A voluntary program for young adults who left foster care in Ohio at age 18-21 and who are in school, working, participating in an employment program, or have a medical condition that prevents them from going to school or working. Participants are matched with a Bridges Liaison who can help with setting goals and accessing services, such as help with housing, education, employment, and well-being. Liaisons work with participants to meet their unique, individual needs as they transition to adulthood. Fill out the online application or call your region’s office.
Apply online here: oca.socialsolutionsportal.com/apricot-intake/0d5dba79-b9fa-4ae6-9477-943ed3540ed0
Main/Informational Website: jfs.ohio.gov/child-and-adult-protection-foster-and-adoption/services-for-families-and-children/bridges/overview
Advocates for people with disabilities in Ohio. Their website has helpful resources on abuse, neglect and exploitation, employment, benefits counseling, education, voting, and more. Rise Up is an interactive youth advocacy guide with resources for transitioning into adulthood. Most of their resources are available in multiple languages, including Spanish and Somali. Complete the online intake form for legal help.
200 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
Rise Up guides: disabilityrightsohio.org/riseup
Intake Form: disabilityrightsohio.org/intake-form
disabilityrightsohio.org
Most pediatricians, including Nationwide Children’s Primary Care, see patients from birth to age 21. That means, once you turn 21, it will be time to graduate to seeing a doctor who sees adults. Below are Primary Care offices for each of the adult hospitals in the Columbus area. Their websites have tools for you to browse providers accepting new patients, find locations near you, and request an appointment online. You can also call a clinic location or central scheduling line for help.
Find additional transition resources on our website here:
Works with youth who have special needs and their families along with their health care providers to provide support while transitioning into adulthood. They offer guidance as many of the youth are seeking out health care or learning to manage their own health care independently.
gottransition.org
Program: Specialized education and comprehensive support services for students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, and other academic challenges. Services include school day education, case management, speech therapy, occupational therapy, individual and group counseling, anger management, life skills, and transition to adult support.
Eligibility: Ages 6-22 with Autism diagnosis.
Cost: Accepts and assists with applications for Autism and Jon Peterson Scholarship funds. Accepts all commercial insurance and Medicaid for therapeutic services.
Referral: Families may contact the organization directly.
4661 Sawmill Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
(614) 270-3110
mettleservices.com
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. 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
Connects individuals with disabilities to community resources, advocates for inclusive public policy, and provides training opportunities for professionals. They publish an Autism parent guide that includes topics such as screening and diagnosis, accessing educational services, and future planning. Their website has many helpful resources, including the Autism Center, Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness, Lifespan Transitions, Assistive Technology, Teaching Diverse Learners, Family and Community Outreach, and Young Child Center.
470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 410-0321
OCALI Contact Directory: ocali.org/project/learn_about_OCALI/page/contact_OCALI
ocali.org
Children with autism or other developmental disabilities may require extra time to learn and prepare for the physical, social, and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Being proactive in these discussions can decrease the likelihood of inappropriate sexual expression, increase safety, and help children foster a healthy relationship with their bodies. Use the free, downloadable toolkits below to get started.
Serves: Transition-age-youth and Adults with autism ages 18-26.
Offers clinical services for patients with autism to access comprehensive care for complex health care needs. Services include: primary care with experienced physicians, medical assistants, nurses and social workers, clinical pharmacy consultation for medication questions and medication monitoring, in-office lab, procedural care, and help transitioning to adult services.
OSU Wexner Medical Center Internal Medicine & Pediatrics
3691 Ridge Mill Drive, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 688-9220
wexnermedical.osu.edu/primary-care/adult-autism-center