General Information

This section includes many of the specific disability organizations, public agencies, and community partners.

Autism Speaks - Autism Resources

Population Served: AUT

Ages: Children and adults

Fee: Free

Organization: Autism Speaks

Contact: Jose Dell'Aglio

Address:

Phone: 888-288-4762 En Español 888-772-9050

Email: jose.dellaglio@autismspeaks.org

Website: www.autismspeaks.org

Descriptor: Serving all communities in Ohio, Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support, increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism, and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

Bright Beginnings

Population Served: Early Intervention

Dates: Year-round

Ages: Birth to age 3

Fee: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA, requires that some Early Intervention (EI) activities and services are provided at no cost to parents. Child find, evaluation and assessment, development of the Individualized Family Service Plan, procedural safeguards, and service coordination are publicly funded and provided at no cost to parents.

Organization: Bright Beginnings (formerly Help Me Grow)

Contact: Beth Hensley

Address: 6393 Oak Tree Blvd.; Suite 201; Independence, OH 44131

Phone: 216-698-7500 Fax: 216-391-6106

Email: Referrals@brightbeginningskids.org

Website: www.brightbeginningskids.org

Descriptor: Bright Beginnings uses an evidence-based early intervention approach that includes the parent, service coordinator, and a primary service provider from a team composed of an occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, developmental specialist, early childhood mental health therapist and other specialists as needed.


Case Western Reserve University - KidsFirst Autism Research Registry

Population Served: AUT

Dates: Ongoing

Ages: All ages

Fee: None

Organization: Case Western Reserve University

Contact: Anastasia Dimitropoulos

Address: 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone: 216-368-3471

Email: axd116@case.edu

Website: https://case.edu/autism/kids-first/about-kids-first

Descriptor: KidsFirst is recruiting parents of individuals with autism (all ages) to enroll in a registry aimed at identifying similarities across individuals and establishing behavioral classification to better understand autism. At enrollment, they ask parents to answer a 10-minute survey that guides future requests for information, such as targeted follow-up questions and possible genetic sampling. The information provided will help translate findings into targeted approaches for therapy, care, and intervention. Information gathered will be strictly confidential, anonymized, and encrypted in a HIPAA-compliant repository. Participation is free and all correspondence is through the registry, email, and telephone. The International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICARE) at CWRU is partnered with the Hartwell Foundation and Stanford University to establish Northeast Ohio as a KidsFirst site.


Cleveland Children's Museum

Address: 10730 Euclid Avenue; University Circle; Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone: 216-791-KIDS

Website: www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org

Descriptor: The Cleveland Children’s Museum is more than a museum. It is an activity center that offers hands-on exhibits plus a variety of daily programs. It is currently by reservation only. For a detailed brochure call 216-791-KIDS

Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center

Population Served: AUT, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, S/LI

Dates: Ongoing

Ages: All Ages

Fee: Insurance and private pay

Organization: Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

Contact: Call the number below

Address: 11635 Euclid Ave Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone: 216-231-8787

Email: N/A

Website: www.chsc.org

Descriptor: Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center is the premier provider of hearing, speech-language, and deaf services, education and advocacy, helping people connect through communication. We provide evaluations and therapy to promote communication among children of all ability levels. Our offices are located in University Circle, Broadview Heights, Westlake, and Lyndhurst. Intensive intervention options for both individuals and groups are available over the summer.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Address: 11150 East Boulevard; University Circle; Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone: 216-421-7350 or 888-262-0033

Website: www.clevelandart.org

Descriptor: Art classes are held for preschool through 17 years of age. The Museum houses an extensive collection of 6,000 years of art encompassing many areas of art, cultures, and geographic areas. It also offers classes for children and adults. There is a free gallery talk at 1:30 pm every day. Other programs include audio-visual presentations, gallery tours, films, lectures, and concerts. For a detailed brochure, contact the Cleveland Museum of Art, Department of Education & Public Programs.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Address: 1 Wade Park Oval Drive; University Circle; Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone: 216-231-4600, ext. 214

Website: https://www.cmnh.org/

Descriptor: For detailed brochure on the following programs:

  • gallery talks, guided tours, and films

  • live animal programs daily

  • planetarium programs

Call CMNH to request brochure listing programs, times, and admission.


Connecting for Kids

Population Served: Parent education and support

Dates: Year round

Ages: Birth to 12

Fee: Free

Organization: Connecting for Kids

Contact: Sarah Rintamaki, Joellen Podoll

Address: P.O. Box 45372; Westlake, OH 44145

Phone: 440-570-5908

Email: info@connectingforkids.org

Website: www.connectingforkids.org

Descriptor: Our mission is to provide education and support to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their 0-12 year old child(ren). We serve all families, including those children with and without formal diagnoses.

Connecting for Kids - Joellen Podoll.mp4

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities - Family Supports Program

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: All Summer

Ages: All ages

Fee: Based upon your Family Supports Program allotment

Organization: Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Contact: Cuyahoga DD Family Supports Program

Address: 721 Boardman Poland Rd., Boardman, OH 44512

Phone: 800-237-6828 x3 Fax: 1-855-336-6968

Email: cuyfss@NEONCOG.org

Website: www.Cuyahogabdd.org; www.neoncog.org

Descriptor: Individuals enrolled with Cuyahoga DD who are eligible for services may qualify for financial assistance through the Family Supports Program. If you are already enrolled in the Family Supports Program, review the camp guidelines, and submit the camp authorization form which can be found in the Family Support/Cuyahoga section at www.neoncog.org. If you are currently receiving services through Cuyahoga DD and are not enrolled in the Family Supports Program, visit www.cuyahogabdd.org (Family Supports Program) for the simple application or call 800-237-6828 Option 3. If you are not currently receiving services through Cuyahoga DD, please contact intake at 216-736-2673. If you have a Support Administrator (SA), contact him/her directly to discuss camp options.

Cuyahoga County Board of Health - Children with Medical Handicaps Program

Population Served: MD, HI, OHI, TBI, VI, OI, and certain diagnosed medical conditions

Dates: Every family is on their own timeline. If a family is on the Treatment Program, it is for 1 year.

Ages: Birth - 21

Fee: No financial requirement for the diagnostic portion of the program, the Treatment Program requires the family to meet financial eligibility set by The Ohio Department of Health. No fee to apply for programs.

Organization: Cuyahoga County Board of Health

Contact: Amy Geiss, Supervisor: 216-201-2001 ext. 1312

Address: 5550 Venture Drive; Parma OH,

Phone: 216-201-2040; CMH ext. 2015 Fax: 216-676-1319

Email: ageiss@ccbh.net

Website: ccbh.net

Descriptor: Supplemental insurance program through The Ohio Department of Health that helps eligible families with co-pays, medications, equipment, etc.

Cuyahoga County Parent Mentors

BAY VILLAGE CITY SCHOOLS

MARY WOODS

377 Dover Center Rd

Bay Village, OH 44140

(440) 617-7300 (W)

mary.woods@bayschoolsohio.org


CLEVELAND HEIGHTS/UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS CITY SCHOOLS

JOY HOWARD

2843 Washington Blvd.

Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

(216) 932-5110

joy@reachingheights.org


CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOLS

RAYCHELLE FAIR

1111 Superior Avenue, Ste. 1800

Cleveland, OH 44114

(216) 838-0345

raychelle.fair@clevelandmetroschools.org


CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOLS

SAUNDRA JORDAN

1111 Superior Avenue, Ste. 1800

Cleveland, OH 44114

(216) 838-0344

saundra.jordan@clevelandmetroschools.org


EAST CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOLS

TALLAWANDA MOORE

1843 Stanwood Avenue

East Cleveland, OH 44112

(216) 249-4261; (fax) (216) 268-6480

tmoore@east-cleveland.k12.oh.us


EUCLID CITY SCHOOLS

LATASHA MOTLEY

711 E. 222nd Street

Euclid, OH 44123

(216) 261-2900

lmotley@euclidschools.org


MAYFIELD CITY SCHOOLS

BRIDGETT KREUTZER

1101 SOM Center Road

Mayfield Heights, OH 44124

(440)-995-6800

bkreutzer@mayfieldschools.org


PARMA CITY SCHOOLS

ELIZABETH CARTER

5311 Longwood Ave.

Parma, OH 44134

440-843-3940

cartere@parmacityschools.org


SHAKER CITY SCHOOLS

TRINA JONES

15600 South Woodland

Shaker Hts., OH 44120

216-295-4372

jones_t@shaker.org


SOLON CITY SCHOOLS

JOANNE INNIS

33800 Inwood Road

Solon, OH 44139

(440) 897-9874

joannainnes@solonboe.org


STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

TERESA KARSNAK

15650 Pearl Road

Strongsville, OH 44136

(440) 572-6593 (fax) (440) 572-7043

karsnak@strongnet.org

Cuyahoga County Public Library - Adapted Library Programs

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: Adapted programs are offered throughout the year at various branch locations.

Ages: All Ages

Fee: No fee

Organization: Cuyahoga County Public Library

Contact: Julia Boxler

Address: 2111 Snow Road, Parma, OH 44129

Phone: 216-398-1800

Email: jboxler@cuyahogalibrary.org

Website: www.cuyahogalibrary.org

Descriptor: Adapted programs are offered throughout the year at various library branch locations.

Empowering Epilepsy

Population Served: ED, MD, OHI, TBI

Ages: All Ages – All events are family-friendly

Fee: See our website for information

Organization: Empowering Epilepsy

Address: 23500 Mercantile Rd, Suite D, Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Contact: Leigh Goldie, Founder and Executive Director

Phone: 440-248-6158

Email: leigh@empoweringepilepsy.org

Website: http://empoweringepilepsy.org

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/empoweringepilepsy

Descriptor: Empowering Epilepsy was created by people in Cleveland, Ohio directly affected by epilepsy. While looking for support, there were limited resources outside the neurologist’s office. We provide programs and events as a way to create a caring community that allows people with epilepsy and their families to find active ways to manage their seizures and take charge of their lives. We provide virtual age-based support groups via zoom for kids, teens, young adults with epilepsy, and parents of children with epilepsy.

Epilepsy Association - Education

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: Ongoing

Ages: Birth through 12th Grade

Fee: Free

Organization: Epilepsy Association

Contact: Nicole Richter-Director of Community Programming

Address: 2831 Prospect Ave.; Cleveland, OH 44115

Phone: 216-579-1330 Fax: 216-771-5114

Email: nrichter@epilepsyinfo.org

Website: www.epilepsyinfo.org

Descriptor: Epilepsy Association professionally trained staff is available to provide in-school educational presentations to staff and students on seizure first aid and basic epilepsy education. Staff training focuses on identifying and responding appropriately to different types of seizures as well as special considerations for students with epilepsy. A puppet show is available for preschool through 3rd-grade students which focuses on basic epilepsy education and acceptance. Education for older students focuses on basic seizure first aid and dispelling epilepsy myths as well as addressing stigma. One-on-one resources are available for families who have a child with epilepsy. Our case managers can meet in the community to assess the needs of each family member and connect them with supportive community resources. Our case managers provide general support, epilepsy education, and advocacy.


Epilepsy Associaton - Kids and Family Program

Population Served: MD, OHI, TBI

Dates: Ongoing

Ages: Birth-17 years

Fee: Free

Organization: Epilepsy Association

Contact: Nicole Richter-Director of Community Programming

Address: 2831 Prospect Ave.; Cleveland, OH 44115

Phone: 216-579-1330 Fax: 216-771-5114

Email: nrichter@epilepsyinfo.org

Website: www.epilepsyinfo.org

Descriptor: Epilepsy Association’s Kids & Family Program is a free service designed to help parents/guardians overcome obstacles in managing their child’s epilepsy. The service is provided by an Epilepsy Association case manager who will meet with you privately in the comfort of your own home, at the Epilepsy Association office, or virtually.

The service will help you assess your family situation and connect you with the community resources that best address your family’s specific needs. This can be accomplished in typically 1-3 visits. Our goal is to help relieve the stress your family may be experiencing, increase your ability to meet the challenges of raising a child with epilepsy and to connect you with helpful community resources and others who have faced similar challenges.

Hattie Larlham - Constant Companions

Contact: Stacy Timm, Director of Adult Day Services

Address: 1402 Boettler Road, Suite A; Uniontown Ohio 44685

Phone: 330-899-9067 Fax: 330-899-0620

Email: stacy.timm@hattielarlham.org

Website: www.hattielarlham.org

Descriptor: Constant Companions is a unique alternative to traditional work or day programs for people with developmental disabilities. The program focuses on the mutually beneficial interaction between people with disabilities and various domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and fish. These animals are used as teaching aids to encourage participants to nurture and learn about the animals in their care.

Hattie's Doggie Day Care & Boarding

Contact: Mike Sturdivant

Address: 7996 Darrow Road; Suite 40; Twinsburg, OH 44087

Phone: 330-405-0624

Email: Michael.sturdivant@hattielarlham.org

Website: www.hattielarlham.org

Descriptor: Hattie’s Doggie Day Care & Boarding is committed to providing your beloved canine with luxury accommodation and great staff! This is a work training program for people with disabilities that aspire to pursue a career in the pet or animal care industry. Our mission is dual purpose: to support our employees to achieve the highest level of success, and provide customers with exceptional service!

Additional Locations: 18200 Brookpark Rd.; Cleveland, OH 44135; 216-999-7352

2778 Greensburg Rd.; Ste. A; North Canton, OH 44720; 330-899-8565


Josiah's House - Adult Day Support/Vocational Training

Organization: Josiah’s House, Inc.

Contact: Irene Jones

Address: 981 Keynote Circle Drive; Ste. 13; Brooklyn Heights, OH 44131

Phone: 216-236-6960 Fax: 216236-6964

Email: irene@josiahhouseinc.org

Website: www.josiahshouseinc.org

Descriptor: Josiah’s House, Inc. is a non-profit 501C3 that provides a safe and caring setting in which individuals with developmental differences across the Autism Spectrum can realize their God-given purpose. It provides a pathway to employment and community integration through training and real employment opportunities. These resources are invaluable in empowering our Friends to realize a greater degree of self-sufficiency and dignity in their everyday lives.


LiveSpecial.com

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: All year

Ages: Birth-Elderly

Fee: Free

Organization: Livespecial.com, a project of NCJW

Contact: Wendy Spitz, Coordinator

Address: 26055 Emery Road; Warrensville Heights, OH 44128

Phone: 216-509-5015

Email: Wendy@livespecial.com

Website: livespecial.com

Descriptor: LiveSpecial.com is a comprehensive compilation of resources in the Greater Northeast Ohio area. This website provides resources and service links to enhance the quality of life for individuals with special needs and/or anyone who develops a special need birth-elderly. We do free programing and publish a free LiveSpecial.com recourse guide.

Meghan Barlow & Associates - Autism, ADHD, Learning Differences Assessment

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, OHI, ID, SLD

Dates: Year-round

Ages: 18 months to 18 years

Fee: Psychological services are charged per hour for the assessment.

Organization: Meghan Barlow & Associates

Contact: Heather Dukes-Murray, PhD

Address: 20220 Center Ridge Road; Ste 320; Rocky River, OH 44116

Phone: 440-409-0307

Email: Heather@drmeghanbarlow.com

Website: www.meghanbarlowandassociates.com

Descriptor: Families may seek a comprehensive evaluation for their child if they are concerned about their child’s functioning and progress in school, or if they are questioning the possibility of an underlying condition such as an attention or ADHD. Dr. Heather Dukes-Murray conducts comprehensive evaluations in an expedited time frame to help you and your child move on to needed services faster.

Milestones Autism Resources - Coaching and Consultations

Population Served: AUT

Dates: Ongoing

Ages: All ages

Fee: Call for information

Organization: Milestones Autism Resources

Contact: Beth Thompson, Program Director

Address: 23880 Commerce Park; Beachwood, OH 44122

Phone: 216-464-7600 ext. 108 Fax: 216-464-7602

Email: bthompson@milestones.org

Website: milestones.org

Descriptor: Milestones' coaching support helps parents, caregivers, and individuals become more informed and confident about behavioral and educational strategies. Milestones also provides in-depth consultations. Consultations help lead individuals to greater independence, increased community integration, and ultimately, improved quality of life for them and their family. Agency consultations provide additional assistance and autism-specific expertise to address the agency's particular needs and situation. Milestones partners with and offers customized trainings for school districts and professional organizations for a fee. Trainings are tailored to meet the organization's strengths, needs, and identified goals. Services may include program evaluation and observation of setting prior to training.

Milestones Autism Resources - Family and Individual Consultations

Population Served: AUT

Fee: Fee information at milestones.org

Organization: Milestones Autism Resources

Address: 4853 Galaxy Parkway; Suite A; Warrensville, OH 44128

Phone: 216-464-7600

Email: info@milestones.org

Website: www.milestones.org

Descriptor: Let Milestones support you in your next challenge or life-stage transition. Our knowledgeable staff can create an individualized action plan just for you.

Milestones Autism Resources - National Autism Conference

Population Served: AUT

Dates: June 15 – 16, 2022

Fee: Fee information at milestones.org

Organization: Milestones Autism Resources

Address: 4853 Galaxy Parkway; Suite A; Warrensville, OH 44128

Phone: 216-464-7600 Fax: 216-464-7602

Email: info@milestones.org

Website: milestones.org

Descriptor: Join professionals, family members and individuals with ASD from across the country to gain practical strategies, earn CEUs and empower one another through education.


National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Cleveland

Population Served: ED

Fee: Free

Contact: Matt Gesicki, Community Outreach, and Education Coordinator

Organization: National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Cleveland (NAMI GC)

Address: 2012 W. 25th Street; #705; Cleveland, OH 44113

Phone: 216-875-7776

Email: mgesicki@namicleveland.org or kkepic@namicleveland.org or info@namicleveland.org

Website: http://namigreatercleveland.org/

Descriptor: We provide free education programs, support groups, advocacy, and resources for individuals with mental illness and their families/caregivers. Our NAMI Basics class is for families/caregivers of a child 18 and under that is experiencing mental health challenges. We offer support groups for parents as well.

OCALI

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Organization: OCALI

Address: 470 Glenmont Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214

Phone: 614-410-0321 or 1-866-886-2254

Fax: 614-262-1070

Email: ocali@ocali.org

Website: www.ocali.org

Descriptor: At OCALI, we believe when we promote access and independence, people are able to grow, learn, and live their best lives. Our work is grounded in using data, research, and evidence-based strategies to shape policy and practice. From educators, service providers, parents/families, people with disabilities, community leaders, policy makers, and more, we strive to connect and engage with people to create accessible and inclusive opportunities for all. To learn more, visit www.ocali.org.

Ohio Coalition For The Education of Children with Disabilities

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: All year long

Ages: 3-22 years

Fee: FREE!

Organization: The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)

Contact: Lisa Lutz

Address: 165 W Center St., # 302, Marion, OH 43302

Phone: 440-256-8603

Email: lisal@ocecd.org

Website: https://www.ocecd.org/

Descriptor: The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) is a statewide nonprofit organization that serves families of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in Ohio, educators and agencies who provide services to them. OCECD has also been funded since 1984 to serve as the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for the state of Ohio from the federal government, U.S. Dept. of Education, Office for Special Education Programs. 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.

Ohio Family to Family (OHF2F)

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: Year-round

Ages: All

Fee: Free

Organization: Ohio Family to Family

Contact: Amy Clawson, Northern Ohio Family Specialist

Address: 3430 Burnet Ave.; Cincinnati, OH 45229

Phone: 513-814-0674

Email: amy.clawson@cchmc.org

Website: www.ohiof2f.org

Descriptor: We strive to educate, empower, and support all Ohioans (birth to adulthood) with special health care needs or disabilities and their families:

  • to access health care services, insurance and disability services,

  • to be supported in advocating for policy changes by providing family perspectives,

  • to prioritize family-centered care and self-care,

  • to learn about transition to adulthood, self-advocacy, education laws and rights,

  • to not only survive but thrive by using the tools we offer

We provide one-on-one support, training, and information to families on navigating Ohio’s systems, including early intervention and mental health.


Ohio Parent To Parent (OHP2P)

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: Year-round

Ages: All

Fee: Free

Organization: Ohio Parent to Parent

Contact: Marion Cosgrove-Rauch

Address: 3430 Burnet Ave.; Cincinnati, OH 45229

Phone: 513-803-5557

Email: marion.cosgroverauch@cchmc.org

Website: https://www.ohiof2f.org/ohiop2p/

Descriptor: Ohio P2P is a statewide matching program that matches parents, family members, or caregivers of a person with a disability or special healthcare need. We match families with an experienced, trained, volunteer support parent. We match families with similar experiences and backgrounds.

We are currently seeking support parents - Support parents are trained using our national P2P training program. Support parents will listen and support others by sharing their experiences in a positive way. All training is free.

Patterns Behavioral Services

Population Served: AUT, ED, ID

Dates: All year

Ages: Serving Ages 15 months – 21 years

Fee: Call for fees

Organization: Patterns Behavioral Services

Contacts: Tina Lehman- Program Manager; Amber Taylor- Clinical Director, BCBA, COBA

Address: 100 7th Ave. Suite 224; Chardon, OH 44024

Phone: 440-286-9141camp

Email: tlehman@patternsbehavior.com or ataylor@patternsbehavior.com

Website: http://www.patternsbehavior.com

Descriptor: At Patterns Behavioral Services, we offer a variety of services throughout the year. These services include early learning services, applied behavior analysis, and community-based services through the Geauga County YMCA. Services are offered in the home or in the clinic. Summer services also include camp-based programs in the natural environment.

Patterns Behavioral Services_1 - Amber Taylor.mp4

Playhouse Square - Sensory Friendly Programming

Population Served: Those needing sensory-friendly programming.

Dates: All Year

Ages: All ages

Fee: Performance ticket costs will vary.

Organization: Playhouse Square

Contact: Chris Meyers

Address: 1501 Euclid Ave; Suite 200; Cleveland, OH 44115

Phone: 216-640-8601

Email: chris.meyers@playhousesquare.org

Website: www.playhousesquare.org

Descriptor: Playhouse Square is proud to commit to arts education, providing a variety of free and low-cost programs

dedicated to inspiring and invigorating people of all ages, perspectives, and abilities. Our sensory-friendly initiative is

dedicated to increasing access and inclusion for children and families affected by autism spectrum disorders and other

sensory, social, and cognitive challenges. Some of our resident companies also present sensory-friendly programming.

Red Treehouse

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI, Substance Use Disorders

Ages: Prenatal - age 25 years

Fee: Free

Organization: RedTreehouse.org/Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland

Contact: Julie Wilson

Address: Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, 10415 Euclid Avenue; Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone: 216-229-5757 x1140 Fax: 216-229-0556

Email: jwilson@rmhcleveland.org

Website: www.RedTreehouse.org

Descriptor: RedTreehouse.org is a statewide program of the Ronald McDonald House® of Cleveland that supports the well-being of Ohio’s families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs.

The website was created by and for families and professionals to:

Share resources that support children and empower caregivers, families, and young adults, prenatal to age 25

Link users to organizations and events matching their needs, interests, and location

Encourage community connections and support networks

Serve as a resource and reference tool for timely, reliable, easy-to-access information

• Inspire hope, confidence, and self-determination

.

Skylight Financial Group - Special Needs Planning

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: Ongoing

Ages: All ages

Fee: Free consultation

Organization: Skylight Special Needs Planning

Contact: Bryce Smetana

Address: 2012 West 25th Street; Suite 900; Cleveland OH 44113

Phone: 216-592-7330

Email: bsmetana@financialguide.com

Website: https://skylightfinancialgroup.com/financial-planning/special-needs/

Descriptor: When your family members have special needs, you face a unique set of challenges. At Skylight, our team of experienced special care planners can help you understand the financial resources that are available and develop a holistic plan for those that depend on you the most. Ensuring that your loved ones are protected from the unexpected is an essential part of being a family. With a comprehensive financial plan in place, a Skylight team member can help you set up a special needs trust, implement personalized retirement strategies, and offer advice on community services and assistance programs.


Special Olympics, Inc.

Organization: NATIONAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS, INC.

Address: 1325 G Street NW; Suite #500; Washington, D.C. 20005

Website: www.specialolympics.org

Address: 3303 Winchester Pike; Columbus, OH 43232

Phone:614-239-7050

Website: https://sooh.org/

Email: sooh@sooh.org

Descriptor: Special Olympics Ohio/Greater Cleveland is an organization that provides sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities residing in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain Counties.

To be eligible for Special Olympics, an athlete must be:

  • an individual who is intellectually or developmentally challenged.

  • eight years old or over (ages 5 – 7 may be in training programs).

  • have a valid application for participation and release form on file; and

  • be a member of an accredited local Special Olympics organization.

Training is a major aspect of Special Olympics and very important because in Special Olympics, victory is secondary to striving toward one’s own athletic potential and reflected in the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Step Forward Today

Population Served: ED, MD, HI, OHI, SLD, OI

Dates: Yearly Program

Ages: Adults 18 – 99 years old

Fee: Federal and State Program - No fees

Contact: Laurice Kennedy-Brown, Individual & Family Programs Manager

Address: 1801 Superior Avenue; 4th Floor; Cleveland, OH 44115

Phone: 216-696-9007, Ext. 231 Fax: 216-696-9167

Email: lkbrown@stepforwardtoday.org

Website: www.stepforwardtoday.org/

Descriptor: We invest in people, nurture success and transform lives.


SuperMoms Association, Inc.

Population Served: OHI, OH

Ages: Mothers who have children with disabilities

Fee: None

Organization: SuperMoms Association, Inc.

Contact: Ebony Storrs

Address: 1780 East 228th Street; Cleveland, OH 44117

Phone: 216-202-9673

Email: Supermomsassociation@gmail.com

Website: https://www.Supermomsassociation.org

Descriptor: At SuperMoms Association, Inc., our mission is to provide support services and resources for overwhelmed mothers who care for children with special needs. By connecting mothers to community resources, self-care programming, and social services, SuperMoms Association, Inc. supports these primary caregivers and eases the personal and family stressors they experience.

SuperMoms Association, Inc. sponsors the work of other community and disability-related organizations, while providing supports directly to mothers and caregivers. From our annual Mothers' Spa Day and Brunch to our self-care packages and local events, SuperMoms Association, Inc. is making a difference in the lives of mothers care for children with special needs.

The Arc of Greater Cleveland

Population Served: AUT, MD, HI, OHI, TBI, ID, SLD, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: Year-round

Ages: All Ages

Fee: None

Organization: The Arc of Greater Cleveland

Contact: Melissa Khorana, Director

Address: 12660 Plaza Drive; Parma, OH 44130

Phone: 216-622-0755 (intake) Fax: 216-736-3393

Email: arcgc@thearcofgreatercleveland.org

Website: www.thearcofgreatercleveland.org

Descriptor: The Arc of Greater Cleveland has been an independent advocate fighting for the basic needs, safety, and rights of children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by helping families secure support services, financial assistance, housing, education and training, employment, health care, and much more.

The Centers for Families and Children

Population Served: AUT, ED, MD, HI, OHI, ID, SLD, VI, S/LI

Contact: Emily Hoag, Enrollment Manager

Address: Administrative Office, 4500 Euclid Avenue; Cleveland, OH 44103

Phone: 216-325-9678

Email: early.learning@thecentersohio.org

Website: www.thecentersohio.org

Descriptor: The Centers for Families and Children Early Learning program focuses on servicing pregnant women and children ages 0-5 years through Home-Based and Center-Based Services including children with disabilities.

We work closely with parents and family members to lay the foundation for children so they can enter kindergarten ready to learn. We reach children during a crucial point in their lives and help give them an early head start for school and success in life. Year-round enrollment opportunities- Free, HS, EHS, Vouchers, Private Pay, Tuition assistance programs.


United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland -
Leafbridge, A Center of Excellence for Children of UCP of Greater Cleveland

Population Served: AUT, MD, OHI, TBI, ID, VI, OI, S/LI

Dates: Yearly

Ages: Infant – 22 years

Fee: Variable depending on service. Medicaid and insurance accepted as well as sliding scale based on income.

Organization: United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland

Contact: LeafBridge Programming

Address: 10011 Euclid Avenue; Cleveland, OH 44106

Phone: 216-791-8363 ext. 1250 Fax: 216-721-3372

Email: childrens@ucpcleveland.org

Website: www.leafbridge.org

Descriptor: LeafBridge, A Center of Excellence for Children with Disabilities at UCP of Greater Cleveland has therapy and family support services for infants and children (up to 22 years of age) with a variety of developmental delays and disabilities including, but not limited to, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, developmental delay, spinal cord injury, genetic disorders and autism spectrum disorder. LeafBridge's philosophy stresses early intervention and holistic, family-focused care. The multidisciplinary therapy services are based on a collaborative process with a team comprised of licensed physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, case managers, and parents. The team works together to design treatment programs that will promote the child's development in all areas of health and wellness.

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Discover & Wellness Center for Children

Contact: Becky Weintraub

Address: 10524 Euclid Avenue; Suite 1155A; Cleveland, OH

Phone: 216-844-3922

Email: becky.weintraub@uhhospitals.org

Website: www.uhhospitals.org

Descriptor: The Discovery and Wellness Center for Children is a pediatric research center housed within the Division of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. We are currently offering several research-based treatment programs for children and adolescents who suffer from problems such as anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism and depression. All of these programs are provided at no cost to the family. Eligibility varies for each program. We conduct a thorough intake process which will determine program eligibility. If eligible, the treatment program may include a psychiatric evaluation, laboratory tests, and study medication. The family may be seen weekly or monthly depending on program protocol timelines and swiftness of response to treatment. A member of our clinical research team along with a child psychiatrist will see the family on every treatment visit.