Columbus OH
Print This Page

Assistive Technology & Equipment

Do More Foundation

Offers financial assistance for families who need financial help due to their child’s medical needs. Includes help with utility/rent bills, meal expenses while at the hospital, gas expenses for travel to and from hospital or doctor visits, non-covered medical expenses, non-covered supplies that would aid the child in their treatment and funeral expenses related to the death of a child. Go online for additional contact information and to apply for assistance.
PO Box 1981, Pompano Beach, Florida 33061
(954) 857-9059
thedomorefoundation.org

Aaron W. Perlman Center (Assistive Technology)

In partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of Cincinnati, they meet the needs of children with physical disabilities and chronic physical conditions. They provide assistive technology evaluations for children and adults. They have a helpful program where kids can try out wheelchairs and other equipment for free before making a purchase.
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
(513) 636-4601
3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
cincinnatichildrens.org/service/a/aaron-perlman-center

Adaptive Sports Connection

Non-profit serving children, veterans, and adults with disabilities through outdoor and therapeutic recreation and education across Ohio. They support participants at all skill levels with adaptive equipment and instructors for downhill skiing, kayaking, cycling, paddling, sailing, amputee soccer, water skiing, and more. Their Bikes to Go program helps children and adults obtain an adaptive bike. Veterans attend for free, program fees for others are minimal and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Scholarships are also available.
6000 Harriott Drive, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 389-3921
adaptivesportsconnection.org

American Council of the Blind Ohio (ACBO)

Non-profit membership organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired through education and advocacy. They host monthly meetings and fun community events and retreats. The Matching Grants program provides funds to any blind or visually impaired resident of Ohio to pay half the cost of a purchase up to $1000 for new adaptive equipment. Find program details and contact information for other chapters on their website.
3805 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 470-2226 or (614) 261-3561
acbohio.org

American Institutes for Research (AIR) (Formerly Center on Technology & Disability (CTD))

List assistive technology resources to families of children with disabilities. The website offers access to monthly newsletters, online discussions moderated by nationally recognized experts, a resource review database with hundreds of reviews of assistive technology resources and more.
air.org/project/center-technology-and-disability

Assistive Technology & Accessible Educational Materials Center (AT&AEM)

Provides accessible educational materials, access to assistive technologies and highly specialized technical assistance and professional development support.
470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 410-1042
ataem.org

Assistive Technology of Ohio (AT Ohio)

Provides an adaptive toy lending program that gives children access to adaptive toys. Parents can checkout toys at participating local libraries. They also provide a device lending library to search for and borrow equipment that is specifically designed to assist a particular special need (like speech communication devices, walkers, wheelchairs and computer access aids).
1314 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 292-2390 or (800) 784-3425
Computer Refurbishing Program: (614) 688-3222 or (866) 801-7306 Toll-free
atohio.engineering.osu.edu

Association of Blind Citizens

Their assistive technology fund provides funds to cover a percentage of the retail price of adaptive devices or software to help blind and legally blind individuals. Applicants must be legally blind, a resident of the United States, and meet income requirements to qualify for this program. Find application details online.
PO Box 246, Holbrook, Massachusetts 02343
(781) 961-1023
blindcitizens.org/assistive-technology-fund

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

CML is an award-winning library and amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including lots of free online resources, specialized programs, and community events.

  • School Help: K-12 students can get after-school homework help, K-3 students can get extra reading practice with Reading Buddies in person or online, HelpNow offers 24/7 online homework help and test prep, and some locations host After School Snacktimes.
  • Kindergarten Readiness: Find Storytimes, Play to Learn, and Kindergarten readiness classes for ages 0-5. They also have Skill Builder videos with activities you can do together at home.
  • Teen Programs: YouMedia Discord for ages 13-17 to work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors; homework and test prep help, and monthly Teen Spotlight videos.
  • Adult Education: They offer ESOL and GED referrals; free technology business, and coding classes; history and genealogy experts, Digital Navigator staff can help you access hardware and software, and Excel Adult High School allows adults to get their high-school degree in an online, self-paced program.
  • Adaptive Services: Request accommodations, adaptive audio and visual equipment, and large print reading materials.

(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org

Columbus Speech & Hearing Center

Program: Nonprofit providing occupational individual and group therapy, audiology and hearing aid services, speech-language therapy sessions and evaluations, community outreach programs, American Sign Language classes for adults and youth ages 16 and older, and a Support Service Provider program.
Eligibility: Varies by program, serves young children (under the age of 6 years old) up to seniors (65 years old and older)
Cost: Varies by program; self pay and accept many insurances, including Caresource, Molina and Medicaid
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization

  • Dublin Location: 5155 Bradenton Avenue, Dublin, Ohio 43017
  • Clintonville Location: 510 East North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio 43214
  • Westerville Location: 470 Olde Worthington Road, Westerville, Ohio 43082

(614) 263-5151
columbusspeech.org

Deaf Services Center (DSC)

Non-profit serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind community. Services include ASL classes, C-Print, interpreting, case management, early intervention for ages 0-3, employment services, adaptive equipment programs, youth mentoring programs and summer camps.

  • Central: 5830 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085
    (614) 841-1991 or (614) 515-6065 VP
  • Northwest: 1002 Garden Lake Parkway, Toledo, Ohio 43614
    (419) 720-3935 or (419) 386-2627 VP
  • Southern: Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
    (740) 357-7713 or (740) 370-1254 VP

dsc.org

Different Needz Foundation

Allows the special needs community to buy and sell gently used and new medical equipment, therapy devices, adaptive toys and more online. The foundation also awards some grants to people in need.
8584 East Washington #122, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
(216) 904-5151
differentneedzfoundation.org

Disability Rights Ohio

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

Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley (GESMV) Assistive Technology Services

Offers assistive communication devices to anyone in need, like wheelchairs, commodes, walkers, crutches and more free of charge.
660 South Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
(937) 461-4800 or (937) 226-0356 TTY or (937) 641-8136 VRS
gesmv.org/community-programs/specialty-programs

Great Schools

This website lists school ratings and reviews, as well as provide practical advice and information on raising successful, college-ready kids. Their E-ssential Guide to Assistive Technology provides an overview of current technologies to help parents select the right tools for their children.
greatschools.org

Infinitec

Provides information about assistive technology and lists resources for youth with disabilities, focused on 4 categories (living, playing, learning and working).
infinitec.org
myinfinitec.org

International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP)

Offers a lot of information about selecting a wheelchair, finding funding and assistive technology devices and services.
wheelchairnet.org

May We Help

A non-profit, volunteer organization that creates adaptive devices for individuals with disabilities whose needs cannot be met by a device in the marketplace. Visit the website for more information.
7501 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227
(513) 834-6443
maywehelp.org

McLindon Family Foundation (MFF)

Provides adaptive bikes to children with special needs so they can build critical core strength, boost confidence, and nurture friendships. Families must apply online and complete their application process to receive a free bike.
8305 Tom Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815
(225) 456-3505 or (225) 928-5569
mclindonfamilyfoundation.org

Medical & Special Needs Equipment Lending

The following agencies offer assistance with medical and special needs equipment and should be contacted directly for further details.  Please remember to research consumer information about any piece of furniture to ensure the item has not been placed on any product recall list.

  • Andrews Center
    Church of Ascension
    555 S Main St, Johnstown, Ohio 43031
    (740) 967-7871
    johnstownascension.org
  • Equipment Loan Program
    MOBILE (Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment)
    1829 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
    (614) 443-5936
    mobileonline.org
  • Helping Hands
    Peace United Methodist Church
    235 Diley Road, Pickerington, Ohio 43147
    (614) 837-3732
    peaceumc.org/care/helping-hands

Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment (MOBILE)

Helps veterans and people with disabilities find information, support, and referrals for disability-related services. They also provide adaptive equipment loans, peer support groups, living skills classes and transition services.
1829 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 443-5936
mobileonline.org

National Association of the Deaf Described & Captioned Media Program (DCMP)

Families and school personnel who have at least one student with a disability can sign up for free membership to access the media center, which has tons of great described and captioned videos with ASL pop-up tools for an accessible media experience. Topics include Deaf life, literature, art classes, science documentaries, and more. Their website also has great educational tools for parents and educators.
(864) 585-1778 or (800) 237-6213
dcmp.org

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

Membership and advocacy organization of blind people, with chapters in each state. Their website has many resources for blind people, parents, and educators. Programs include the following, find specific application forms and requirements on their website:

  • Free White Cane Program: Any blind individual in the US can request a free cane as frequently as every 6 months. Children 0-8 qualify for the Early Explorers Program to receive a free cane and additional educational materials for kids.
  • Free Slate and Stylus Program: Any blind individual in the US can request a free slate and stylus, the only Braille-writing device that has the same portability, flexibility, and affordability as a pen and pencil.
  • NFB-Newsline: A free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled offering access to books, magazines, newspapers, emergency weather alerts, job listings, and more. They also have a youth version with kid and teen-friendly content. You must apply and register online for access.
    Columbus Newsline: (614) 448-1673
  • NFB Ohio Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to outstanding blind students who currently live in, or are attending college in the state of Ohio each academic year.
  • Braille Reading Pals Literacy Club: Sign up for free Braille books, activities, birthday cards, and more for blind children 0-8 years old.

PO Box 20544, Dayton, OH 45420
Ohio: (937) 829-3368
National: (410) 659-9314
nfb.org

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Care Connection (School-Based Health Services)

Provides additional access to healthcare at your child’s school. The services provided are not meant to replace your pediatrician or family doctor. Care Connection programs include: Primary Care for ages 0-21, vaccination clinics, School-Based Asthma Therapy (SBAT), Wheelchair Clinic, Vision, Dental, Diabetes and School Health (DASH), Mental Health counseling. Visit the website for a list of participating school locations and additional contact information.
(614) 355-2590
nationwidechildrens.org/care-connection

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Homecare

Provide a full range of homecare services to central Ohio children of all ages, from newborns through young adults. Homecare offers the following areas of service:

  • Infusion Pharmacy
  • Pediatric Home Medical Equipment (like breast pumps and supplies, blood pressure kids, aids to daily living)
  • Intermittent (Short-Term) Nursing and Private Duty (Long-Term) Nursing
  • Skilled Therapy Services (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language therapy)
  • Hospice and Home-Based Palliative Care services for children with life-limiting illnesses

255 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 355-1100 or (800) 466-2727 Toll-free
nationwidechildrens.org/homecare

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Seating Clinic

Helps parents and children evaluate assistive technology and equipment.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-5050
nationwidechildrens.org/physical-medicine-rehabilitation-clinics

Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University (OSU)

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

Ohio Center for Autism & Low Incidence (OCALI)

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

Ohio Relay

Provides free services that enable people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind or those with a Speech Disability to place and receive phone calls. Calls can be made to anyone, anywhere in the world, 24/7. Communication assistants are specially trained to facilitate the calls, and all calls are completely confidential. Find Voice/telephone numbers below, and specific numbers depending on the assistive device at the link.
Voice Call: 711 or (800) 750-0750
Customer Service: 800-676-3777 (TTY/Voice)
Español: (888) 269-0678
ohiorelay.com/contact-us

Oracle Health Foundation

Provides grants to help cover clinical, equipment, displacement, and vehicle modification costs related to children’s healthcare needs. They also provide Care Kits with age-appropriate personal care and comfort items for children going through life challenges such as foster care. Requests can be made through their website.
(816) 201-1569
oraclehealthfoundation.org/pediatric-grants

Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living (SOCIL)

Non-profit, non-residential organization assisting people of all ages with all types of disabilities to live more independently. The majority of their board and staff are people with disabilities, assisting others with disabilities. They provide information and referrals for housing, education, transportation, assistive technology, and benefits. They also offer Advocacy/Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, and help locating other community-based services.

  • Fairfield County: 418 South Broad Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130
    (740) 689-1494
  • Hocking County: 96 West Hunter Street, Logan, Ohio 43138
    (740) 380-1475

socil.org/

State Library of Ohio Talking Book Program

Provides free recorded books, magazines and playback equipment to eligible blind, visually impaired, print or reading disabled Ohio residents. Find program details and apply for TalkingBook services online.
(800) 686-1531 or (614) 644-6895
library.ohio.gov/residents/special-services/talking-books

T-Mobile Accessibility

Find phone plan features and services through T-Mobile for accessible communication. Services include ASL Video Customer Service, large print and braille billing statements, and a Directory Assistance Program.
Voice Call: (800) 676-3777
Español: (800) 676-4290
Speech-to-Speech: (877) 787-1989
TTY: (800) 676-3777
tmobileaccess.com

The Arc of Ohio

Advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities through legislative action, information and education, local chapter support and family involvement. Families can call for a Family Advocate to help navigate the disability system and answer questions on everything from waivers, to guardianship, transition services, county boards, the appeal process, and much more. They can help families get assistive equipment, and their website has lots of helpful information for individuals and families.
1335 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 487-4720
thearcofohio.org

U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) Section 508 Accessibility Program

Provides information, resources and tools focused on helping the government implement the requirements of Section 508. The website has legal requirements and resources for designing accessible content like documents and presentations, buying accessible products and services, and training tools.
(202) 272-0080
section508.gov

United Cerebral Palsy (USP)

Their website has helpful basic information about what assistive technology is, who can qualify and how to obtain funding. Visit the website for contact information.
8401 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, Virginia 22182
ucp.org

Vivint Gives Back

Provides discounted and specialized technology to children with intellectual disabilities. Visit the website for contact information.
vivint.com/company/gives-back

Voicecorps Reading Service

Service for people who have a medical condition that prevents them from reading print. Volunteers read aloud from current local and national newspapers, magazines, various periodicals/journals, grocery/retail ads, and more. They use broadcasting and internet streaming to deliver readings in a 24-hour schedule. Listen live any time using the internet, or contact Voicecorps for help accessing their services on a digital TV, Amazon smart speaker, or free SCA radio loan.
2955 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
(614) 274-7650
voicecorps.org

Wheelchairs 4 Kids

Non-profit providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and assistive equipment to families of children with physical disabilities. All services are offered at no cost to families that qualify.
(727) 946-0963
wheelchairs4kids.org

YMCA of Central Ohio

Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Hosts programs for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, housing, and more.

  • YMCA Stable Families Service coordination Program: Families with children (from Pre-K to 12th grade) who live in Franklin County have access to a service coordinator who can help with household income, maintaining safe and stable housing, and academic achievement of school-aged children.
    (614) 219-9895
  • Juvenile Justice: Provides a structured and supervised environment for 6th to 12th grade students as an alternative to being suspended from school. Students must be referred by their school district.
    (614) 578-7568
  • Early Childhood/Childcare: Provides free childcare while parents use Y facilities, summer programs, early learning centers, preschool, and more.
    (614) 689-2096
  • Housing: Provides housing stability services for adults facing homelessness in Columbus, Ohio.
    (614) 705-9151
  • Early Childhood Resource Network Plus (ECRN+): Programming for infants and children with special needs, apply online for an adaptive equipment loan.
  • Y Cares: Infant mortality reduction program for families expecting or with a baby under the age of 1, provides free pregnancy testing, diapers, formula, home-visiting, parent support groups, and counseling.
    (614) 689-2080

Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
YMCA Columbus Website: ymcacolumbus.org


Print This Page