OOD partners with Ohio colleges and universities to ensure students with disabilities have the support they need to complete degrees, attain credentials and earn higher wages. C2C counselors are located in the disability services or career services office at each partnership school to help students with exploring careers, writing a resume, finding employment and prepping for interviews. This program is specifically for individuals with physical, intellectual, sensory, and mental health disabilities. Go online to find a list of participating colleges and universities. Financial support for tuition or educational expenses is available as well. Visit www.OODWorks.com to learn about vocational rehabilitation, take a short self-assessment, and start the application process.
150 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43235
(800) 282-4536
College2Careers Program: ood.ohio.gov/information-for-individuals/services/student-services/ohio-college-2-careers
OOD Works Application: oodworks.com
Former winner of National Library of the Year, CML is an amazing resource in the community. With 23 locations throughout Franklin County, they provide a lot more than just books, including a lot of free online resources, school help, specialized programs, community events and a lot more.
96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-2275
columbuslibrary.org
A full-day private school program from early-intervention/preschool through high school for children with developmental disabilities. They provide speech, music and occupational therapy, psychological services, social skills groups, summer camps and parent support groups. Bridgeway Academy utilizes the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). 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
Helps to effectively resolve special education disputes by offering parents tips on how to communicate with their child’s school and how to prepare for an IEP meeting.
576 Olive Street, Eugene, Oregon 97401
(541) 359-4210
cadreworks.org
Free Cerebral Palsy App for families. Includes information on Intervention & Therapy, Communication, Family Dynamics, Building Independence, School & Work, and more!
yourcpf.org/cpproduct/cp-channel/
Offers early childhood educational services for children under the age of 6 with and without developmental delays. They also provide home-based services and classes for young children with special needs. Most programs are free or for a small fee.
674 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 253-6933
childhoodleague.org
Offers a wide variety of individualized programs and services designed to promote self-advocacy, increase independence, and enhance the lives of individuals living with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Some services include transportation, housing, job training, art, in-home support and more.
540 Industrial Mile Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 641-2900
cchsohio.org
Parent Mentors are parents of special needs children and they have experience in obtaining special educational services for students and their families. Parents of children with special needs can expect the support of their Parent Mentor before, during and after the IEP process, as well as direct them to community agencies for other assistance and resources.
2571 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 927-6277
ccsoh.us/Page/1222
Provides academic and behavioral support to students with disabilities to help them achieve academic excellence, learn independent life skills, and be prepared for work or post-secondary education as they transition to adult life.
737 East Hudson Street, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(614) 365-5206
ccsoh.us/Page/1207
Provides early intervention opportunities for children ages 3 to 5 who have special needs in one of the following developmental areas based on the state and federal guidelines: language, cognition, motor skills, adaptive behavior and social-emotional development.
430 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 365-5205 or (614) 365-5204
ccsoh.us/Page/1224
Provides legal advocacy and rights protection throughout Ohio to a wide range of people with disabilities. This includes assisting individuals with problems such as abuse, neglect, discrimination, access to assistive technology devices, special education, housing, employment, community integration, voting and rights protection issues within the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
200 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-7264 or (800) 282-9181
disabilityrightsohio.org
Students ages 18-22 focus on individualized transition plans to achieve future adult living and career aspirations. The ESC offers three unique programs on the campuses of Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University, which serve students who have completed or met all graduation requirements, and have elected to defer their high school diploma.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 445-3750
escco.org/Campus-BasedTransition.aspx
Provides information and assistance to parents in central Ohio about special education issues. Topics that are covered include parent mentor, reading, special education compliance, early learning and more. They also publish a list of helpful events, summer programs and resource directory.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 753-4694
www.sst11.org/
Offers early childhood educational support for children with special needs living in the Licking County school districts. They also perform evaluations on children ages 3 to 6 in the county to determine special educational needs.
119 Union Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-1629
facebook.com/FlyingColorsPublicPreschool
Services are provided for children from birth to age 21 who have developmental delays and disabilities. Services include early childhood education and home-based services, developmental evaluations, early intervention services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and more. A Major Unusual Incident (MUI) is defined as any alleged, suspected, or actual occurrence of an incident that adversely affects the health and welfare of an individual receiving services from the County Board. The FCBDD MUI Unit investigates all MUIs and ensures that immediate actions are taken to protect individuals from harm.
2879 Johnstown Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 475-6440
24-hour Emergency Major Unusual Incidents (MUI) Reporting: (614) 464-2743
fcbdd.org
FCBDD Location Directory: fcbdd.org/about-us/directory
This faith-based, nonprofit learning center services children on the Autism Spectrum in grades K-12. Most of the cost is paid with the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program, and the remaining cost is the responsibility of the student’s family. No student is turned away due to financial need.
11573 Lithopolis Road Northwest, Lithopolis, Ohio 43136
(614) 425-0107
mac-ohio.org/
Provides schooling for students in grades 1-12 with learning difficulties, such as ADHD and dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. They also offer free parent seminars, free early reading screenings, assessment, private tutoring and summer school. Financial aid and tuition loan programs are available.
9555 Johnstown Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 433-0822
marburnacademy.org
Assists and supports professionals and families in working together to care and advocate for all youth with special health care needs. The portal provides reliable and useful information about specific conditions and caring for them and knowledge of valuable local and national services and resources. Visit the website for contact information.
medicalhomeportal.org/diagnoses-and-conditions
A residential treatment program for individuals ages 8 to 21 with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Youth live at Monarch and receive 24-hour structured care and treatment specifically designed to enhance social, behavioral and academic growth.
22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44118
(800) 879-2522 or (216) 320-8502
monarchcenterforautism.org/residential
For students ages 5-21 that have autism or other developmental disabilities. Provides small class sizes at schools that maintain Ohio Department of Education (ODE) charters, and offers Ohio high school diplomas. Students receive daily instruction in academics, adaptive behavior, communication, self-care, advocacy, life skills, social skills and more.
7690 New Market Center Way, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 602-6473
newstoryschools.com/locations-overview/ohio
This free program provides teens and adults of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a wide range of reading skills meet with trained volunteers to read aloud and discuss a book each week. The goal of the reading groups is to improve literacy and promote friendships among people with disabilities and within a community-based setting.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 293-6945 or (614) 685-6718
nisonger.osu.edu/adolescent/adolescent-clinics-services/next-chapter-book-club
National Website: nextchapterbookclub.org
Serves families by supporting and educating children with autism. Their services include early intervention services, speech and occupational therapy, home-based programs and psychological services for kids of all ages. Oakstone’s summer social skills program is for children (and their siblings) with autism who attend Oakstone Academy. They also offer a transition to work program for teens with autism.
Serves families and professionals working with students with autism and low-incidence disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments and traumatic brain injuries. Their website has an extensive services and supports database (Nexus) of helpful community resources, as well as a free lending library of books, DVDs and assistive technology. They publish a parent guide that discusses topics such as screening and diagnosis, accessing educational services, future planning and more.
470 Glenmount Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 410-0321 or (866) 886-2254 Toll-free
ocali.org
OCALI Contact Directory: ocali.org/project/learn_about_OCALI/page/contact_OCALI
Provides information and resources for parents of children with disabilities. Parents can call to get one-on-one assistance.
125 Executive Drive, Marion, Ohio 43302
(844) 382-5452
ocecd.org
Includes information about the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, the U.S. Senate Youth Program and the Autism Scholarship Program. The Ohio Educational Choice (EdChoice) Scholarship Program provides scholarships or vouchers for students from under-performing schools to attend private schools.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2743 or (877) 644-6338
Text “OHED EC” to 468311 to get texts for EdChoice Scholarship
education.ohio.gov/Scholarships
education.ohio.gov/Media/Sign-up-for-Text-Alerts/Subscribe-to-Ohio-Education-Options-Text-Alerts
Provides helpful information about activities that ensure that students with disabilities receive the specialized instruction and support needed for success in school and in life. They provide information about accommodations available for state assessments and resources for parents of children with disabilities, including a helpful list of Ohio resources.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-2650 or (877) 644-6338
For callers using TTY, call Ohio Replay Service at (800) 750-0750
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education
Ohio F2F staff are parents of children with special healthcare needs helping other parents. Family members of someone with a disability are matched to an experienced, trained support parent. They offer 1:1 support virtually and in-person, and hold training events for families and professionals.
(513) 803-5557
ohiof2f.org/ohiop2p
Use their county directory map to find Head Start providers and services in each county in Ohio. Visit their website for contact information.
ohsai.org
Provides support and education to Ohio’s deaf and hard of hearing students from age 6 weeks up through high school. They offer year-round after school programs, summer programs, family events and more. Deaf and hard of hearing children with an IEP are eligible for the preschool program at no cost. Visit their website for additional contact information.
500 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 728-4030
osd.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/osd
As the first public school for the blind in the U.S., they are dedicated to the education of students with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. Visit their resources page to find useful information about the blind community and visual impairments and summer camps they offer, as well as additional contact information.
5220 North High Street, Columbus Ohio, 43214
(800) 310-3317
ossb.ohio.gov
This free 5-day leadership training program is for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities. Participants will learn about choosing a career, the history of disability as a culture, available resources and assistive technology. They will be empowered to reach goals in education, employment and their community.
400 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 438-1394 or (614) 362-5606 VP
ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/about-us/communications/literature/youth-leadership-forum
Parent mentors are parents of children with special needs who work in the schools throughout Ohio to provide families information and support. They help families, free of charge, work together with school personnel and help parents find the help they need. Call or go online to find out if there is a parent mentor at your school.
165 West Center Street, Marion, Ohio 43302
(844) 382-5452
ocecd.org/ParentMentorsofOhio.aspx
sst11.org/ParentMentors.aspx
The Head Start and Early Childhood Education program is for income eligible 3 and 4 year old children living in the Grove City and Columbus (South-Western school district) area.
Do you need sample letters to request school services such as an evaluation (IEP)? Click the links for sample special education evaluation letters.
Behavioral health intervention and treatment services for youth with emotional and behavioral challenges.
Program: Outpatient and inpatient services (home-based and school-based), telehealth, therapeutic preschools and after school programs, residential care, support for foster families, and specialized services for Hispanic / Latino children.
Eligibility: Youth ages 3-18 years old.
Cost: Therapies can be billed to Medicaid and a variety of insurances.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by a physician or organization.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731 or (614) 824-5437
svfc.org
Program: services for kids with autism, in and out of the school setting, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, music therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), behavioral health, support groups, summer camps, educational services and more
Eligibility: ages 2 ½ through 22
Cost: Caresource and most insurances are accepted; also, Jon Peterson, Autism Scholarship and District Placements accepted
Referral: individuals may refer themselves or be referred by parents, physician or organization
(614) 844-5433
thelearningspectrum.com
A law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. Visit their website for information about infants and toddlers with disabilities and older children and young adults who need special education and related services.
osepideasthatwork.org
An online resource with toolkits, parent coaching and resources to support parents with a child who has learning and attention issues. Parents can also find information on IEP and 504 Plan processes, as well as ideas on how to ask for special learning accommodations in the child’s classroom. Other programs developed with The National Center for Learning Disabilities are Friends of Quinn, Get Ready to Read, LD Navigator and RTI Action Network.
145 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10013
understood.org
Started by an attorney who has a learning disability, Wrightslaw has become one of the most widely known websites to help families with special education problems and issues. Their website has helpful information about a variety of topics, such as tips to help your child get off to a good start when school begins, Individualized Education Program (IEP) frequently asked questions, and more.
PO Box 1008, Deltaville, Virginia 23043
wrightslaw.com
Serves: Single Adults & Families, Youth & Teens
Programs for men, women and children of all ages covering health and fitness, swimming, age-specific activities, childcare, summer camps, juvenile justice, housing, programming for infants and children with special needs (ECRN+), loanable adaptive equipment, and more.
Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
ymcacolumbus.org