Columbus OH
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Scholarships / Financial Help for Kids with Autism

Autism Speaks

The nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. The website has helpful information for on understanding autism, toolkits, financial assistance resources, and more. The Autism Response Team can help connect individuals and families to resources in their community. Professionals can also find helpful information, research opportunities, and ways to engage.
(888) 288-4762
autismspeaks.org
Español: (888) 772-9050
autismspeaks.org/que-es-el-autismo-espanol

Avenues for Autism – Behavioral Health Services

Program: Counseling services from clinicians specializing in neuroaffirming care, with a comprehensive and individual approach to therapy. Services include individual therapy and skill-building, family counseling, parent training and education, group therapy, and educational advocacy and support. Services are provided via telehealth.
The Suzanne Tyner Autism Fund helps families pay for autism services not covered by traditional insurance or grants. Eligible services include early intervention programs, assessments, recreational activities, and more. Funds are awarded once per year.
Eligibility: Neurodivergent Children, Teens, Adults, and Families regardless of formal diagnosis; Residents of Ohio and Michigan.
Cost: Accepts most major Commercial/Private insurance, Medicaid, and Private/Self-pay.
Referral: Visit the website to request services.
2105 Lawrence Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43606
(419) 210-5095
avenuesforautism.org

Disability Benefits & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide financial assistance for people who meet federal 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 an SSI beneficiary who is disabled or deceased. Benefits include a monthly payment and Medicare to cover healthcare services. Apply online for disability benefits through the federal Social Security Administration (SSA).
SSA: (800) 772-1213 or (800) 325-0778 TTY
ssa.gov/benefits/disability
Ohio Division of Disability Determination: (866) 766-3192
ood.ohio.gov/information-for-individuals/services/disability-determination-services/disability-determination

Easterseals Central & Southeast Ohio

Serves: Children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Provides comprehensive health services for children and adults living with disabilities. Services in Franklin County include early childhood intervention for ages 12-36 months, Chance to Dance free dance classes for families, Long-Term Care Ombudsman for long-term care support, and summer day camps for children. Adult day services are available in Lawrence, Medina, Ross, Scioto, and Summit counties.
3830 Trueman Court, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
Long-term Care Ombudsman: (614) 345-9198
All other services: (614) 228-5523
Easterseals.com/CentralOhio

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Provides financial, medical, and social service programs in Franklin County. Programs include cash assistance (Ohio Works First, LEAP), help paying for child care, food assistance (Ohio Direction Card/SNAP/EBT, WIC), medical assistance (Medicaid, Healthy Start), and Ohio Means Jobs assistance for job seekers. Emergency Assistance (PRC) funds may be requested for a maximum of $2,000 to use towards overdue rent and utility bills, car repairs; or damages as a result of a natural disaster, housefire, or flood. Visit the website to view specific eligibility requirements for each program, and to start your application. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services.

  • East Opportunity Center: 1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Northland Opportunity Center: 1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • West Opportunity Center: 314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204

(614) 233-2000
Customer Access Center: (844) 640-6446
Medicaid Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
Ohio Direction EBT Card Assistance: (866) 386-3071
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal (Apply Here): ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal
Main Website: jfs.franklincountyohio.gov

Lifeworks Autism Services & Milestones Autism Resource Center

Offers a range of services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)across the lifespan. Programs include prevocational training, life skills training, and adult supported living. Behavioral health services include Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS), psychiatry, psychotherapy, group day treatment, and community or clinic-based ABA. Behavioral Health Respite is available for OhioRISE Aetna members for clients age 5 and older. Medicaid waiver and Autism scholarship is accepted for most services. The Milestones Autism Resource Center offers professional trainings for clinicians, a Provider Directory for autism services, and additional learning materials on the website. The Milestones Help Desk offers personalized guidance for help finding therapies, support groups, funding help, and more.
3205 Fairmount Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44118
2525 East Twenty-second Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Shaker Heights, Ohio 44118
ABA: (216) 356-4993
Intake: (216) 320-8623
Main Office: (216) 320-8710
lifeworksautism.org

Ohio Department of Education (ODEW) Scholarship Programs

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, Mail Stop 309, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 728-2743 or (877) 644-6338
education.ohio.gov/Scholarships

Ohio Department of Medicaid Waiver Services

Ohio Medicaid Waivers help eligible customers with disabilities or chronic health conditions pay for healthcare costs and access care at home or in the community rather than a long-term care facility. Covered services may include personal care, transportation, respite services, supported employment, nutrition services, assistive devices, home modifications and interpreter services. Each state has its own waiver program with distinct eligibility requirements, and there is typically a waiting list. Apply through Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities or Franklin County Job and Family Services, depending on the waiver program.

Contact your local Board of Developmental Disabilities or Department of Job and Family Services to start the waiver application process.

Job & Family Services Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/franklin-county-jfs
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities Offices: cap4kids.org/columbus/department-of-developmental-disabilities
Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities 24/7 Service Coordination: (614) 464-2743
Franklin County Job and Family Services: (844) 640-6446

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