Family Support Organizations
These organizations support families. They answer questions, offer training, connect you with other parents, and advocate for people's rights.
Listings
Disability Rights Ohio
Ohio's protection and advocacy group; call to get help with rights, services, and abuse or neglect concerns.
The Arc of Ohio
A statewide advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
I Am Boundless (Family Support Services)
The group FCBDD names to run its Family Resources program, including respite and help with equipment like ramps.
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
Plans and funds services that help older adults and people with disabilities stay safe and independent at home.
Center for Disability Empowerment
A Center for Independent Living that offers peer support, skills training, and advocacy.
Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment (MOBILE)
A Columbus Center for Independent Living serving Franklin County.
Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council
The statewide council that guides independent living services in Ohio and lists the state's Centers for Independent Living.
CAP4Kids Columbus
A resource guide for families of children with special needs, with listings by topic and neighborhood.
OCALI (Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence)
Gives information and training on autism and other disabilities to families and professionals.
Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO)
Supports families, community involvement and lifelong opportunities for people with Down syndrome.
Services: Parent and caregiver groups, Sibling support, Events and social clubs, Hospital care packages, Advocacy
ElevateDD
A nonprofit that runs programs for the developmental disability community in Ohio, including DSACO.
Services: Free webinars, Learning Aid Ohio tutoring, Adult Literacy Ohio, DSACO programs
Autism Society of Central Ohio (ASCO)
An affiliate of the Autism Society of America that gives advocacy, education, information and support groups in central Ohio.
Services: Parent and caregiver support groups, Adult social groups, Advocacy and education, Information and referral
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)
A statewide nonprofit that helps families of children with disabilities and the educators who serve them.
Services: One to one help for parents, Trainings, Parent Training and Information Center, Youth self advocacy
Ohio Parent Mentor Project
Trained parents of children with disabilities help other families work through special education, at no cost.
Services: Parent mentors, Special education and IEP help, Free to families
Family Resource Network of Ohio
Families supporting families with tools, trainings and a resource directory for people with developmental disabilities.
Services: Charting the LifeCourse tools, Trainings, Resource directory, Family to family support
People First of Ohio
A statewide group led by people with developmental disabilities that supports self advocacy and local chapters.
Services: Self advocacy, Local chapters, Trainings, Statewide advocacy
Ohio Self Determination Association (OSDA)
Helps people with disabilities and their families direct their own lives through training and advocacy.
Services: Self determination training, Advocacy support, Synergy conference
Ohio SIBS
Connects and supports brothers and sisters of people with disabilities through groups and county board partnerships.
Services: Sibling groups, Sibling mentor training, Youth and adult sibling resources, Sibling summits
Philipps and Graham, LLC
A Dublin law firm focused on special needs planning, guardianship and estate planning for families.
Services: Special needs planning, Guardianship and supported decision making, Estate planning, Benefits and STABLE account guidance
Special Education Legal Clinic
A free monthly clinic where parents of students with disabilities meet advocates and attorneys.
Services: Free monthly workshops, Free 30 minute attorney sessions
Provider listings come from public sources and have not been claimed by the provider yet. Details can change. Confirm with the provider, and check certification with Ohio DODD.
Common questions
What is family support organizations?
These organizations support families. They answer questions, offer training, connect you with other parents, and advocate for people's rights.
Who pays for family support organizations?
Most are free or low cost.
Can my Service Coordinator recommend a provider?
No. Under Ohio's Free Choice of Provider rule, county staff cannot promote one provider over another. They can point you to the Ohio DODD provider search and help set up interviews with the providers you choose.