daughter’s life will forever be changed because of her time at AIM. The teachers and administration are incredibly compassionate, highly skilled and able to work on solutions with my daughter that help her learn for the way her brain works. She has gained confidence and grown in so many ways since joining AIM three years ago.

– Christine L.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Accessible Literacy Tutoring

Reading Allowed

Philadelphia

“Reading Allowed is the only nonprofit in Philadelphia that provides high-dosage tutoring delivered by instructors certified in a Structured Literacy approach regardless of financial circumstances. Reading Allowed was absolutely trajectory changing for my daughter. We had struggled to find an instructor that helped her make much needed improvements with reading and Reading Allowed was a godsend. I was blown away by the progress my daughter has made, especially after such limited growth with other reading tutors.”

– Meghan F.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Developmental Service Hero

Connections Speech Pathology

Philadelphia

“”Connections is run by Nicole Casey who believe is play based child led speech therapy. They have help so many kids learn to communicate and feel understood my daughter included. My daughter was not talking and extremely frustrated would throw fits because she wanted to communicate and didn’t know how and I didn’t understand connections took the time and made my daughter feel comfortable and safe and taught her how to communicate even when sessions would be my daughter ignoring Nicole or just sitting there in sensory play Nicole was right there following her allowing her to do whatever she needs to feel comfortable and later how to communicate now my daughter is talking nonstop and as parent it is the best feel ever. Connections made sure to make me feel supported as well and show me all the tools I needed to help my daughter and I will be forever grateful for Nicole. I think connections is deserving of a LOVE Award because they are helping families communicate and understand one another and as a special needs parent there’s nothing we won’t more. At connections you will experience patience, understanding, and support like none other your child and family will loved and cared for completely”.

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– Natalie C.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Developmental Service Hero

Expansion Speech Therapy

Fort Washington

“Expansion of Speech Therapy is just not a service to my family. They are part of [my child’s] village. My sweet boy was diagnosed those with autism at the age of 4. In a community that takes a long time to receive services and dealing with a school district dealing with staff shortages it is safe to say that services have not always been the best. However then came Jamie. Understanding the gap in [my son’s] services Jamie did not shy away from the challenge or make us feel as through it was to late for him to reach his milestones. The amount of time and effort Jamie and the team puts on to ensure that he receives the best support as possible. It’s the fact that they don’t make it seems like a service but rather an addition to his village. The way [my child] lights up and enjoys seeing Jamie says it all. The amount of words [my son] has used to express himself not only makes me want to cry but our family will be ever grateful to the team at Expansion of Speech Therapy for providing opportunities to families when it seems as all hope is lost. A special shout out to Ms. Jamie who makes all our lives better using one word at a time.”

– Philly Family Community mom

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Developmental Service Hero

Speech Baby LLC

Philadelphia

“Jamie’s child led, sensory integrated approach to speech therapy makes every session fun and has made such a difference for my son. She is the best!”

– Jennifer G.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Inclusive Play Space for Neurodiverse Kids

Kids at Play

Roxborough

“Kids at Play has long been offering Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy, but this year they started offering ABA (applied behavioral analysis) and are launching a mental health outpatient program for children as well. They take insurance, including Medicaid, which is usually a huge barrier for families to access services for their kids. They opened their new building in May and greatly expanded their services!”

– Peysi A.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Inclusive Play Space for Neurodiverse Kids

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym – NE Philly

Northeast Philadelphia

“We Rock is the very first indoor sensory-based playground welcoming children of ALL abilities. Providing a safe space for children to play, learn and grow with Open Play, classes, programs, events and birthday parties.”

– Kelly M.

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Neurodiversity Support

Unfurling Littles LLC

Philadelphia

“When my son was diagnosed with the autism last year, I knew I needed support but wanted someone who aligned with my values as a parent. I am so thankful for Unfurling Littles and their approach, which is affirming, child led, and celebrates my son for the amazing and unique individual that he is. They are a true gift in their field and to the families they serve.”

– Jennifer G.

2024 FAMILY FAVORITE HONOREE:
Neurodiversity Support

Jefferson Center for Autism and Neurodiversity

Philadelphia

“Jefferson Health is such a special place as its values sincerely drive all that happens…embracing diversity, thinking innovation and doing the right thing.”

– Philadelphia Family Community Member

2024 LOVE AWARD WINNER:
Best Tutor for Neurodivergent Students

EBL Coaching

Philadelphia

“EBL Coaching has helped so many students with special education needs build their academic skills and self-confidence. They specialize in helping struggling learners in grades prek-12 build their reading, writing, math, and executive functioning skills through one-on-one home, center-based, and virtual tutoring. They have truly changed the lives of countless students with special education needs who were previously struggling but are now thriving in school.”

– Emily L.

As we celebrate these outstanding Philadelphia Family LOVE Award Winners and Family Favorite Honorees, it’s clear that the Philly Family community is rich with resources for families navigating special needs, learning differences, and disabilities. These organizations go above and beyond to create inclusive, supportive environments where all children can thrive. Whether you’re looking for educational support, recreational activities, or simply a welcoming community, these award-winning providers offer the expertise and compassion your family deserves. We encourage you to explore these valuable resources and connect with the dedicated professionals who are committed to helping your child reach their full potential. Together, we’re building a more inclusive and accessible Philadelphia for all families. Be sure to explore the Main Line Parent Best for Families Guide and Bucks County Parent Best for Families Guide to find even more resources that can support your family’s journey.

Know a fantastic local resource that should be on this list? Share your experience with a Philadelphia Family Member on their Profile Page (we count new endorsements as nominations year-round)! If you’d like to Recommend a Resource that our community should know about, our team will reach out to any referrals with an invitation to join and will mail you a copy of our Community Magazine as a thank you gift. If you would like YOUR organization to be more connected with local parents, caregivers, and family-focused business leaders in our community, we invite you to join our Philadelphia Family Membership Program.

Philadelphia Family is published by a team of local women to connect families raising their kids in the city with resources, events, and each other. Learn more about us, our mission, and our method for supporting local businesses at familyfocus.org.

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