We are beginning to map out resources for current and former foster youth with disabilities.

Advocacy and Resource Access and Navigation

Arc of Ohio is a statewide advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities. They can provide an advocate to support in navigating the disability-serving system. The advocate can help answer questions about waivers, guardianship and transition services. To be connected with an advocate, call (614) 487-4720.

Center for Disability Empowerment serves individuals in Franklin or Delaware County Ohio. They can provide support with goal-setting, and access to housing, transportation, benefits, budgeting support and social services. They can be reached at (614) 575-8055.

Disability Rights Ohio is a statewide non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities. Their Board of Directors primarily consists of people who either have a disability or are a family member of someone with a disability. They provide legal advocacy and rights protection, such as in circumstances of abuse, neglect, discrimination. They can assist with access to assistive technology, special education, housing and employment. Here is a link to their intake form for individuals ages 13+.

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities 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. One of the resources that they recommend is the Charting the LifeCourse framework.

Employment

Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation helps individuals with disabilities (age 14+) find and maintain meaningful work and personal independence. Individuals who want to work but are having trouble finding or keeping a job because of their disability can reach out to seek support. Here’s a link to information about their application process and how to prepare.

Southeast Healthcare provides employment support in Franklin, Delaware, Belmont and Morrow Counties. Participants. Their “Project Work” program provides participants with up to 1,000 hours of paid employment services within a twelve month period with the ultimate goal of moving from transitional employment to permanent employment in the community either full or part-time. For more information, please call (614) 225-0990.