Columbus OH
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Columbus OH
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County Boards, Early Intervention Services & Help Me Grow

Ability Matters

Serves: Students ages 3-21 and adults with autism or other neurological disabilities. 
Supports individuals with autism and other neurological disabilities. Services include community-based crisis intervention, adult day services, and independent supportive living. Educational services are available through the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program to support student ages 3-21 at partner school districts. The Beyond Ability Matters program provides housing, educational experiences like preparing for a job interview, and community outings. Contact the organization or complete the online Inquiry Form for program details.
425 Metro Place North, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 956-1229
abilitymattersohio.com

Action for Children

Provides free information on childcare and early development for parents and caregivers; foster parent training, and professional support for childcare providers. Parent & Youth ambassadors offer free 1:1 care navigation services to help families with service referrals, benefit navigation, and more. They offer year-round parenting classes for parents with kids of all ages throughout Central Ohio, information about choosing quality childcare, and resources for co-parenting. Help Me Grow and SPARK Kindergarten Readiness programs offer free home-visiting services are available for parents who are pregnant or have a child up to 4 years old. FatherUp offers free support for dads navigating the child support system, co-parenting, employment, or other challenges.
78 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-0222
Checklist for Choosing Childcare: cap4kids.org/columbus/files/2018/09/5C-checklist.pdf
Childcare Finder: actionforchildren.org/parents-guardians/choosing-child-care
Parent Learning Website: afclearning.org
Main Website: actionforchildren.org

Childhood League Center

Serves: Families with children under the age of 6, children with autism or developmental delays
Early childhood educational services for children including toddler classes, preschool, 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. They offer home-based early intervention for children with delays from birth to age 3. The center also has educational resources for families, training opportunities for professionals, and community events. The school year program runs from September to May, but they accept referrals throughout the calendar year.
674 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 253-6933
childhoodleague.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

Educational Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO)

Provides professional development for schools and direct student services to improve student learning. Services include technical assistance and professional training for educators, school districts, after school programs, and community organizations. Their office oversees alternative education programs, interpreter services, experiential learning opportunities, supports for students experiencing homelessness, supports for students with disabilities, workforce development programs, gifted programs, and more. Visit the website for a full list of programs and registration details.
2080 Citygate Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 445-3750
escco.org/Services.aspx

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

Franklin County Public Health (FCPH)

FCPH offers many services and resources, including:

280 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 525-3160
Weekend, Holiday and After-Hours Emergency Hotline: (614) 525-3965
Telecommunications for the Deaf: 711 or (800) 750-0750
Infectious Disease Reporting: (614) 525-8890
myfcph.org

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

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)

Serves: Children 16-30 months for diagnostic screening, Children ages 2-22, Parents, and Families. 
Provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Services include diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, outpatient psychotherapy, and ABA team services. Find details about services and eligibility online. They also host the following programs:

  • Project SEARCH: 9-month workplace internship for Central Ohio students in their last year of high school who have Autism and/or Intellectual Disability with Complex Social and Communication Needs.
  • Triple P Stepping Stones: Individual or group classes for parents with children under 12 years old struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges of ASD.
  • Sibshops: Siblings of children with autism and other developmental delays (ages 6 to 12) participate in fun activities to explore feelings and better understand their sibling.
  • Adolescent Transition Programs: Includes Camp RISE summer program, CARE coping and relaxation group, iWork summer job skills program, and Social Skills Group.
  • Complex Behavior Program: Teaches effective strategies for parents to help reduce dangerous or problematic behavior patterns and build coping skills.

187 West Schrock Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081
(614) 355-7570
nationwidechildrens.org/specialties/center-for-autism-spectrum-disorders

Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University (OSU)

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 developmental/diagnostic evaluations, 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. They accept all major insurances, Medicaid, Board of DD Waivers, and offer a sliding scale for payment. Scholarships and fee arrangements are available for some programs. Contact the center for program details and eligibility.
1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Administration: (614) 685-3192
nisonger.osu.edu

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

Ohio Departments and County Boards of Developmental Disabilities

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.

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