Support, Inclusion & Accessibility
Your Local Guide to Essential Resources in the Disability & Special Needs Community
Lead-in Text: Discover the programs, services, and organizations that help individuals with disabilities and their families feel at home.
For individuals with disabilities and their families, moving to a new community means finding resources that provide support, accessibility, and engagement. The Akron-Canton area is home to a variety of programs, medical services, and advocacy groups that help individuals with disabilities live with independence, dignity, and confidence.
Whether you’re seeking medical specialists, therapy providers, or community-based programs, knowing where to turn can make all the difference in feeling comfortable in your new surroundings. Access to occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mobility assistance is key, and finding the right providers ensures continuity of care.
Beyond medical services, the Akron-Canton area has a strong network of organizations dedicated to inclusion. Adaptive sports leagues, social clubs, and specialized recreational programs provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in activities, build friendships, and participate in the community.
Local businesses and public spaces are increasingly prioritizing accessibility, offering wheelchair-friendly entrances, sensory-friendly events, and inclusive programming. Many community centers also offer workshops, job training, and support groups to help individuals with disabilities and their caregivers navigate life’s challenges.
This guide will help you find valuable resources, connect with support networks, and access programs that foster inclusion. Whether you’re looking for medical services, employment assistance, or recreational opportunities, the Akron-Canton area offers a wealth of options to support individuals with disabilities and their families.
[please give the two County Board's a hightlight, sectioned off focal point. these are the two most important listings in the article!]
Stark Board of Developmental Disabilities is committed to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Stark County, Ohio. Our mission is to foster independence, community integration, and self-determination through a comprehensive array of services, advocacy, and support programs. By partnering with local organizations, caregivers, and community stakeholders, we ensure that every individual has access to quality resources, educational opportunities, and vocational training tailored to their unique needs. Our dedicated team is passionate about creating inclusive environments that promote dignity, respect, and personal growth, helping everyone reach their full potential.
Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board is dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their highest potential. The board fosters community inclusion by advocating for quality services, comprehensive support programs, and a network of resources that address each individual’s unique needs. Committed to a person-centered approach, they work closely with families, service providers, and community partners to promote access to essential services and opportunities for growth. Through education, advocacy, and support, the board helps individuals in Summit County lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to an inclusive community.
[please section out my Uniquely You magazine out by itself and include the cover image and QR Code with it]
Uniquely You Magazine
Uniquely You is a monthly magazine dedicated to celebrating, impacting, and connecting the local special needs and disability community. Our publication highlights inspiring stories of individuals and families from the area, showcasing their unique journeys and achievements. By introducing the best local resources and practical guides, we empower our readers and foster an environment of inclusion and support. With engaging features and thoughtful articles, Uniquely You shines a light on the strengths of diversity and promotes unity within our community. Join us as we honor every voice and create a lasting impact together.
Use the QR Code to opt-in to the local mailing list! Be sure to share that you are new to the community!
Akron Blind Center
Phone: (330) 253-2555
Website: www.akronblindcenter.org
The Akron Blind Center Inc. is a membership-based nonprofit organization incorporated in 1948 to serve the blind and low-vision communities. They also provide resources, programs, services, and classes for Summit and surrounding counties.
Arc of Ohio
Phone: (234) 571-5689
Website: www.thearcofohio.org
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Autism Society of Greater Akron
Phone: (330) 940-1441
Website: www.autismakron.org
The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots autism organization committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. The Greater Akron affiliate was founded in 1987 by parent volunteers of children with autism.
Phone: (330) 253-2555
Website: www.akronblindcenter.org
The Akron Blind Center Inc. is a membership-based nonprofit organization incorporated in 1948 to serve the blind and low-vision communities. They also provide resources, programs, services, and classes for Summit and surrounding counties.
Arc of Ohio
Phone: (234) 571-5689
Website: www.thearcofohio.org
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
Autism Society of Greater Akron
Phone: (330) 940-1441
Website: www.autismakron.org
The Autism Society is the nation’s oldest and largest grassroots autism organization committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism. The Greater Akron affiliate was founded in 1987 by parent volunteers of children with autism.
Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio
Phone: (216) 447-8763
Website: www.dsaneo.org
The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio is a nonprofit that provides support, education, advocacy, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
Greenleaf Family Center (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services)
Phone: (330) 376-9494
Website: www.greenleafctr.org
Greenleaf is a nonprofit organization that strengthens families in our community through counseling, education and support. By offering a variety of programs and services, we are here to help families with the many challenges of daily living and personal crises.
Help Me Grow
Phone: (330) 492-8136
Website: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/help-me-grow/help-me-grow
Help Me Grow is Ohio’s evidence-based parent support program that encourages early prenatal and well-baby care, as well as parenting education to promote the comprehensive health and development of children. Help Me Grow System includes Central Intake, Help Me Grow Home Visiting, and Help Me Grow Early Intervention.
Ohio's Parent Mentor Project
Phone: (844) 382-5452
Website: www.parentmentor.osu.edu
It is the mission of the Ohio Parent Mentors to provide the necessary support and resources to families of children with disabilities and the professionals that serve them by connecting families, schools, and the community to the benefit of students with disabilities.
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
Phone: (844) 382-5452
Website: www.ocecd.org
The 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.
Ohio Dept of Job and Family Services
Phone: (800) 720-9616
Website: www.jfs.ohio.gov
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is responsible for managing many vital programs that directly affect the lives of Ohioans.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Website: www.ddc.ohio.gov
Phone: (800) 766-7426
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. It is the mission of the ODDC to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. This council is made up of over 30 members, with the majority being individuals with developmental disabilities and parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Phone: (800) 282-4536
Website: www.ood.ohio.gov
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. It is accomplished through its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI), and Division of Disability Determination (DDD). A fourth area is the Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS), which is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.
Philomatheon Society of the Blind
Phone: (330) 453-9157
Website: www.philomatheon.com
This organization is a gathering of blind and visually impaired people, along with sighted family and friends, with a mission and goal to help the blind and visually impaired in the community to help themselves to remain or to become able to live independently and an active member of their community.
TRIAD Deaf Services
Phone: (330) 768-7272
Website: www.triadds.org
TRIAD Deaf Services Inc is an agency providing services to the deaf community in Stark, Carroll, and Tuscarawas Counties. They provide support services, interpreting, leadership, deaf advocacy and education.
Phone: (216) 447-8763
Website: www.dsaneo.org
The Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio is a nonprofit that provides support, education, advocacy, and resources for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
Greenleaf Family Center (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services)
Phone: (330) 376-9494
Website: www.greenleafctr.org
Greenleaf is a nonprofit organization that strengthens families in our community through counseling, education and support. By offering a variety of programs and services, we are here to help families with the many challenges of daily living and personal crises.
Help Me Grow
Phone: (330) 492-8136
Website: https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/help-me-grow/help-me-grow
Help Me Grow is Ohio’s evidence-based parent support program that encourages early prenatal and well-baby care, as well as parenting education to promote the comprehensive health and development of children. Help Me Grow System includes Central Intake, Help Me Grow Home Visiting, and Help Me Grow Early Intervention.
Ohio's Parent Mentor Project
Phone: (844) 382-5452
Website: www.parentmentor.osu.edu
It is the mission of the Ohio Parent Mentors to provide the necessary support and resources to families of children with disabilities and the professionals that serve them by connecting families, schools, and the community to the benefit of students with disabilities.
Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
Phone: (844) 382-5452
Website: www.ocecd.org
The 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.
Ohio Dept of Job and Family Services
Phone: (800) 720-9616
Website: www.jfs.ohio.gov
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is responsible for managing many vital programs that directly affect the lives of Ohioans.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Website: www.ddc.ohio.gov
Phone: (800) 766-7426
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities. It is the mission of the ODDC to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. This council is made up of over 30 members, with the majority being individuals with developmental disabilities and parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities who are appointed by the Governor of Ohio.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Phone: (800) 282-4536
Website: www.ood.ohio.gov
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that empowers Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. It is accomplished through its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI), and Division of Disability Determination (DDD). A fourth area is the Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS), which is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.
Philomatheon Society of the Blind
Phone: (330) 453-9157
Website: www.philomatheon.com
This organization is a gathering of blind and visually impaired people, along with sighted family and friends, with a mission and goal to help the blind and visually impaired in the community to help themselves to remain or to become able to live independently and an active member of their community.
TRIAD Deaf Services
Phone: (330) 768-7272
Website: www.triadds.org
TRIAD Deaf Services Inc is an agency providing services to the deaf community in Stark, Carroll, and Tuscarawas Counties. They provide support services, interpreting, leadership, deaf advocacy and education.