Listening
Achievement Centers for Children
Achievement Centers for Children has served the community since 1940 with a mission of empowering children and adults with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential through holistic and family-focused services. It is home to Camp Cheerful, Ohio’s first recreational camp for those with disabilities, which today provides year-round camp programs. Its services also encompass an Autism School and other educational programs, Adult Services, Family Support, Therapy and Recreation (including Adapted Sports and Therapeutic Horsemanship). To learn more, call 216-292-9700 or visit achievementcenters.org.
Autism Society of Greater Akron
The Autism Society of Greater Akron creates connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully in Medina, Portage, Summit, Stark, and Wayne counties. Services include adapted community events like jump and swim parties, visits with Bunny and Santa; advocacy at the local, state, and federal level; education including webinars, bike camp, community training, and water safety lessons; information and referral through a free HelpLine, and online diagnosis guides; support with a Facebook caregiver group and social clubs for all ages. Learn more at autismakron.org or contact ASGA at info@autismakron.org or 330-940-1441.
Blossom Hill
Since 1968, Blossom Hill has provided personalized, loving care. Its history includes the first group home in Cuyahoga County designed to meet the unique needs of each individual within its care. Today’s services range from family-style group living (respite and long-term residential care) to supported living services for individuals in their own homes to day programming. All care is delivered by a trained, dedicated staff of nurses, cooks, direct support professionals, activities directors, housekeepers, Qualified Developmental Disability Professionals (QDDPs), and shift managers. 440-892-2042, blossom-hill.org
Beck Center for the Arts
Each participant in Beck Center’s Creative Arts Therapies program receives attention that is individualized with personally-designed goals tailored to meet their needs. Staffed by board certified arts therapists and professional adapted instructors, Beck Center’s program is the first of its kind in the state of Ohio. 216-424-7634, beckcenter.org/education/creative-arts-therapies
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History illuminates the world around us and inspires visitors to engage with the natural forces that shape their lives. Since its founding in 1920, the Museum has pioneered scientific research to advance knowledge across diverse fields of study and used its outstanding collections, which encompass millions of artifacts and specimens, to deepen the public’s understanding of the dynamic connections between humans and nature. Through its Natural Areas Program, the Museum stewards more than 12,500 acres of protected ecosystems across northern Ohio. Visit cmnh.org
Community Fund Ohio
For more than 30 years, Community Fund Ohio has empowered individuals with disabilities across the state to live fuller, more secure lives. We protect access to vital government benefits while supporting current and future needs through pooled special needs trusts and grant funding. We also provide education and related services to help individuals, families, and professionals navigate the complexities of disability planning with confidence. Learn more at communityfundohio.org.
Connecting for Kids
Connecting for Kids (CFK) provides resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. CFK supports families who have children with mental health concerns, developmental delays and disabilities, as well as those facing major life changes through programs, resource fairs and Ask Us 1:1. Programs include support groups for adults, presentations by professionals, and hands-on programs for caregivers and their child. Ask Us 1:1 offers support with Family Resource Specialists who meet with families to help them navigate resources. All programs are offered free to families. Online and in-person support is available. connectingforkids.org
Cuts N Curls
Cuts N Curls is a unique adult and children’s hair salon, retail store and birthday party venue that prides itself on being sensitive to your family’s needs. The specially trained staff makes sure your experience is both safe and fun. Solon, 440-542-1750, cutsncurls.net
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD)
Cuyahoga DD supports and empowers people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in the community. They serve 15,000 county residents of all ages each year. Cuyahoga DD is primarily supported by a property-tax levy last approved by voters in 2005. 216-241-8230, general Information; 216-736-2673, eligibility. ntake@cuyahogadd.org, cuyahogadd.org
The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
DSANEO provides support, education and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and communities. DSANEO is the primary resource for families and communities regarding Down syndrome, where all people with Down syndrome are accepted, included and empowered. DSANEO supports individuals with Down syndrome through their lifetime with family support programs, education enrichment for toddlers to teens, life skills classes, social programs, medical outreach and advocacy. DSANEO supports more than 1,100 individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout 16 Northeast Ohio counties. 216-447-8763, dsaneo.org
Education Alternatives
Education Alternatives provides specialized education for K–12 students at eight locations across Northeast Ohio. They use a compassionate, experience-informed approach to help children with behavioral challenges and autism, with personalized plans based on each child’s needs and ACE score. Students receive both academics and therapy, including ABA therapy, counseling, behavior support, and psychiatry. REACH Behavioral Health delivers therapeutic services at every site. Education Alternatives is also an approved provider for the Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarships through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Learn more at easchools.org
Eisner Gohn Group
Eisner Gohn Group is a leading resource for life insurance, long term care insurance and long term disability insurance. Its team creates a comprehensive insurance plan for families and businesses. eisnergohngroup.com
Friendship Circle
Friendship Circle sparks friendship, connection and support for children of all abilities, their families and teen volunteers. Children, teens and young adults with developmental disabilities are provided a unique opportunity to make friends and enhance their social skills through a variety of interactive programs alongside their peers. Teen volunteers are given an opportunity to experience joy and fulfillment from helping others, while also learning how they can help make the world more inclusive and accepting. Friendship Circle offers a safe place for these friendships to form organically, while also providing fun activities, field trips, community integration, holiday celebrations, family support, sensory stimulation and so much more. Every child deserves a friend. Contact chava@friendscleveland.com, call
216-377-3000 or visit friendscleveland.com
I Am Boundless
For more than 40 years, I Am Boundless, a statewide nonprofit, has provided people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges the freedom and opportunity to live boundless lives. It serves all ages and abilities in autism services, primary care and dental appointments, job training, counseling and residential support. It proudly provides person-centered care that celebrates each individual and encourages them to become active participants in the communities where they live, work and play. To learn more about how Boundless can help you or your loved ones, visit iamboundless.org.
Julie Billiart Schools
Julie Billiart Schools educate, empower and nurture K-8 students who learn differently. JB serves mild-to-moderate special learning needs including ADHD, anxiety, autism, dyslexia and other executive function needs. With campuses in Akron, Brecksville, Lyndhurst and Westlake, it provides an exceptional learning environment including a maximum 8-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and intervention specialists in each classroom. Its facilities feature safe and sensory friendly spaces; onsite occupational, speech, art and music therapies; behavior supports; and a nurturing, whole child approach. Learn more or set up a time to visit at juliebilliartschool.org or call
216-716-8318.
Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities is the community resource responsible for connecting, coordinating and funding services for individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. It helps with everything from early intervention and education opportunities for children to employment and community inclusive living for adults so they can live, learn, work and socialize in the community. mcbdd.org
Milestones Autism Resources
Milestones Autism Resources improves the lives of autistic individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals by educating, coaching and connecting them to resources. Providing an annual autism conference, a free helpdesk, community training, and a website with more than 1,500 resources, Milestones is here to support individuals at every age, stage, and ability. Visit milestones.org or visit the Milestones free autism Helpdesk at milestones.org/helpdesk. To connect with a Spanish speaker, call 216-464-7600 ext. 5.
LiveSpecial.com, a project of NCJW/Cleveland
With more than 1,800 providers, LiveSpecial.com assists families in finding therapists, financial planners, doctors, recreational opportunities and many other resources for individuals with special needs and those who develop special needs. LiveSpecial.com, a project of NCJW/Cleveland, helps make connections for a long-term need or a temporary one which one may encounter due to illness or an accident. LiveSpecial.com partners with many other agencies to provide free educational programs that deal with the different obstacles and challenges that individuals face with their loved one over time, especially as they age out of the public school’s responsibility at 22 and beyond. LiveSpecial.com facilitates inclusive/integrated activities and programs in the community. It advocates for access for ALL in ALL areas of life.LiveSpecial.com Magazine is published yearly and is available in print and online. Go to LIveSpecial.com to find providers, to read all past issues of our magazine and to see the many resources available.info@livespecial.com 216-378-2204
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
What will you discover when you unplug and reconnect with the outdoors? Visit the outdoor classroom nestled in the heart of the Shaker Parklands on Cleveland’s east side. Unleash your curiosity and explore all that Northeast Ohio native habitats have to offer. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is free and open to the public. With over two miles of trails, many ADA-accessible, and connecting trails throughout the Shaker Parklands, outdoor adventure and discovery await all. Check out the programming calendar for fun and engaging events. Visit shakerlakes.org
NPower Services
NPower Services finds and creates social, fitness, artistic and kindness opportunities throughout Northeast Ohio for neurodiverse adults, including: RockAbility, a rock band of neurodiverse and neurotypical musicians; Geauga Joggers & Walkers, a jogging and hiking group for all abilities; Inside Circle, drum and ukulele circles for all abilities; Power Ups, TNT & cardio drumming fitness groups for all abilities; and Project: Kindness, which puts neurodiverse
adults on the giving end of service. npowerservices.com
Pinecrest
Located just off I-271 in Orange Village, Pinecrest, a Tanger Property, is a vibrant open-air lifestyle center offering an elevated mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Featuring market-exclusive stores like Alo Yoga, REI, West Elm, and TravisMathew alongside chef-driven restaurants like Kitchen Social, Lao Sze Chuan, and The Last Page. Pinecrest blends convenience, style, and experience in a thoughtfully curated, walkable environment that appeals to both locals and visitors. The district also features upscale residences, modern office space, and the AC Marriott hotel, making it a true live, work, play destination. Learn more at tanger.com/pinecrest.
The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,900 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Stark County—helping them live, learn, work, and play in their communities. Stark DD provides cost-effective funding for early intervention, school programs, community residential support, employment navigation, and advocacy education. By leveraging local tax dollars, state, and federal resources, it coordinates and monitors personalized services to meet each person’s unique needs. tanger.com/pinecrest.
Stride Mobility
Stride Mobility is dedicated to enhancing mobility for those who seek to maintain an active lifestyle. Their personalized Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) is a game-changer, providing tailored solutions that promise comfort, stability, and mobility for individuals of all ages. From the energetic toddler exploring the world on wheels to the spirited senior cherishing their independence, the company’s range of complex rehab wheelchairs, scooters, and adaptive seating systems ensures that everyone can experience life’s journey to the fullest. Get connected with one of their certified therapists who provide not just equipment, but expedient on-site fittings and service, education, and unwavering support. 419-616-6017, stridemobility.net
Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD)
Summit DD is the community resource that connects more than 5,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities to the support they need to reach their goals. The levy-funded agency provides, coordinates, and funds essential services that people with disabilities rely on each day. From early intervention services for infants to in-home supports for adults, Summit DD provides a lifetime of support for those eligible for services in Summit County. Find out how Summit DD helps position people for success at summitdd.org or by calling 330-634-8000.
Welcome Home
Welcome House, Inc. is dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities live full and rewarding lives by providing a variety of residential services in an atmosphere of a caring community. Welcome House currently provides residential services to over 200 individuals with developmental disabilities every day in a total of 45 residential sites. It provides respite services, shared living, adult day services and transportation. Welcome House is committed to ensuring excellence in care, compassion
and the services they provide. Contact at welcomehouseinc.org
or 440-356-2330.
