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Family Caregiver Resources in Ohio

Find out what systems, organizations, services and resources are available in your backyard.

General Resources

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Ohio Department on Aging

The Ohio Department of Aging offers resources for older Ohioans, caregivers, and professionals in the aging network. Together, we can make Ohio the best state in the nation in which to grow older.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Ohio Seniors and Caregivers

Older Ohioans are vital and valued members of their communities. They are volunteers, learners, leaders, mentors, and workers. They have experiences and knowledge to share, and communities are stronger when they have opportunities to do so.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Ohio Areas on Aging

Area agencies on aging coordinate local services and support for older adults and people with disabilities in their communities. The Ohio Department of Aging provides funding to 12 area agencies. Agencies also receive a blend of federal, state, local, and community funds and contributions.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Ohio Areas on Aging

Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) respond to the needs of older adults as advocates, planners and funders.  AAAs provide education, information and referral services.  AAAs work with the public and private sectors to help older adults with home and community-based long-term care.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Ohio Attorney General

Services for Older Adults: The Attorney General’s Office provides a number of services to meet the needs of Ohio’s older adults, including resources to avoid scams, investigation of patient abuse and neglect in long-term care settings, and programs that enhance seniors’ safety.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

AARP

AARP is hard at work improving the lives of all Ohioans. With 1.5 million members statewide, AARP Ohio is strong and sharing information, leading advocacy efforts and performing community service across the state.

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Eldercare Locator

Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that connects Ohioans to services for older adults and their families, including housing resources, transportation, and elder rights information. (800-677-1116)

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GENERAL RESOURCE

Ohio Association of Senior Centers

The Ohio Association of Senior Centers supports and enhances the ability of Ohio’s senior center network to effectively serve older adults by providing: Education, Mentoring, and Training to Senior Center and Aging Network Staff. (614-784-9772)

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Caregiving 101

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Strategies for Family Caregivers in Ohio

Caregiving is a task that often spikes compassion and purpose, but it is also a journey filled with unique challenges. As a family caregiver in Ohio, you may find yourself juggling numerous responsibilities...

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Being Prepared - Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers in Ohio

To help you be informed and prepared, each challenge on this list aims to represent a particular perspective As a caregiver, you are continuously faced with numerous...

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Agencies to Know in Ohio

Ohio Department of Aging:
The Ohio Department of Aging provides a range of resources and services to aid older adults and their caregivers. They have information on programs like adult protective services, adult day care, home care...

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Medicaid Redetermination - What it is and how to complete the process

As the pandemic’s influence on policies subsides our community will be impacted. One such impact is the redetermination of Medicaid coverage. Individuals will once...

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Developing Your Backup Plan - Your Continuity of Care Planning Guide

Proactively creating a planning document for times when you need to leave your loved one in the care of others can help reduce stress when those instances arise.Times such as...

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Home Preparations

As a family caregiver, preparing the living space for the care recipient is crucial to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. This planning document aims to assist caregivers in systematically assessing and modifying the living space to meet the...

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Symptoms 101

While each individual and condition is different, here we will look at the basics of understanding common symptoms family caregivers tend to encounter. This article aims to be a guiding light through this maze, providing family caregivers with a...

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Talking to Providers: Using Your Outside Voice and Other Tips to Make Yourself Heard

As a family caregiver, you have the enormous responsibility of caring for a loved one, which often includes navigating the complex healthcare system and communicating...

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Health Resources

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HEALTH RESOURCE

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health provides direction, support and coordination in preventing, preparing for and responding to events that threaten the public’s health. A vital resource for caregivers, the department helps to ensure quality health care and services for care recipients.

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HEALTH RESOURCE

Ohio Department of Health

The Department of Health operates Ohio’s public health system and strives to eliminate health disparities. It works to control the spread of infectious diseases, prepares and responds to public health threats, builds strong communities, provides access to health care, monitors the environment, regulates health care providers, and more.

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HEALTH RESOURCE

Ohio Department of Medicaid

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) provides health care coverage to more than 3 million Ohioans through a network of more than 165,000 providers. Learn more about Ohio's largest state agency and the ways in which we continue to improve wellness and health outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.

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HEALTH RESOURCE

Ohio Rise

As a part of Ohio Medicaid’s effort to launch the next generation of Medicaid, ODM has launched OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), a specialized managed care program for youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs.

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HEALTH RESOURCE

Ohio Public Health Association (OPHA)

The Ohio Public Health Association (OPHA) is a volunteer-driven association for ALL public health professionals. Our members work in health education, public health nursing, environmental health, epidemiology, vital statistics, nutrition, and so many more areas.  Some are hands-on practitioners, while many others teach at Ohio’s public health schools.

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Caregiver Stories

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Foster Care Journey of Trust, Transformation, and Love

Taylor and Casey stepped into the fostering world with open hearts, accepting sisters Harper and Bailey into their lives and home in Columbus, Ohio. With an all-encompassing focus on cultivating trust, maintaining...

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A Mother’s Journey Navigating Adoption and Cerebral Palsy

Latasha's life took an unexpected turn when her adoptive child, Malik, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. Emotions ran high and varied, from shock and fear to an overwhelming...

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Mother's Journey of Parenting Through Autism and Elderly Caregiving

Maria, a nurturing mother to three lively children, grappled with the complexities of raising a child with Autism while also caring for her aging father. She decided to return...

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Strength in Navigating a Brother's Substance Use Disorder

Taking care of her younger brother, Noah, living with Substance Use Disorder, has been a rigorous journey for Olivia in Youngstown, Ohio. Noah's mental health struggles led to...

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A Young Son's Journey through His Father's Cancer Diagnosis

At the age of 21, Nathan faced a life-altering situation when his father, Roger, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in their home city of Toledo, Ohio. Overcome by a wave of...

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A Son's Transformation into a Caregiver Amidst Heartache and Triumphs

In the bustling city of Cincinnati, Ohio, James faced a moment that would forever change his life, as he stood beside his aging and ailing father in the emergency room of Mercy...

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Morning Tea and Memories: A Caregiver's Journey through Her Mother's Alzheimer's Diagnosis

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, Sophia and her mother, Margaret, cherished their early morning ritual, a calming cup of tea togethe...

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Mental Heath

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mental health

Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation

Saving lives by connecting every Ohioan to hope, help, and suicide prevention resources.

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mental health

Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities

The Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities Foundation, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, and the Ohio Department of Health...

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mental health

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.

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mental health

211-Get Connected.
Get Help

Across the country, 211s are vital partners to hundreds of organizations, businesses, and government agencies.

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mental health

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Improving the quality of life and ensuring dignity and respect for persons with serious mental illness, and offer support to their families and loved ones.

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Home & Community Based Resources

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Dept of Health

Home and Community based services including assistance services, disability, health, housing, money and finance, seniors and caregivers, veteran and military.

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

Ohio Health

OhioHealth has partnered with social care network findhelp to connect you to community resources that are close to home. You can search the online Community Resource Directory to find free or reduced cost services that support good health.

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

Meals on Wheels Association of Ohio

Delivers essential services that promote the independence of seniors so they may remain in the comfort of their own homes in Ohio.

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

Ohio Department of Medicaid

Home- and community-based services provide opportunities for individuals to receive services in their own home or community.

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

Ohio Medicaid Home Care Waiver

The Ohio Home Care Waiver allows individuals with physical disabilities and unstable medical conditions to receive care in their homes and communities instead of nursing facilities, hospitals or rehabilitation facilities.

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

United Way 211

United Way 2-1-1 connects individuals and families in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus to social services 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We provide accurate and timely assessment, information and service navigation to help people understand their options, resolve problems and improve their lives.

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HOME & COMMUNITY BASED RESOURCE

Center for Community Solutions

Community Solutions is a leader in Ohio’s Health and Human Services space, focused on policy advocacy, research, and data analysis. Advancing Wellbeing of Older Adults is a current priority.

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Financial Resources

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

State of Ohio Financial Resources

Ohio state agencies work hard every day to ensure that every Ohioan and every family has access to resources to meet their basic needs, develop, thrive, and contribute.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

State of Ohio Food Assistance (SNAP)

The Food Assistance Program − known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) − helps eligible Ohioans stretch their food budgets and buy healthy food. Food assistance benefits are distributed electronically through the Ohio Direction Card, which is similar to a debit card.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

State of Ohio Food Banks

Food banks rely on federal commodity programs, donated food, and charitable dollars to privately purchase additional food. The network distributes nutritious, shelf-stable food and protein items available to Ohioans in need. The Ohio Association of Foodbanks provides an interactive map to help you find the food bank serving your community.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

Ohio Association of Food Banks

The Ohio Food Program makes nutritious, shelf-stable food and protein items available to Ohio’s 12 Feeding America food banks.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

Ohio 811 PRA

The Ohio 811 Program administered by the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) allows extremely low-income households comprised of one or more adults with a disability to live in an integrated setting through rental subsidy and access to supportive services.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

Habitat for Humanity (Ohio)

Through our Aging in Place program, Habitat helps older adults age at home and in communities of their choice. Our local Habitat affiliates collaborate with human services organizations to evaluate individual needs and provide critical home repairs, modifications and community services specific to each homeowner’s lifestyle to preserve their home and their independence.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

Georgia Kinship Project

Connects older adults with disabilities with benefit programs that can help pay for food, medicine, health care, utilities and more.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

Golden Buckeye Card

The Golden Buckeye is a free program for all Ohioans 60 and older that offers cardholders special savings, such as discounts, waived fees, free products or services, and more. This resource is also available for adults aged 18-59 who have disabilities as defined by Social Security.

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FINANCIAL RESOURCE

State of Ohio Housing Resources - SeniorResource.com

SeniorResource.com provides caregivers with articles, expert advice, and local resources specific to senior housing and apartments. It provides detailed explanations about senior housing eligibility and the various categories of senior apartments.

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Legal Resources

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Workplace / Employer Resources

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Senior Community Service Employment Program

Hands-on training through subsidized employment to help older Ohioans compete in today's job market. The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a paid community service and work based training program for income eligible job seekers age 55-plus.

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Department of Labor

Ohio's minimum wage, minor labor, and prevailing wage law establish a safe, equitable playing field for all Ohioans to participate in the workforce.

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

Ohio Attorney General - Labor Relations

Ohio Labor Relations FAQ and resources.

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Department of Economic Development

Working together to enrich communities and support economic opportunities across Ohio.

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Small Business Development Centers

The Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide business counseling and assistance to individuals who are either starting or growing their business.

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

AARP - Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace

Helping Employers Support and Retain Working Caregivers

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WORKPLACE / EMPLOYER RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Senior Community Service Employment Program

SCSEP is a paid work experience program for low-income adults aged 55 and older offers training in positions such as receptionists, typists, secretarial assistants, nutrition aides, security guards, maintenance workers, teachers’ aides and more.

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Specific Audience Resources

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

AARP - Ohio Family Caregiver Resources

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with the caregiver in mind and as a starting point to help find the services and support caregivers might need throughout their journey.

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Department on Aging - Caregiver Resources

National Family Caregiver Support Program (navigation by need - topic - keyword).

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Dementia Caregiver Support

Home and community based support resources.

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

AARP Family Caregiving Guides

AARP offers free caregiving guides for specific audiences, including guides for military families and LGBT individuals. The guides, also offered in Spanish and Chinese, are designed to help develop and implement a caregiving plan.

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

State of Ohio Veterans Affairs

Resources and benefits for Ohio veterans.

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

Kaleidoscope Youth Center - LGBTQ+ Resources

KYC offers resources for families, friends, and allies of LGBTQ+ youth.

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SPECIFIC AUDIENCE RESOURCE

Courage to Caregivers

Supports the health and well-being of unpaid family caregivers through Family Peer Support, Breathing Meditation classes, and Group Coaching (Support Groups). Located in Cleveland, OH - supports caregivers throughout Ohio (and the US/Canada).

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Foster Care Resources

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FOSTER CARE RESOURCE

State of Ohio - Foster, Adoption, and Kinship Care

Resources and support network tips.

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FOSTER CARE RESOURCE

OhioKan - Kinship and Adoption Navigator

OhioKAN is a new statewide program designed to help kinship and adoptive families navigate and connect with all available resources, locally and statewide.

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FOSTER CARE RESOURCE

Ohio Grandparent Kinship Navigator

The Ohio Grandparent/Kinship Coalition (OGKC) is an organization consisting of kinship caregivers, kinship caregiver advocates and agencies throughout Ohio promoting education, advocacy, and connections to services for families.

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FOSTER CARE RESOURCE

Ohio Kinship Support Group

Offers online, statewide, support groups for kinship caregivers in Ohio, meeting weekly on Zoom. Website provides information on the group and has a resource hub for caregivers.

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Intellectual or Developmental Disability  Resources

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IDD Resource

State of Ohio - Department of Developmental Disabilities

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities provides lifelong support for individuals with developmental disabilities through a statewide system of services.

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IDD Resource

NAMI Ohio

Support for individuals and families. 

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IDD Resource

The Arc of Ohio

The Arc of Ohio helps families connect with an advocate to navigate the intellectual and developmental disability system. An advocate can answer questions on everything from waivers, to guardianship, transition services, county boards, the appeal process, and much more.

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IDD Resource

Disability Rights Ohio

Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) provides legal advocacy and rights protection to a wide range of people with disabilities. This includes assisting individuals with problems such as abuse, neglect, discrimination, access to assistive technology, special education, housing, employment, community integration, voting and rights protection issues.

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IDD Resource

Ohio Bold Beginning

This website is the premier way for Ohio’s parents, grandparents, caretakers, teachers, and child care providers to access all things related to early childhood in Ohio’s state agencies. Ohio is committed to helping families build a strong foundation for their children's success. Find out more about programs that may be available for your family.

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IDD Resource

OCALI - Center for Autism - Family and Community Resources

OCALI inspires change and promotes access to opportunities for people with disabilities.

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IDD Resource

State of Ohio - Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services

Resources and navigation to agencies in Ohio focused on addiction, recovery, prevention.

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IDD Resource

Autism Society of Ohio

ASO is committed to expanding Autism awareness and programming throughout the state of Ohio, including counties not served by a local affiliate.

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IDD Resource

Ohio Families and Children First Department

Ohio Family and Children First (OFCF) is a partnership of state and local government, communities and families that enhances the well-being of Ohio’s children and families by building community capacity, coordinating systems and services, and engaging families. OFCF's vision is for every child and family to thrive and succeed within healthy communities.

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IDD Resource

Ohio Minds Matter

An educational resource for coordinated, family-centric behavioral health care. Developed for both health providers and families to better understand the unique challenges associated with a child’s specific diagnosis and managing symptoms.

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