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
Provides students and adults with disabilities the chance to gain work exposure and experience through paid apprenticeships with state agencies. Apprentices may be able to secure permanent employment in state government after the completion of the apprenticeship program, and that’s the goal of this program.
150 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
(614) 306-1744
ood.ohio.gov/about-us/programs-and-partnerships/ohio-vocational-apprentice-program
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
Offers tuition-free programs for high school juniors and seniors at more than 15 school districts in central Ohio, including job training, career programs, college prep classes, GED classes, ESL training and help finding a job. They also offer free summer camps for students in grades 6 to 8 explore career options.
eastlandfairfield.com
Summer Camp: eastlandfairfield.com/page/summer-camp
An I/O, Level One waiver, and Autism Scholarship Program provider agency emphasizing community inclusion. They offer services to youth ages 16 and up and adults. Each program is developed to meet the needs of the wide variety of social and behavioral needs of individuals. Their focus is on personal daily living, health and wellness, employment, social, financial, family and spiritual health. Services are offered by trained and experienced care providers.
425 Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 956-1229
abilitymattersohio.com
Provides vocational training, job development and employment skills to those with a variety of disabilities. Assists individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment obtain and maintain positions to lead to successful employment.
(740) 368-5810
alphagroup.net
Offers supportive services to men, women, young adults, children and families through their reentry, behavior health and developmental disabilities programs.
2100 Stella Court, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 252-8402
alvis180.org
Provides vocational training and employment services for adults who have developmental disabilities. They support individuals as they access the community where they live and work, helping them develop independence, self-advocacy and skills important to employment and community membership.
2780 Airport Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 479-2500
arcind.com
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
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
Provides people with low vision and blindness with services and supports necessary to help them attain and keep jobs (beginning at age 14). Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services include: evaluation and treatment of an individual’s disability; information and referral services; vocational counseling and training; job assistance; educational guidance; transportation services; occupational tools and equipment; and personal attendant services (reader, interpreter, etc.). Visit the website to find the BSVI Office services available in your area.
Columbus Office: 4300 East Broad Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
(614) 466-4575 or (800) 430-6940 Toll-free
ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/individuals-with-disabilities/services/services-for-the-visually-impaired
BSVI Regional Offices: ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/individuals-with-disabilities/find-us
Provides youth with disabilities ages 14-22 services and supports necessary to help them attain and maintain employment. Disabilities may include physical, intellectual, mental health, or sensory disabilities. They work with families and schools to help youth become independent. Their website has information about pursuing education beyond high school and also how to obtain a job. Referral may be initiated by the local school district, the student, a family member or other community resource. Visit the website to find the BVR office that serves your area.
4300 East Broad Street, Whitehall, Ohio 43213
(614) 466-4575 or (800) 430-6940 Toll-free
ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/individuals-with-disabilities/services/vocational-rehabilitation
BVR Regional Offices: ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/individuals-with-disabilities/find-us
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
Program: Provides speech-language and occupational individual and group therapy, screenings, and evaluations. They also offers audiology and hearing aid services, career exploration and job training, as well as American Sign Language (ASL) classes for adults and youth ages 16 and older
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
Offers programs for both high school students and adults to improve skills so they can be better prepared to enter the workforce and advance within the workforce, by offering college credits, industry credentials and hands-on experiences.
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
Contains information about scholarship and financial aid programs for students with disabilities.
PO Box 354842, Seattle, Washington 98195
(888) 972-3648 Voice/TTY
washington.edu/doit
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
Assists families and students in developing a transition plan that will move students toward their post-secondary education, employment and independent living/community integration goals.
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
A non-profit that provides employment services, job training and sustained employment supports to individuals with autism. Their program EveryBody Works is a transition program that blends post-secondary education with paid work experiences. They employ individuals with autism in their gluten-free bakery, working with job coaches to develop skills.
4185 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 447-0424
foodforgoodthought.com
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
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
Offers free advice on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
(800) 526-7234 Voice or (877) 781-9403 TTY
askjan.org
benefits.gov/benefit/5894
Creates job opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing youth as a path to personal success, financial independence and self-fulfilled lives. Their Work Experience Model (WEM) offers hands-on experiences where they can develop work skills, and cultivate positive work habits and values necessary for successful careers.
563 South Dawson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43209
(614) 238-3323 or (614) 388-9630 VP
tshirtquilts.com/our-mission
A non-profit organization that serves young adults with autism. They operate a commercial greenhouse that provides the opportunity for school-to-work transition services, job training and employment for young adults. Lettuce Work is an approved agency provider for the Ohio Developmentally Disabled system and is authorized to provide adult vocational rehabilitation, adult day habilitation, enclave and community employment.
14985 Fancher Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054
(740) 913-0495
lettucework.org
Provides several services, including independent living skills training where young adults develop the skills necessary to live as independent as possible in the community, equipment loan program, library services and more.
1829 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 443-5936
mobileonline.org
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
Offers tips, information and resources for job seekers with disabilities. The website provides a guide titled “Passport for Job Seekers with Disabilities”, which lists resources and programs for workers with disabilities in Ohio.
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
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
Free extensive one-stop employment services for young and old, working and unemployed. Services include walk-in access to a career resource room, job fairs and job postings. They also offer free support in preparing career planning, academic and skill testing, hands-on computer classes, GED preparation, creating resumés and cover letters, preparing for interviews and more.
1111 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 559-5052
Columbus-Franklin County: omjcfc.org
State of Ohio: ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/omj/home
Partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment, independence and Social Security disability determination outcomes; they also help students with disabilities transition from school to work. OOD’s job portal, called OODworks.com, allows potential consumers to learn about OOD’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services and complete an online application, allowing a more streamlined process. Visit the website for additional contact information.
150 East Campus View Boulevard, Columbus, Ohio 43235
For general questions regarding Vocational Rehabilitation or OOD: (800) 282-4536
ood.ohio.gov
oodworks.com
Contact: oodworks.com/contact.html
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.
Offers community-based services include rehabilitation readiness, career development, vocational assessment, job training, job placement, evidence-based supported employment and benefits planning and consultation. They assist and support individuals in overcoming mental, emotional and other challenges to a productive life focusing on employment, economic stability and life skills.
(614) 225-0990
southeasthc.org/services/vocational-services
CDE is a community based, non-residential Center for Independent Living that is driven by the choice and direction of people with disabilities. They offer information and referrals to help navigate the system, provide support with independent living skills training, community connections, and partial funding to hire a Personal Care Attendant; as well as transition services for high school youth.
510 East North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 575-8055
disabilityempowerment.net
Provides Social Security disability beneficiaries (i.e., individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits based on disability) the choices, opportunities and support they need to enter the workforce and maintain employment with the goal of becoming economically independent over time.
PO Box 1433, Alexandria, Virginia 22313
(866) 968-7842 or (866) 833-2967 TTY/TDD
yourtickettowork.ssa.gov
Offers individuals ages 18 and older an opportunity to engage in Ohio State academic coursework and work experiences while developing independent living skills and participating in campus and community organizations, social activities, and events.
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
(614) 685-3185
nisonger.osu.edu/adult/adult-clinics-services/tops
The website offers a lot of advice on scholarships, loans and grants available for students with disabilities who want to go to college. They have lists of disability friendly colleges, internship opportunities, vocational rehabilitation resources and information about other disability assistance for children.
200 Constitution Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20210
(866) 487-2365
dol.gov/agencies/odep/topics