Serves: Students ages 3-21, individuals, and families.
Agency providing services for individuals with autism and other neurological disabilities. Services include intervention training and support, customized and individualized learning options through the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program, and independent supportive living. The Beyond Ability Matters program provides housing, educational experiences like preparing for a job interview, and community outings. Services are offered by trained and experienced care providers.
425 Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 956-1229
abilitymattersohio.com
Beyond Ability Matters: beyondabilitymatters.com
Provides vocational training for individuals with a variety of disabilities. Services include soft skills development, assistance with all stages of the job application process, and direct skills training on the worksite. They offer an Integrated Adult Day program, Supportive Living Services, and Transportation Services. Services vary by location.
Main Office: (740) 368-5810
Transportation: (740) 564-2502
alphagroup.net
Serves: Adolescents and adults 13-30 years with autism spectrum disorder and their families
A group-based social skills and support program for teens and young adults with autism. The facilitated group engages in discussion and activities focused on building social and vocational skills. They provide additional support groups including Men’s and Women’s Aspirations, financial empowerment, DBT therapy skills, EmployAbility, and self-advocacy. Find program schedules and registration details online.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 366-3276
nisonger.osu.edu/adolescent/adolescent-clinics-services/aspirations-ohio-2
Columbus City Schools Career-Technical Education: Serves high school juniors and seniors with pathways for arts, communication, construction, health sciences, transportation, human services, law / public safety and more. The Adult & Community Education office offers programs for health occupations, skilled trades, computer applications, high school equivalency, and free ESL/ESOL classes.
Serves: Preschoolers and Students ages 18-22 with special needs who have deferred their high school diploma.
The ESC offers multiple programs on the campuses at Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University to create individualized transition plans for students and help them meet their career and lifestyle goals. Each program includes help with activities of daily living, hands-on experience at multiple work sites, on-campus, and in the community. They also host an Early Learning Peer Model Program with small group instruction for preschool-aged children. Find program details and application instructions online.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
www.escco.org/Default.aspx
Serves: High-schoolers and young adults with autism in Central Ohio.
Non-profit that provides employment services, job training, career exploration, and sustained employment support to individuals with autism. The EveryBody Works program is a transition program that blends post-secondary education with paid work experiences. The summer program hosts students in high school with disabilities for five weeks and includes soft skills, interviewing skills, resumes, and a paid work placement. Call for application information.
4185 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 447-0424
foodforgoodthought.com
Provides financial, medical, and social service programs in Franklin County. Programs include cash assistance (Ohio Works First, LEAP), help paying for child care, food assistance (Ohio Direction Card/SNAP/EBT, WIC), medical assistance (Medicaid, Healthy Start), and Ohio Means Jobs assistance for job seekers. Emergency Assistance (PRC) funds may be requested for a maximum of $2,000 to use towards overdue rent and utility bills, car repairs; or damages as a result of a natural disaster, housefire, or flood. Visit the website to view specific eligibility requirements for each program, and to start your application. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services.
Customer Access Center: (844) 640-6446
Medicaid Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
Ohio Direction EBT Card Assistance: (866) 386-3071
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal (Apply Here): ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Main Website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Goodwill Stores sell thrift clothing, furniture, art, and more to support their job training programs. Programs include Roads2Work commercial driver training, STNA and medical coding, technology classes, AMP for young adults 18-24 years old, CompTIA IT program, and 1:1 career coaching. They also provide person-centered, employment-focused services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) including Adult Day and Residential services, mental health support, and a Columbus art studio.
671 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Main Office: (614) 294-5181
Career Coaching: (614) 966-9283
goodwillcolumbus.org
Offers free guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. JAN consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, ADA and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. Their website also has helpful information on a wide range of medical conditions with related resources and accommodations.
Voice: (800) 526-7234
TTY: (877) 781-9403
Text: (304) 216-8189
askjan.org
Provides job skills training and social skills development programs for neurodivergent youth and youth with autism, from middle schoolers to young adults. They empower students through group learning and holistic development within a supportive farm setting. The farm features gardens, alpacas, bee-keeping, crafts, and more. Cost varies. Contact the organization directly for details.
3062 Johnstown Utica Road, Johnstown, Ohio 43031
(740) 759-7138
learning4lifefarm.org
Serves: High-schoolers/teens with autism.
Helps young adults with autism make a successful transition from high school to the workplace. Their commercial greenhouse and nursery provides a workplace for associates to develop independent work skills, workplace communication and social skills, and learn appropriate workplace behavior. Lettuce Work is an approved agency provider for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and is authorized to provide adult vocational rehabilitation, adult day habilitation, enclave and community employment. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of nursery products go toward supporting these services.
14985 Fancher Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(740) 913-0495
lettucework.org
Serves: Individuals with autism, families, and professionals
Provides trusted resources to help individuals with autism reach their unique potential. The website Resource Center provides tool kits, recommended reading, and a list of organizations that support youth and adults with autism. The Helpdesk will do the searching for you and is staffed by masters’ level social workers who can connect you to therapies, support groups, funding help, and more. The Milestone Autism Planning (MAP) tool allows you to explore life skill guidelines based on your child’s age or developmental stage. They also provide consultation and training services for professionals. Find program details and fill out their intake forms online.
4853 Galaxy Parkway, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128
(216) 464-7600
milestones.org
Serves: Children 16-30 months for diagnostic screening, Children ages 2-22, Parents, and Families.
Provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Services include diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, outpatient psychotherapy, and ABA team services. Find details about services and eligibility online. They also host the following programs:
187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
For an Autism Diagnostic Screening: (614) 355-8080
For all other Autism resources: (614) 355-7570
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders
Serves: Infants, school-aged children, teens, and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
The Nisonger Center has a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Services include clinical support services, specialized dental programs, inclusive childcare and early childhood education, social programs for teens, TOPS post-secondary education and transitional skills program for adult students at OSU, psychiatric services, and more. They accept all major insurances, Medicaid, Board of DD Waivers, and offer a sliding scale for payment. Scholarships and fee arrangements are available for some programs. Contact the center for program details and eligibility.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192 or (855) 983-9955
nisonger.osu.edu
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Provides a variety of behavioral health services for adults and families throughout Northern and Central Ohio. Services include psychiatry, respite care, job training, care coordination, foster parent training and support, substance abuse and addiction recovery and more.
General Information: (844) 622-5564
Cuyahoga County Crisis Line: (440) 260-8595
Services: ohioguidestone.org/services
Locations: ohioguidestone.org/locations
Coordinates state efforts to help kids with autism. Their website has education and development resources for babies and toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
iwg-autism.org
Provides individuals with disabilities ages 18+ the chance to gain work exposure and experience through paid apprenticeships with state agencies. The goal of the program is for apprentices to secure permanent employment in state government after the completion of the apprenticeship program.
150 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 306-1744
ood.ohio.gov/about-us/programs-and-partnerships/ohio-vocational-apprentice-program
Serves: Children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities
Serves individuals with developmental disabilities by building on the foundation of physical activity and life skills (PALS). They offer adult day services, residential services, educational and vocational services, Art Outside the Lines art studio, and psychiatry and mental health services. Age and eligibility requirements vary depending on the service and location. Call for details.
Federally-funded career development program for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 who want to work. Provides free employment services to help participants decide if working is right for them, prepare for work, find a job, or maintain success while working. Participants receive services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized Ticket to Work service providers, such as Employment Networks (EN) or your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency.
(866) 968-7842 or (866) 833-2967 TTY
choosework.ssa.gov