Community Resources for Families

 Disclaimer:  This list is not an endorsement for any of the following companies/vendors. We recommend that you research your prospective company/provider.  Click on topics below:

Employment Benefit Resources Respite Services Future Planning

Vehicle Adaptations Transportation Other Resources

Medical Services Disability Support

Housing Educational Resources Sibling Resources

EMPLOYMENT

Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN): Supports employers and their efforts to recruit, hire, and retain individuals with disabilities.

Employment First: People with developmental disabilities explore their career options and seek jobs that fit their skills and interests.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) assists age 14 and up with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities by providing vocational guidance and counseling. To assist in finding and retaining employment based on strengths, capabilities, and interests.

O*NET: The O*NET database has occupation specific descriptors and employment assessments on almost 1,000 occupations covering the entire U.S. economy.

Job Accommodations Network (JAN): Leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee.

Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP): Non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.

What is Employment First?
Video
Employment First Easy Read
Navigating Agency Support
Employment: Terms & Definitions

BENEFIT RESOURCES

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council – Estate Planning:
Overview of estate planning options that exist as of May 2020 for people with disabilities and their families in Ohio.

Disability Benefits 101: gives you tools and information on health coverage, benefits, and employment.

Medicaid Buy In: Allows individuals with disabilities to earn money from a job (income) and keep their Medicaid health care coverage.

Stable Accounts: A STABLE Account is an investment account available to eligible individuals with disabilities. STABLE Accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid, SSI, or SSDI.

Social Security Red Book: The Red Book serves as a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of the Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs

Housing

Fairfield Metropolitan Housing Authority 315 North Columbus Street Lancaster, OH 43130 (P) 740-653-6618 (F) 740-653-7600 TTY: 740-653-2653

The Fairfield Metropolitan Housing Authority is dedicated to serving the needs of low- and moderate-income families in Fairfield County.

Fairfield Affordable Housing, Inc. 111 South Broad Street Lancaster, OH 43130 (P) 740-652-9285; Housing opportunities for seniors ages 55 and over and persons with ID/DD.

www.OhioHousingLocator.org A web-based interactive database that will provide searchable information on affordable, accessible rental housing throughout the state, as well as links to other housing options and resources.

Lutheran Social Service: LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County serves people in need by offering a broad array of services to people experiencing homelessness. Call 740-653-2265.

Foundation Shelters: 800 W. Sixth St. Lancaster, OH 43130 740-653-1960.  The Foundation shelter can house 25 residents: men’s shelter capacity is 16 and women’s capacity is 9.

The Lighthouse
PO Box 215
Lancaster, OH 43130
24-Hour Hotline: 740-687-4423

The Lighthouse provides a safe, supportive environment for women or men and their children, when faced with domestic violence. The Lighthouse is staffed 24 hours a day and will assist victims of domestic violence with referrals, housing assistance, and supportive services.

Respite Services

Ohio Medicaid Respite Care Benefit
Benefit to assist families in caring for Medicaid eligible children and adults under the age of 21, who have been determined eligible for SSI or SSDI.

Ohio Child Care Finder
This includes a connection to Child Care Resource & referral Association (OCCRRA). This includes resources as well as Child Care Finder that can be searched using your zip code.

Care.com
You may search for child care and there is a “special needs” category.

State Support Team
This includes information regarding summer camps for students with and without a disability.  This also includes helpful resources about things to consider when choosing a camp.

Red Tree House
Red Tree House is Ohio’s online resource that assists connecting families with children prenatal to 25 to available resources. This also includes a place where you can search Respite resources by your county. 

Resources for Future Planning

University of Arizona’s “Future Care Planning: A Roadmap for Family Caregivers” manual
A resource to begin the conversations around family planning and includes a place to record the information.

The Arc- Center for Future Planning
Build Your Plan® is a tool that enables families to create accounts and begin to build their future plans.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council “Record Keeping and Personal Care Guide.” A comprehensive collection of forms including: medical information, personal contact information, emergency information, insurance information, care giver’s information, and organizational tools that assist families to record this information.

Disability Rights Ohio
Ohio’s rules for Adult Guardianship. Information about Guardianship and other alternatives to Guardianship.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Agency
•Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR)
•Bureau for the Services for Visual Impairments (BSVI)
•Division of Disability Determination (DDD)

Provides counseling and guidance to individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment to jointly choose an employment goal based on strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, capabilities and interests.

Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living
Assisting Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families.
Future planning is essential for people with disabilities.  The Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living can help people with disabilities develop their plans for the future and help them gain the skills and link them to resources to turn those plans into reality.
Fairfield County (740) 689-1494   Hocking County (740) 380-1475

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
Estate, Financial, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Trusts, and STABLE account information Succession Planning

Portfolio Click HERE
“All about me NOW”
-Documents how you do things now, for anyone who may take over in a family crisis or transition
-Records things that are important to and important for the individual
-Provides a smoother transition for your family member 

“All about my FUTURE”
Explains your wishes for your family member’s future living arrangements and other matters and addresses these hard questions now, before a family crisis or transition

National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making

 Transportation Resources

Canal Winchester Human Services 614-834-3888

Southeastern Ohio Center for Independent Living
SOCIL can provide training on how to utilize transit.
Contact Scott Campbell at 740-689-1494 ext. 15

Fun Bus 740-653-TAXI (8294)
Provides curb to curb transit in Fairfield County

Go Bus 1-888-954-6287
Provides services between Athens and Columbus with stops in Athens, Nelsonville, Logan, Lancaster and Columbus (including the Columbus Airport)

Greyhound 1-800-752-4841
Columbus Bus Station
845 N Wilson Rd
Columbus, OH 43204

Greyhound is committed to serving people with disabilities. Individuals should contact Greyhound with questions, concerns, or complaints regarding travel on Greyhound for customers with disabilities.

Fairfield Center for Independence 740-653-1186
Provides door to door transit for medical appointments to Medicaid recipients. Non-medical transportation is at private pay rates.

Rideshare Company-Gohio Commute
Gohio Commute helps commuters all across the state explore their commute options

Samaritan Center 740-687-1921
Provides door to door transit for medical appointments to Medicaid recipients.

UBER
Provides door to door transit

Vehicle Adaptations and Services

Ohio State University Hospital - Occupational Therapy Driver Rehabilitation Program 614-293-3833
Offers driver training, driving evaluation or vehicle modification assessment.   Paid by insurance or private pay.

Disabled Dealer Magazine
Connects buyers and sellers- if you see an item you are interested in you will need to contact the phone number listed in the ad.

Columbus Mobility Specialists 614-825-8996

Fitzpatrick Enterprises, Inc. 1-800-545-1102

Key Mobility 937-374-3226

Mobility Works 330-489-6666

Travis Roy Foundation
At the Travis Roy Foundation we are focused on empowering spinal cord injured survivors through adaptive equipment grants, which enable independence; and funding SCI research to benefit people with chronic injuries. In doing this we actively collaborate with the SCI community to create advocacy and to raise awareness.

Medical SERVICES

Aladdin Shriners Hospital Association for Children (A.S.H.A.C.)
614-475-2609
Provides funding for care and treatment of children with burn injuries, orthopedic problems, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and pallet deficiencies in addition to providing wheelchairs, prosthetics and patient care support.

Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH)
Judy Scali 740-652-2800 Extension 2826. All BCMH families are contacted by telephone or mailings by our BCMH nurse. Several BCMH children and families are visited on an ongoing basis, requiring multiple interventions to assist with their needs.

Ohio Department of Medicaid
Medicaid Provider Search tool at
Call each plan’s member services number or visit their web site to find more information about what each plan offers.

Buckeye Health Plan 1-866-246-4358
CareSource 1-800-488-0134
Molina Healthcare 1-800-642-4168
Paramount Advantage 1-800-462-3589
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan 1-800-895-2017

By the Way Free Medical Clinic
1029 South Broad Street, Lancaster
Lower Level of Maywood Mission side entrance
First and Third Tuesday of every month from 6-8 pm (walk-in only) Health care professional providing care for our neighbors in need

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation
The funds help pay for medical treatment, therapies, services or equipment.  For children 16 years or younger with private health insurance, meet adjusted gross income.

Joni and Friends
Ohio Area Ministry
614-861-8920
Provide family retreats nationally and internationally.
Equipping churches for disability ministries, education and training.

Christian Fund for the Disabled (CFD)
Practical needs of people affected by disability for training, adaptive needs, equipment, rehabilitation, and special treatments.

Medical Equipment

Peace Church
Helping Hands Medical Equipment Ministry
Contact Coordinator, Linda Hottle, 614-837-3732, ext. 150, lindahottle@sbcglobal.net

Fairfield Center for Independence
Ramps and home modifications call 740-653-5501 to check qualifications. Medical loan closet also available to all residents of Fairfield County .

May We Help
May We help is a team of volunteers whose skill sets come together to design, build and deliver custom devices at no cost.

Habitat for Humanity
707 Slocum St., Lancaster – 740-654-3434
401 Courtright Dr., Pickerington – 614-828-8432

Programs for small loans for medical equipment and small home repairs/Volunteering opportunities

Fairfield County Society for Children and Adults with Disabilities Melody Liston at 740-277-4984 or Julie Bruckelmeyer at 740-652-7220.
The Society is dedicated to helping children and adults with special needs with assistance for the purchase of durable medical equipment and supplies.  Services by the Society are provided by referral and based on financial need.

Therapy

Capital Therapy Services    
69 West Waterloo St., Canal Winchester, OH, 43110
614-833-2608

Columbus Speech and Hearing Center
510 E. North Broadway, Columbus, OH, 43214       
614-263-5151

Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Speech and Language Pathology  
700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH, 43205           
614-722-2200

Columbus Therapy Associates LLC          
1335 Dublin Rd, Suite 200B, Columbus, OH, 43215
614-595-9037

The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy         
332 E Main St, Lancaster, OH 43130                  
614-459-4490

Flourish Integrated Therapy LLC
30 Northwoods Blvd., Columbus OH 43235            
614-545-8300

Faith, Hope, & Love Autism Services
7869 Refugee Road, Pickerington, OH 43147
614-834-0345

Fairfield Medical Center
401 N. Ewing Street, Lancaster, OH, 43130             
740-687-8602

SpeechPath Ohio
1120 N. Memorial Dr., Lancaster, Ohio 43130         
740-277-7882

The OSU Nisonger Center
1581 Dodd Dr. Columbus, OH, 43210                      
614-685-6701

Educational Resources for Families and Guardians

Family ECHO: Autism
Virtual learning program for families and caregivers raising children with autism.

Disability Support

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) 740-382-5452
Provides assistance, support, and training for parents in need.

Disability Rights Ohio
614-466-7264
Provides legal advocacy and rights protection for a wide range of issues.

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO)
614-263-6020
Provides support and assistance to individuals with Down Syndrome and their families.

Autism Society of Central Ohio (ASCO)
614-284-6323 autismsocietycentralohio@gmail.com
Advocacy group of parents and professionals.

Autism Speaks
216-524-2842 (Cleveland field office)

Family Services:
(888) AUTISM2 (288-4762)
Provides advocacy, support, education, and promotes the advancement of research to increase acceptance and understanding of autism spectrum disorder.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI)
Connects families to services, supports, training and resources

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Advocacy

Help Me Grow Community Resource Guide
Search providers and contacts for children by county.

 Other Resources

Autism Resources for Families: Click HERE for Guide

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)-Family Resources

Crossroads.tv Church Bed Brigade
Bed Brigade builds and delivers beds to kids who don’t have one.

Family Engagement Series

Fairfield County Parents2Gether
This is a group for families with kids and adults with special needs in Fairfield County to connect and get information.

NAMI Family Support Group
A support group for family members, partners and friends of individuals living with a mental illness.

Universal Changing Tables
Review the map to find a universal changing table in your area.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Learning Aid Ohio Learning Aid Ohio provides students learning on IEPs and 504 Plans funding for in-person, supplemental learning support.

GetEpic.com-epic! free login for families, more books available during school hours 

TurtleDiary.com-TurtleDiary games, videos, quizzes, printables and teaching tools for Preschool to 5th grade many subject areas 

Abcya.com-ABCYa- games for many subject areas Pre-K to grade 6+ 

Starfall.com-Starfall- Pre-K to Grade 3 Math, Language Arts, and Seasonal content 

Pbskids.org-PBS KIDS- educational videos and games 

Minimouse.us-learn how to use a computer mouse games 

Storylineonline.net-Story line Online- digital books to read to you by famous people 

Highlightskids.com-Highlights- activities, jokes, games, audio books 

Switchzoo.com-Switch Zoo- animal games-games and music about animals 

Kids.Nationalgeographic.com-National Geographic Kids games, videos animals, fun facts all about animals and science 

Seussville.com-Seusville- explore books, about Dr. Seuss, his characters, his theme parks, museum, live musical, carnival cruise, watch movies, play games 

Jr.brainpop.com-BrainPOP Jr.- various subjects-content, quiz, coding, games, draw, write, activities, discussions, and jokes, and an engage families at home area 

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
740-382-5452 OCECD’s programs help parents become informed and effective representatives for their children in all educational settings. In addition, youth are assisted to advocate for themselves. Through knowledge about laws, resources, rights and responsibilities, families are better able to work with agencies to ensure that appropriate services are received for the benefit of their sons and daughters.

State Support Team 11
614-753-4694
SST 11 provides professional development, coaching, and technical assistance to school districts, educational service centers, community schools, early childhood programs and families in Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, Union and Chillicothe City Schools located in Ross County.

Ohio Department of Education

Kumon Math and Reading Center of Pickerington
614-977-0200

MINDscapes
614-604-6067
Provides educational services such as tutoring, IEP consulting, homeschooling consulting, and parent advocacy.

 Sibling Resources

Nationwide Children’s Sibling Clubhouse
For siblings that have siblings admitted for extended stays or surgeries. It offers per-peer support for other children going through similar situations and stressors.

DSACO Sibling Support Groups
These support groups are available to all families not only for families of children with a diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

OCALI Sibling/Family Support

A Kid Again
Not exclusive to families dealing with life-threatening situations, they also provide support to families that autism diagnosis, complex medical diagnosis, individuals dealing with extensive surgeries, etc.
Once accepted, it offers 2-3 opportunities a month for families to attend different functions they host. It’s a great parent-parent and peer-peer opportunity to form relationships in the community. The organization offers a gas voucher, meal voucher and free admission to whatever the event is so that it is as cost free and accessible for families as possible!
Direct contact for A Kid Again: Jared Buerger

Ohio SIBS
Ohio SIBS is a grassroots organization of siblings of people with disabilities that came together in 2000 to acknowledge the sibling role in the life of a person with a disability. We support siblings throughout the lifespan by connecting them with resources and creating a community of siblings that support the disability community.