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
The country’s largest cross-disability membership organization advocating for political and economic power for those with disabilities. They offer several scholarships, mentorship programs, paid internships, and a leadership program for young Black disabled individuals. Their website has helpful information on policies affecting people with disabilities, and current political news.
1030 15th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 521-4316 or (800) 840-8844
aapd.com
Provides vocational training and employment services for adults who have developmental disabilities. They offer one-on-one career planning services, vocational habilitation, group employment, and adult day services.
2780 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 479-2500
arcind.com
Customizable ebook library for people with dyslexia, learning disabilities, visual impairments, physical disabilities, and other reading barriers. They operate under exception to US copyright law, allowing a huge collection of copyrighted titles to be made available for readers using a tablet, computer, assistive device, or smartphone. Schools and students can access for free, individuals/adults pay a yearly fee. Individuals must register as members and provide proof of qualifying disability. Find program details and register on their website.
(650) 352-0198
bookshare.org
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
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) provides personalized services to assist people who are Blind or have low vision in gaining and maintaining meaningful work and personal independence. Services are available for individuals over the age of 14. Services include individualized case planning, job training, job search and placement assistance, and work retraining for those in the process of losing their vision.
Columbus Vocational Rehabilitation Office: 4300 East Broad Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
(614) 466-4575 or (800) 282-4536
ood.ohio.gov/information-for-individuals/services/blind-low-vision-services/blind-low-vision-program
Find an OOD Office Near You: ood.ohio.gov/about-us/find+us/find-us
Columbus City Schools Career-Technical Education: Serves high school juniors and seniors with pathways for arts, communication, construction, health sciences, transportation, human services, law / public safety and more. The Adult & Community Education office offers programs for health occupations, skilled trades, computer applications, high school equivalency, and free ESL/ESOL classes.
Provides technical assistance to prevent and resolve special education and early intervention disputes, and improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. Families can find helpful guides on state agencies, educational advocates, IEPs, and more.
576 Olive Street, Eugene, Oregon 97401
(541) 359-4210
cadreworks.org
Serves: Families with children under the age of 6, children with autism or developmental delays
Early childhood educational services for children including early childhood intervention, toddler classes, and home visits. Their preschool program serves a 50:50 ratio of children both with and without developmental delays, a research-based approach aimed at creating inclusive communities. The PLAY Project is an evidence-based, parent-implemented autism intervention for young children. The center also has educational resources for families, training opportunities for professionals, and community events. Find program and enrollment details online.
674 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 253-6933
childhoodleague.org
Parent Mentors are parents of children with special needs staffed by the Special Education Department of Columbus City Schools. Parent Mentors can connect families to appropriate programs, explain the IEP process and attend meetings with families, and provide education and support to fellow parents.
(380) 997-4927 or (614) 365-5000
ccsoh.us/Page/1222
Columbus City Schools Office of Special Education is dedicated to providing academic and behavioral support to students with disabilities. Their website has information on IEP program, career transition services, parent mentor program, and more.
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 or social-emotional development. Find program and enrollment details online.
430 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 365-5204 or (614) 365-5205
ccsoh.us/Page/1224
Serves: Children with dyslexia in grades 1-12.
Their accredited learning centers use evidence-based, therapeutic teaching techniques to help students with dyslexia improve reading skills and build confidence. Children participate in the program after school and receive one-on-one instruction. They have locations across Ohio and in neighboring states.
290 Cramer Creek Court, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 799-1261
Main Website: childrensdyslexiacenters.org
Locations: childrensdyslexiacenters.org/our-centers
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
A coalition of national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the independence and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society. Their website has resources such as recorded trainings and a national listing of job and internship openings.
820 First Street Northeast, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 567-3516
c-c-d.org
National civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. They provide specialized legal services for cases that have the potential to affect large groups of people with disabilities and achieve law reform. Their website has helpful information on topics like healthcare access, special education, foster/kinship care, and transportation. They also post job and internship opportunities.
3075 Adeline Street, Berkeley, California 94703
(510) 644-2555 or (510) 841-8645 TTY
dredf.org
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
Hosts programs and projects for precollege and college students with disabilities, and advocates for universal design in the workplace. Families and professionals can find a wealth of information on their website on career readiness, mentorship programs, accessible classrooms, and technology. DO-IT Pals is a virtual community for high school students with disabilities that want to go to college. They also have a list of Scholarships for students with disabilities.
Voice/TTY: (206) 685-3648 or (888) 972-3648
washington.edu/doit
Center offering equine-therapy and horse-assisted learning experiences to enrich lives. Programs include therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs, Military Connections for military personnel and veterans, youth social-emotional learning, vocational training for young adults with special needs, and more.
1416 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Blacklick, Ohio 43004
(614) 864-9500
dreamsonhorseback.org
Assists families and students age 14+ in developing a transition plan to support students as they move to post-school activities. Services include job training and internship opportunities, career and technical education exploration, and postsecondary education exploration. Call a Transition Coordinator at your school to get started.
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.
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
Ohio Department of Education SST Region 11 provides professional development, coaching, and technical assistance to school districts, educational service centers, community schools, early childhood programs and families in Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, Union and Chillicothe City Schools located in Ross County. Find helpful information on early learning, resources for families and special education professionals, and educational events.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 753-4694
www.sst11.org/
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 developmental evaluations, early intervention, and special education services for children living in Granville, Heath, Licking Valley, North Fork and Johnstown School Districts. They also offer a social-behavioral program for students, ages 2 ½ – 6, with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or significant communication and social emotional deficits.
119 Union Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
(740) 349-1629
lresc.org/FlyingColorsPreschool.aspx
Serves: High-schoolers and young adults with autism in Central Ohio.
Non-profit that provides employment services, job training, career exploration, and sustained employment support to individuals with autism. The EveryBody Works program is a transition program that blends post-secondary education with paid work experiences. The summer program hosts students in high school with disabilities for five weeks and includes soft skills, interviewing skills, resumes, and a paid work placement. Call for application information.
4185 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 447-0424
foodforgoodthought.com
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, CompTIA IT program, 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
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
Click the links to access free letter templates and tools to help you advocate for your child’s special education needs at schools and agencies. Click Here for more resources on Legal Rights for Education
Provides year-round K-6 schooling for children with autism. 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, and financial counselors are available.
11573 Lithopolis Road Northwest, Lithopolis, Ohio 43136
(614) 425-0107 or (614) 697-2858
mac-ohio.org
Serves: Students Grades 1-12 with learning differences.
Independent day school for students who learn differently due to executive function difficulties, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia. They also offer free educational seminars for parents and professionals, free early reading screenings for K-2 students, private tutoring and summer school. Scholarships, financial aid, and tuition payment plans are available.
9555 Johnstown Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 433-0822
marburnacademy.org
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.
medicalhomeportal.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
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:
PO Box 20544, Dayton, OH 45420
Ohio: (937) 829-3368
National: (410) 659-9314
nfb.org
Serves: Students ages 5-21 experiencing social, emotional, educational, and behavioral challenges, Students with autism.
Provides an academic learning environment with integrated behavior support services. Serves students with the goal of providing each student with the knowledge, skills, and tools for a successful return back to their sending district. Students can be referred by their home district or families can self-refer through the scholarship program. New Story 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. They also have programs for in-home intervention or behavior consultation, ABA therapy, and a transition program for students over the age of 14. Find locations, program details, and enrollment information online.
Community-based book club program for adolescents and adults with Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. A small group meets with trained facilitators at bookstores, cafés, and public libraries throughout Franklin County. Anyone can participate, whatever their reading or ability level. Members experience an inclusive community focused on reading to learn together and build friendships, rather than learning to read.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 685-6718
Franklin County: nisonger.osu.edu/adolescent/adolescent-clinics-services/next-chapter-book-club
National Website: nextchapterbookclub.org
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: Students preschool to grade 12, with or without an autism diagnosis
Oakstone is a private school offering a full inclusion environment for children on the autism spectrum and a fully-integrated learning environment for peers with and without disabilities. Educational programs include the Toddler Enrichment program, preschool, elementary, middle, high school, and postsecondary/college credit options. Classrooms are small and usually consist of 14 to 20 students with two teachers in all elementary classrooms. The school emphasizes inclusion, leadership, arts, athletics, and character-building for each student to reach their unique potential.
900 Club Drive Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 899-2838
ccde.org
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. Call your county’s Information Specialist for help getting connected to resources in your area.
125 Executive Drive, Marion, Ohio 43302
(844) 382-5452
Information Specialist Directory (Click on your County): filecabinet5.eschoolview.com/7132D93C-113A-42DB-AD9B-3D42946C44E5/effd8e8a-ebbd-4eb0-8dea-6fee64aba5a4.pdf
Main Website: ocecd.org
Find state-sponsored information and programs for parents and professionals about supporting students with special needs or disabilities. Provides information on accessing accommodations and behavioral supports, filing a complaint or requesting mediation, scholarships, and more. Their website also has helpful print-outs available in many languages.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 466-2650 or (877) 644-6338
TTY: Call Ohio Relay Service at (800) 750-0750
education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education
Ohio provides scholarships to private schools for students attending low-performing public schools, scholarships for families considered low income, and students with learning disabilities to schools or programs to meet students’ needs. Go online for information about the EdChoice Program, Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, Autism Scholarship Program, and additional educational resources.
25 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2743 or (877) 644-6338
Subscribe for Text Alerts for each scholarship program: education.ohio.gov/Media/Sign-up-for-Text-Alerts/Subscribe-to-Ohio-Education-Options-Text-Alerts
education.ohio.gov/Scholarships
Find tips, information and resources for job seekers with disabilities from Ohio Means Jobs. You can also use the website to find job training services near you, log on to the portal to access other State of Ohio services, and find job postings.
PO Box 1618, Columbus, Ohio 43216
(888) 296-7541
ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/omj/job-seekers/build-your-career/golden-buckeyes/for-people-with-disabilities
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
The Department of Developmental Disabilities is a statewide system of supports and services for people with developmental disabilities, and their families. 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. Their offices can help you with early intervention programs, healthcare services, waivers and scholarships, job training and employment, unusual incident reporting, and more.
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 one to one support virtually and in-person, and hold training events for families and professionals.
(513) 803-5557
ohiof2f.org/ohiop2p
Head Start is the largest national school readiness program. The Ohio Head Start Association focuses on leadership and advocacy. Use their Directory to find Head Start providers and services in each county in Ohio. They also have information on becoming a Head Start ambassador and contacting your congressional representatives.
ohsai.org
Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) are networks of families and educators supporting children’s learning. The Ohio PTA offers annual $500 scholarships for high school seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, a technical certification, or Special Education degree. Students must attend a school in a district with official PTA status to apply. The National PTA offer additional awards and programs. Their website has tons of helpful information for parents and educators on topics like special education, state assessments, college readiness, summer learning, safety, and more.
40 Northwoods Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 781-6344
Ohio PTA: facebook.com/OhioPTA
National PTA: pta.org/home/family-resources
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
Offers a free Special Education Legal Clinic for parents of students with disabilities (ages 3-26). Parents and guardians meet with a special education advocate or attorney to ask questions and discuss challenges related to special education services. The Clinic includes a group workshop followed by a Q&A panel from special education professionals. Free, 30-minute guidance sessions with attorneys are also available.
262 South 3rd Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Columbus: (614) 745-2001
Cleveland: (216) 714-1515
Cincinnati: (513) 496-1635
lawyers4students.com/legalclinic
The first public school for the blind in the U.S., dedicated to the education of students with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. They offer K-12 education, extracurriculars and athletics, residential programs, and a transitional postsecondary program for young adults to receive social and vocational training after high school (EDGE). Contact them for enrollment information.
5220 North High Street, Columbus Ohio, 43214
(800) 310-3317
ossb.ohio.gov
This week-long summer career leadership training program is for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities. Participants learn about choosing a career, available resources and assistive technology, develop a personalized leadership plan, and connect with peers. Forums are held in Athens, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo Ohio.
614-809-1513
ohiosilc.org/youth-leadership-forum
State agency connecting Ohioans with disabilities to resources and opportunities to find and retain employment. Use the website to learn about their vocational rehabilitation services and complete the online application for services. OOD also supports those applying for disability insurance or supplemental income by helping to determine whether they qualify for federal disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
For general questions regarding Vocational Rehabilitation or OOD: (800) 282-4536
Find an Office Near You: ood.ohio.gov/about-us/find+us/find-us
oodworks.com
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 the OODWorks website and log-on to the portal to 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: oodworks.com
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.
Parent Mentors are parents of children with special needs staffed by the Ohio Department of Education. Parent Mentors can connect families to appropriate programs, explain the IEP process and attend meetings with families, and provide education and support to fellow parents. Use the website to find a Parent Mentor near you. The website also has great resources for parents on IEPs, legal rights, transition, and more.
1900 Kenny Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 247-9982
parentmentor.osu.edu
Services: Provides comprehensive psychological evaluations, specializing in Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and Giftedness assessments. Provides actionable recommendations for home, school, and other relevant settings. Education consultation services are also available.
Eligibility: Ages 3-21.
Cost: Private pay, does not accept insurance but can provide a Super Bill for reimbursement. Initial fee of $250, followed by $150 per hour. Evaluations typically take 10-15 hours.
Referral: Self-referral.
2700 East Main Street, Bexley, Ohio 43209
(440) 796-0932
passpsychology.com
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.
Do you need sample letters to request school services such as an evaluation (IEP)? Click the links for sample special education evaluation letters.
Education provider for K-12 students (ages 5-21) with intensive emotional needs due to Autism, intellectual disability, TBI, learning disability, or emotional disturbance. They use positive behavioral intervention, functional communication, and strengths-based models. Programs include Early Intervention Elementary for students with disruptive behavior, Accelerated Instruction for students making up coursework or working towards graduation, and Transitional Programs to help students re-acclimate to the traditional classroom. Students may be enrolled through their school district, the Autism Scholarship Program, or Jon Peterson Scholarship program. Their High Road Schools are located in Bucyrus, Cincinnati, Lima, and Marion County, Ohio. Contact the organization directly for enrollment information.
(567) 525-4487
sesischools.com/locations/ohio
Community based, non-residential Center for Independent Living serving individuals of any age, with any disability, who are residents of Franklin, Delaware, Union, and Licking, counties. They help consumers develop individualized Independent Living Plans and support them in reaching their goals. Services include peer mentoring, transportation, help with housing, employment, and benefits. Empower Youth is a virtual support group for ages 14-24.
4400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 575-8055
disabilityempowerment.net
Private/charter school serving children with autism and related disorders in Central Ohio.
Program: Services for children 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, transitional services and more.
Eligibility: Ages 2 ½ through 22
Cost: Caresource and most insurances are accepted, Jon Peterson, Autism Scholarship and District Placements accepted.
Referral: Individuals may refer themselves or be referred by parents, physician or organization.
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
2- and 4-year Workforce Development Certificate program for students 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants engage in academic coursework at Ohio State and gain meaningful work experiences while developing independent living skills and participating in campus and community organizations, social and volunteer activities, and other events.
Transition Services
257 McCampbell Hall
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 685-3185
nisonger.osu.edu/adult/adult-clinics-services/tops
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 eligible individuals 0-21 years old with disabilities. Their website has national resource directories, toolkits, and legal and advocacy updates.
osepideasthatwork.org
Federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. The website offers information, legal standards, and resources on topics like accommodation requirements, accessing personal assistance services, colleges and apprenticeship programs, and more.
(866) 487-2365
dol.gov/agencies/odep/topics
Non-profit focused on helping everyone thrive, regardless of learning differences. Their website has a ton of great resources for families, teens and young adults, and educators. Parents can find helpful information, toolkits, and letter templates for advocating and navigating the IEP/504 Plan process. They also have regularly updated blogs and podcasts, printable worksheets and activities for families, workplace resources, and more.
(646) 757-3100
understood.org
An alternative education program providing a structured and safe learning environment to students in need of social, emotional and behavioral interventions. They work alongside each student’s family and home school district to set up transportation, manage IEP goals, create individualized behavior plans, and track student progress. Students must be referred by their local school district to be enrolled.
Started by an attorney who has a learning disability, Wrightslaw has become a widely used resource for families on special needs education and advocacy. Their website has an Advocacy and Law Library, bookstore, and helpful information for families on a variety of topics, such as IEPs, 504s, assistive equipment, and more.
wrightslaw.com
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.
Administrative Office: 1907 Leonard Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 389-4409
YMCA Locations & Contact Info: ymcacolumbus.org/locations
YMCA Columbus Website: ymcacolumbus.org