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
Serves: Children birth to age 21, parents, and families.
Nonprofit education center serving children with autism and developmental disabilities. Bridgeway Academy utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to provide private school-day education from preschool through high school, life skills training, vocational training, and transition to adulthood support. Bridgeway Therapy Center serves Bridgeway Academy students and outpatient clients for music therapy, speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, mental health, and family partnership services. Clinical staff work with families and professionals to assess, diagnose and develop individualized treatment plans in client-centered therapy sessions. They are a provider of Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program, Jon Peterson Scholarship, Title XX (20), Medicaid, Level One, I. O. and Self Waiver and some insurances.
1350 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 262-7520
bridgewayohio.org
These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.
240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health
Technical career center offering career readiness for school-aged kids, summer camp, and unique electives for high school students such as welding, computer programming, cosmetology, and more. They offer a GED program and classes for adults, such as Microsoft 365, ESOL, and Firefighting. They also offer Disabilities Support for individuals with disabilities under 22 years old.
4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 548-0708
delawareareacc.org
County agency supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. Provides support through two core areas: early Intervention for children under 3, and Service and Support Administration, which can include assistance with daily living, therapeutic needs, connection to resources and social groups in your community, and help to find and maintain a job. Use the website to find important information on Medicaid waiver services, forms, and to find a provider near you.
7991 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(800) 474-9787 or (740) 201-3600
dcbdd.org
Offers tuition-free programs for high school juniors and seniors in Franklin, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties with programs like automotive, cosmetology, graphic design, pre-nursing and more. Programs for adults include GED, ESOL, STNA, Welding, HVAC, and help finding a job. They offer a free summer camp for students grades 6-8 to explore career options. The Employability Prep program for students ages 16-21 with learning differences offers hands-on job experience and soft skills training.
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
Provides resources, tools, and trainings to help individuals and families of individuals with developmental disabilities. Their website has database of programs and organizations across Ohio for helpful products, therapy, schools, legal help, clinical trials, and more. They use Charting the LifeCourse principals to help individuals and families of all abilities and ages develop a vision for a good life, and regular LifeCourse trainings are available for families and professionals.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Family Resource Coordinator: (614) 293-2134
Family Support Coordinator: (513) 636-4723
frnohio.org
Provides information about food assistance (Ohio Direction Card / EBT), cash assistance, medical assistance (like Medicaid), job training, emergency assistance (PRC), help with paying for child care and more. Each center serves certain zip codes. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services. Refugees and immigrants should apply for services as well.
Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.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, 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
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
Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and to find an office near you. The United Way/LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to other social services across Franklin County.
Serves: Individuals 14 years old and older 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 Self-Advocate Social Group is a community for people with disabilities over the age of 16 that meets monthly on Discord. 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, complex behavior program, and community support 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
Teenagers face many confusing life transitions, including transitioning from pediatric care to adult healthcare. This transition is especially important for individuals with chronic health conditions. NCH has several programs to help educate and support families with transitional care:
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. 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