Links families of children with special health care needs to CMH-providers and helps families pay for the services the child’s needs up to age 21 years old. Visit the website to see what conditions are eligible for CMH and locate CMH providers by county.
(614) 466-1700 or (800) 755-4769 Toll-free (for parents only)
odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/children-with-medical-handicaps/welcome-to
CMH Providers & Locations: data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/children-with-medical-handicaps-_cmh_-provider-directory
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide assistance to people who meet requirements for disability. Children can qualify if they have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits their activities, and if their family has a limited income. A child may receive benefits if they are the child of a SSI beneficiary who is disabled or deceased. The benefits pay for many services, including doctor and hospital visits.
(800) 772-1213 or (800) 325-0778 TTY
ssa.gov/benefits/disability
Provides information about food assistance (Ohio Direction Card / EBT), cash assistance, medical assistance (like Medicaid), job training, emergency assistance (PRC), help with paying for child care and more. PRC Emergency Assistance funds may be requested for car repairs up to $2,000. Each center serves certain zip codes. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services. Refugees and immigrants should apply for services as well.
Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov
Find requirements, application details, and forms for disability placards and license plates in Ohio. Disability license plates and placards permit vehicles to park in parking spaces marked with the international symbol of access for persons with disabilities. The Communication Disability Law allows drivers with disabilities to voluntarily enroll in a database to alert law enforcement of communication barriers to reduce misunderstandings with police.
(614) 438-1200 or (800) 282-4536
Disability Plates and Placards: ohio.gov/residents/resources/disability-placards
Communication Disability Law: ood.ohio.gov/laws-rules-and-policies/forms/verification-form
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.
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
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
Nonprofit providing medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be age 16 or younger, and covered by a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Find additional requirements and application instructions on their website.
(855) 698-4223
uhccf.org