Serves Deaf and DeafBlind survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment. They provide services in Washington state and staff the 24/7 National Deaf Hotline, which provides confidential education, safety planning, and referrals. The Deaf Hotline website has great information and training modules in ASL on topics like deaf culture and domestic violence, healthy relationships, consent, how to support loved ones, and more.
Promotes the use of listening and spoken language for infants, young children and adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (rather than signed or visual languages). Their website provides a lot of resources for parents, including financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
3417 Volta Place Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
(202) 337-5220 or (202) 337-5221 TTY
agbell.org
Non-profit providing support and information to families raising children who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing. Their mission is to ensure every Deaf child can learn sign language because deafness is not a disability, but language deprivation is. They offer online ASL classes, resources for IEP and mental health support, community events, educational resources for professionals, and more.
(800) 942-2732
Deaf Crisis Line: Video Phone (321) 800-3323
deafchildren.org
ASL en Español: deafchildren.org/knowledge-center/asl-resources/online-asl-classes-spanish
Baby sign language is a way for all parents to improve early infant communication and communicate with children before they can speak. This website has free resources including videos, downloadable flash cards, and tutorials.
babysignlanguage.com
Free program through Columbus City Schools to support Deaf or Hard of Hearing students PreK-12. Works with central Ohio school districts to provide services such as access to extracurriculars and transportation to suit individual needs. Find enrollment details online.
(614) 365-5977
ccsoh.us
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.
(614) 645-2275
Locations: columbuslibrary.org/library-locations
columbuslibrary.org
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
(614) 263-5151
columbusspeech.org
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.
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
Serves Ohio’s Deaf, Deaf Blind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard of Hearing communities by offering culturally affirmative services in response to relationship and sexual violence. Call to speak to a trained advocate for individualized safety planning and case management. Referrals can be placed for material help, legal help, social services, and mental health counseling. They offer 24-hour advocacy for survivors of sexual assault at local hospital emergency rooms. They also hold trainings for volunteer advocates, professionals/providers working with Deaf clients, and Deaf Culture 101.
PO Box 1286, Worthington, Ohio 43085
Videophone: (614) 678-5476
Voice/Text: (614) 887-7233
National Deaf Hotline VP: (855) 812-1001
National 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline Voice: (800) 799-7233
dwaveohio.org
Serves: children and adults with developmental disabilities
Provides comprehensive health services for children and adults living with disabilities. Services include early childhood education, adult day services, in-home care, referral services, and outpatient therapies. They also offer afterschool programs and summer day camps for children.
Provides a list of accessible dining, transportation, activities, hotels and other resources in and around Columbus that have been reviewed by disability inclusion experts. For specific questions about accessibility at a particular location, contact the location (or source of transportation) for the most up-to-date details.
(614) 221-6623
experiencecolumbus.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility
Nonprofit providing counseling and community based social services in Southwestern Ohio. Their community services for the Deaf include ASL classes, interpreting, case management, and youth programs. They offer specialized counseling services for sexual abuse, domestic violence, eating disorders, and trauma recovery. They also host groups for justice-involved individuals, perpetrators of domestic violence, alcohol and drug recovery.
2211 Arbor Boulevard, Moraine, Ohio 45439
(937) 222-9481
Video Phone: (937) 641-8187
fsadayton.org
This online resource offers great information about hearing and hearing loss, and a national clinic directory to help you find a provider near you. They also have an online hearing test and lots of information on topics like hearing loss in children, various hearing diagnoses, assistive listening devices, and navigating insurance and financial help.
(800) 567-1692
healthyhearing.com
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
This non-profit provides meaningful employment for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. They hire and train individuals who are deaf to handcraft T-shirt quilts, blankets, and pillows in an ASL-immersive work environment. They also use leftover materials to craft blankets for people without homes. Anyone can purchase their beautifully crafted items online.
563 South Dawson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 238-3323 or (614) 388-9630 VP
tshirtquilts.com/our-mission
Federally-funded program through Gallaudet University advocating for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Their website has lots of helpful guides and training videos for parents and professionals on topics like language development, reading to Deaf children, and early intervention. Call the Gallaudet University East Regional Center for help finding professional development and educational opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.
clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/national-resources/info/
East Regional Center: (978) 556-3701 or Video Phone (978) 241-7417
necc.mass.edu/workforce/gallaudet
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.
This website is for professionals and families who care for youth with special healthcare needs. It has lots of valuable knowledge for families and professionals about all aspects of care from understanding diagnoses, to accessing legal, education, and healthcare services, and best practices for clinicians. The portal also has a National Services directory to help find services near you.
Parent & Family Portal: medicalhomeportal.org/living-with-child
Physicians & Professionals Portal: medicalhomeportal.org/clinical-practice
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
Civil rights organization by and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Their website has great resources including a national ASL directory, advocacy letter tips and templates, filing a complaint, employment and fair housing information, and regular webinars.
8630 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
(301) 587-1788 Voice/VP or (301) 587-1789 TTY
nad.org
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
A network of projects for children and youth under 21 with Deafblindness. Find tons of information for families and professionals on assessment, education and learning, life skills, transition planning, and more. They also host Family to Family support groups, webinars, and nationwide events.
(516) 366-0047
nationaldb.org
Español: nationaldb.org/for-families/learning-resources/recursos-para-familias
Non-profit and advocacy organization serving families of individuals who are DeafBlind. Find information on legislation, resources for families, family Facebook group, and events online.
(800) 255-0411
nfadb.org
Provides comprehensive services for children with hearing loss, including diagnostic assessment, early intervention, audiology, and specialized speech services. A multidisciplinary team of pediatric professionals works with families to assess the child’s needs and determine appropriate treatment. Additional Support Services are available for children under 3 years old with sensorineural hearing loss. They also offer regular Hearing Team Education, a series of educational presentations, and Hearing Loss Support Groups for parents, caregivers, and teens.
555 South Eighteenth Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
Main Office and Referral: (614) 722-6200
Support Services: (614) 722-2441
Support Groups: (614) 722-3049
nationwidechildrens.org/hearing
Provides developmental occupational therapy (OT), speech and language therapy, and physical therapy (PT) services. Services are provided at the main hospital and at many clinic locations throughout the community, for children from birth to age 21.
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 722-2200
Occupational Therapy: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/occupational-therapy
Speech Pathology: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/speech-pathology
Physical Therapy: nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/physical-therapy
Represents the 88 county boards of developmental disabilities throughout Ohio and monitors legislation at the state and national level. Their website lists helpful advocacy information for individuals, families, and professionals.
73 East Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 431-0616
oacbdd.org/index.php
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
Statewide nonprofit organization serving educators, agencies, and families of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in Ohio. Programs include 1:1 reading mentoring, It’s My Turn free online self-advocacy course for middle and high schoolers, Family-to-Family meetings for parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing children, and parent mentoring. Families and professionals can find helpful trainings, videos, and tipsheets on their website.
125 Executive Drive, Marion, Ohio 43302
(844) 382-5452
ocecd.org
Oversees a statewide system of supports and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families across the lifespan. Each county in Ohio has its own Board of Developmental Disabilities, which is the place to start for determining eligibility, assessing your needs, and coordinating which services can best support you. Use the website to find your county board, forms, and program information.
(800) 617-6733
Main Website: dodd.ohio.gov
Find your County Board: dodd.ohio.gov/your-family/all-family-resources/4-find-your-county-board
Waivers are programs that help Ohio Medicaid customers with special needs remain at home instead of being in a nursing home, hospital or facility. They provide financial assistance to families, and there is typically a waiting list. Services may include personal care, transportation, respite services, supported employment, nutrition services, assistive devices, home modifications and interpreter services. See further information about Ohio waiver programs below.
50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov
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
Provides support and education to Ohio’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing students PreK-12. Students with an IEP are eligible at no cost. Students are educated at OSD as the district of service, but remain a student of their home district. The home district must request placement for a student to attend. OSD offers year-round after school programs, summer programs, 4Plus transition/career readiness program, family events, and more.
500 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 728-4030
osd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/osd
This resource through OCALI works to increase access and equity for students, families, and communities impacted by deafness or blindness. Families can find helpful information on medical conditions, adaptive sports and recreation, parent mentoring programs, and more. Professionals can find educational resources, learn from those with lived experience, and find CEU trainings.
470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43214
(614) 410-0380
deafandblindoutreach.org
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
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