Every child deserves a birthday cake. This group of volunteers bakes / buys and delivers cakes and cupcakes free of charge to Columbus children on their birthday. Parents and guardians can submit a request for their children on the website. The group provides, on average, 100 birthday cakes per month to Columbus area kids.
columbuscakecelebrations.com
Nominate yourself of someone you know so they can have the gift of attending a music concert. This organization reviews and grants these wishes and allows children to have opportunities they wouldn’t have otherwise. Their mission is to inspire hope and healing through the power of music by supporting music therapy and providing live music experiences.
360 Grand Avenue, Oakland, California 94610
(844) 484-3568
www.doitforthelove.org
Offers individual and group vocational training programs for kids and adults with special needs. They are known for their adapted Go-Karting program (therapeutic karting), which enables severely disabled individuals to drive a vehicle on an outdoor course. They also offer 3-D printing classes for kids with special needs, and have an adaptive equipment lab for development of inclusive technology. Group and individual vocational training programs funded by county boards are also a regular part of their programming.
308 Reynolds Street, West Liberty, Ohio 43357
(614) 800-3310
unlimitedboundaries.org
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.
experiencecolumbus.com/plan-your-visit/accessibility
Provides adaptive bikes to children with special needs so that they can build critical core strength, boost confidence and nurture friendships.
8305 Tom Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70815
(225) 456-3505
mclindonfamilyfoundation.org
Uses movement, music and art to bring kids together by using mediums such as paper, pencils, paint, clay, crayons, glue, singing songs, movement, playing rhythm instruments and playing games. Their 6-week sessions help promote self-esteem, self-expression, creativity, speech/language development, and brain development.
129 Orangewick Drive North, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(937) 645-7641
theartofmusicllc.com
Promotes arts, education and creative expression involving children and adults with disabilities.
77 South High Street, 2nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 241-5325
artpossibleohio.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
Offers interactive experiences, exhibitions and more. COSI features live shows, special events, family programs, single day and summer camps, and career exploration, workshops for homeschoolers. They offer a special Family Access Membership that is available for families who get WIC, Ohio Directions (EBT) or Ohio Medicaid.
333 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 228-2674
cosi.org
Offers employment and job training programs, social and education programs for people with developmental disabilities and other barriers to employment. They also offer supportive living, art, health and wellness programs, and a variety of activities in community settings including volunteering, recreation and leisure, and community awareness. At their Goodwill Stores are thrift clothing, furniture, vehicles, art and more. Visit the website or call for center and store locations in Central Ohio.
671 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206
(614) 294-5181 or (614) 583-0293 TTY
goodwillcolumbus.org
Features and promotes artists with disabilities. Their resource page helps artists with disabilities find assistive technology, search for employment and find legal help.
760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, California 90095
semel.ucla.edu/nadc
A creative space dedicated to providing art education and services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Allows individuals to create and share their own work.
1050 Goodale Boulevard, Grandview Heights, Ohio 43212
(614) 641-2828
opendoorartstudio.org
Provides summer overnight camps, day camps and respite weekends for children and adults with special needs.
4460 Rex Lake Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319
(330) 644-4512
akronrotary.org/sitepage/rotary-camp-for-children-with-special-needs
Provides residential, recreational, respite/home care and work training services to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
769 Brooksedge Boulevard, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 486-4361
hattielarlham.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
Provides overnight summer camp opportunities for children with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders and behavior disorders age 6 and older in Ohio. They also have weekend respite programs throughout the year.
Offers free summer camps and family retreat experiences for seriously ill children, in a safe, medically supervised environment. Medical care is provided by volunteer physicians and nurses coordinated by a full-time medical director. They provide camps for kids with asthma, cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, blood disorders, muscular dystrophy, sickle cell, spina bifida and more.
1501 Burnley Road, Scottsville, Kentucky 42164
(270) 618-2900
courageouskids.org
Provides a free weekend getaway for Ohio children who have cancer and their families. Together they enjoy relaxation, games and family time in a log cabin and explore 70 acres of land on a golf cart.
Mailing Address: PO Box 499, Prospect, Ohio 43342
(740) 360-4273
chapelhillhouse.org
Offer services and classes for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, including interpreting, case management, sign language (ASL) classes, deaf equipment modifications, early intervention, employment, youth clubs, summer camps and mentoring. Their deaf equipment modification program provides funding to help people buy equipment that makes their home more accessible. Visit the website for additional contact information.
Columbus Office: 5830 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 841-1991 Voice or (614) 515-6065 VP
dsc.org
We provide equine assisted activities, summer camps and therapies (including Therapeutic Riding, Horsemanship and Equine Assisted Learning) to individuals with special needs, ages 4 years old and up. Horses provide a special format for children to connect and socialize with the animal and each other.
(937) 935-6545
1797 State Route 47, East Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
discoveryriders.org
Offers horse-assisted learning experiences and education to help youth practice executive functioning skills, sensory integration, improve coordination, communication skills and self-esteem. Some of their programming include: therapeutic riding lessons, vocational training, military connections, custom design programs and more.
1416 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Blacklick, Ohio 43004
(614) 864-9500
dreamsonhorseback.org
Provides services to help children and adults living with disabilities, including early childhood education, adult day, and in-home services. They have three Discovery Garden programs around the state and sponsor seven (7) counties for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. They also offer afterschool programs, summer day camps, and more!
3830 Trueman Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 228-5523
easterseals.com/centralohio
Serving 12 counties in central Ohio, they provide services to people living with epilepsy and seizures, as well as their families and caregivers. They help newly diagnosed children who have questions about the disorder and its treatment, parents in need of support, and youth in need of social opportunities. They have a free lending library, free referral to community resources, applications for medication assistance programs, scholarship opportunities, camp experiences and more.
Assists people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health challenges and their families with primary care, dental and behavioral health services. They offer long-term and temporary residential support, in-home and out-of-home respite services, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and outpatient behavior health services, vocational habilitation, summer programs for youth with autism, telehealth services, psychiatry and more. Their Family Support Services are provided by the State of Ohio for families who have chosen to keep their family member with developmental disabilities at home.
(800) 409-2729
iamboundless.org
Provides a free, medically safe environment in an outdoor adventure setting for children with serious illnesses and their families. This camp is for youth ages 7-21 who live with serious medical conditions, such as cancer, facial differences, rheumatoid arthritis, rare diseases, cystic fibrosis, and other disorders of the heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and gastrointestinal system. FHF offers adaptive programs with personalized medical care, psychosocial support and nutrition services so that campers can develop positive self-esteem and nurture social bonds. Activities include archery, swimming, ropes courses, arts and crafts, woodshop, nature, boating and fishing.
5260 State Route 95, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338
(419) 751-7077
flyinghorsefarms.org
Provides a wide range of recreation and cultural arts opportunities. They also offer teen programs, summer and spring break camps for kids with and without special needs, after school programs, preschool and daycare, special events and more.
1125 College Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 231-2731
columbusjcc.org
Offers a week-long overnight summer camp for youth ages 6 to 18 who have limited mobility or use wheelchairs. Youth can attend camp at no cost to their families. Visit the website for additional contact information.
National Office: 161 North Clark, Suite 3550, Chicago, Illinois 60601
(800) 572-1717
mda.org/summer-camp
mda.org
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
Offers summer day, overnight and weekend camps throughout the year for youth with disabilities. They have specialized camps for children with autism, Prader-Willi Syndrome, epilepsy and other disabilities. Their year-round weekend respite care camps have on-site nursing and provide an environment for indoor and outdoor fun.
7700 Piper Road, Ashley, Ohio 43003
(740) 548-7006
recreationunlimited.org
facebook.com/recreationunlimited
Provide support to individuals with developmental disabilities by building on the foundation of physical activity and life skills (PALS). They offer adult day services, residential services, life skill classes, activities and vocational training programs.
Improves the quality of life for people who have disabilities by offering activities centered around horses. They offer a variety of programs children ages 5 to 21 with a wide range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, and behavioral disorders.
7908 Myers Road, Centerburg, Ohio 43011
(740) 625-9324
shanecenter.org
Provides continuing adult education and wellness to adult individuals with developmental disabilities. The Upreach program offers services encouraging independence (including supported living services), self-determination and empowerment. The Learning Never Ends program provides life-long learning and wellness opportunities.
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
Offers opportunities for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities to form one-to-one friendships, gain employment, and develop leadership skills.
PO Box 45353, Westlake, Ohio 44145
(614) 928-3383
bestbuddies.org/ohio
Offers social and sports opportunities for children and teens with special needs, respite for parents and siblings; as well as home visits, which provide opportunities for youth to bond with their volunteer in the comfort of their own home. Visit the website for additional contact information.
6220 East Dublin-Granville Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(614) 939-0765
friendscolumbus.com
Their free Access Pass is for residents of the U.S., regardless of age, who have a permanent disability. This pass allows park entrance fees to be free and provides a discount at many camp facilities and services.
1849 C Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20240
(202) 208-3818
nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Outlines the ADA guidelines for play areas and recreational facilities.
1331 F Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20004
(800) 872-2253 Voice or (800) 993-2822 TTY
access-board.gov
Provide children and young adults ages 4-21 who have developmental disabilities with the opportunity to play ice hockey in an environment adapted to each athlete’s level of physical and mental ability. The program is open to any player age five or older, male or female, and participants do not need prior ice skating skills.
(614) 284-6104
columbusspecialhockey.com
ccyha.org
Offers recreational activities, after school programs and clubs that are modified to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities over age 6.
1755 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 645-5648
columbus.gov/theraputicrecreation
Allows individuals with disabilities to participate fully in the world of fishing. Visit their website to find local events held by the Central Ohio chapter.
PO Box 1499, Grove City, Ohio 43123
(614) 383-8851
National: fhnbinc.org
Central Ohio Chapter: fhnbcentralohio.org
Uses golf to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and neurological conditions. Their program is for people of all ages, disabilities and economic backgrounds.
1169 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 566-4242
ohiohealth.com/forehope
Buddy Ball is a baseball league that runs from May through June for children and adults with developmental or physical disabilities (ranging from autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy and other special needs). Each player has a Buddy to assist them with whatever help they need to play the game. The fees are minimal, and financial scholarships are available. Visit the website for contact information.
Physical Address: 3400 Ventura Boulevard, Grove City, Ohio 43123
grovecitybuddyball.com/home
As a soccer league for children with special needs, they give girls and boys ages 4 through 19 the opportunity to play soccer in a safe, fun, fair and secure environment. The registration fee is minimal.
PO Box 1, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
(614) 664-9250
hosa-soccer.org/programs/tops-soccer-for-special-needs-players
This program helps children with disabilities learn how to ride a bike. Using an adaptive bike, 80% of children who participate ride a 2-wheel bike on their own by the end of the 5-day program. This program exists nationwide and is sponsored by various local community partners.
PO Box 541, Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301
icanshine.org/programs/find-a-program
Offers special needs classes that are designed to offer a competitive rhythmic gymnastics program for athletes with special needs.
8185 Business Way, Plain City, Ohio 43064
(614) 733-0818
integritygym.com/classes/hugs
Offers soccer development programs and summer day camps for children of all ages and abilities, including programs catered to kids with special needs.
Field Address: 300 West Case Avenue, Powell, Ohio 43065
Mailing Address: PO Box 1303, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 760-5522
lockersoccer.com
Allows all children with disabilities ages 3 to 21 to play baseball on a specially designed field that is fully accessible and custom-designed to make baseball fun for any child with a disability. Visit the website for contact information.
Darree Fields Park: 6259 Cosgray Road, Dublin, Ohio 43016
Mailing Address: PO Box 1303, Dublin, Ohio 43017
miracleleaguecentraloh.org
Lists accessible parks by location and offers free information on topics related to physical activity, fitness, recreation, sports, and disability and chronic conditions. Their information specialists can help answer questions and requests for free.
4000 Ridgeway Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35209
(800) 900-8086
nchpad.org/Directories/Parks
Provides an individualized treatment experience for children, adolescents and young adults with physical disabilities for injury evaluation and athletic training.
Dublin Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center
5680 Venture Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 355-6000
nationwidechildrens.org/adaptive-sports-medicine-program
Offers swimming and outdoor recreation for children with special needs ages 6 to 12. Programs are held at Barrington Elementary School. Registration priority is given to Upper Arlington residents, but others can apply. Contact for more information.
northwestkiwanis.com
Provides training and competition in a wide range of sports for children and adults with special needs in the Dublin and Hilliard school districts. Participation is free, and Northwest Special Olympics covers the cost of uniforms and equipment.
2140 Atlas Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228
(614) 664-7847
northwestspecialolympics.shutterfly.com
Provides a competitive hockey team for any child in Ohio with physical disabilities. The costs vary, however, the program works to run as free or as low-cost as possible. Visit the website for contact information.
ohiosledhockey.org
Offers several community sports and recreation programs and summer camps for youth year round. They also offer adapted recreational sports (ARS) programs to serve children with disabilities year round.
337 Annie & John Glenn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 688-8787
recsports.osu.edu/programs/community-programs
Promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. Visit their website for locations in Ohio.
PO Box 33150 Denver, Colorado 80233
(800) 369-7433
pathintl.org/
A club whose goal is to create positive sports environments fostering social integration, healthy living, and greater self-confidence for children and young adults with special needs. Children and young adults with special needs play sports with volunteers at Ohio State University. Visit the website to find more RallyCap Sports programs in other Ohio cities.
(732) 391-2282 or (419) 708-4214
rallycapsports.org
OSU Chapter: rallycapsports.org/osu / facebook.com/RallyCapSportsOSU
Designed and developed for the special needs kids ages 8 and up. These camps take place at collegiate or professional athletic training facilities and are taught by collegiate athletes, along with current and former professional athletes. The camps are free of charge. Please contact the camp for further details and to be invited to participate.
967 Spring Grove Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 432-6627
specialskillssports.com
Provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children older than age 8 and teens with intellectual disabilities or learning delays.
3303 Winchester Pike, Columbus, Ohio 43232
(614) 239-7050
sooh.org
Super Special Dancers is for children ages 5-10 with special needs. This class is for children with developmental or physical disabilities and is led by a licensed pediatric physical therapist and dance instructor.
501 McCorkle Boulevard, Westerville, Ohio 43082
(614) 891-5525
straubdancecenter.com/class-descriptions
Provides free eye gear (prescription goggles for sports and vocational school programs), baseball and softball batting helmets, and fielder masks to aid in prevention of eye injuries. These items are available to kids ages 3 to 18 years old and applications are available throughout the year.
Ohio Ophthalmological Society
5115 Parkcenter Avenue, Suite 200, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 527-6799
superspecs.org
Provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs. TAASC is also known as Adaptive Sports Connection.
6000 Harriott Drive, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 389-3921
adaptivesportsconnection.org
Move United: moveunitedsport.org
National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD): nscd.org
Offers personal training, group training and fitness classes for people with special neurological, developmental or physical needs. These opportunities are offered in a special fitness center designed to meet their needs to encourage optimal levels of health and fitness for life.
6631 Commerce Parkway, Unit L, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 937-8309
valemee.com