Local Resources

Advocacy 

  • Arc of Ohio: The Arc of Ohio is a statewide membership association made up of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, friends, interested citizens and professionals in the disability field. Together with our individual members and local chapters, we represent more than 330,000 Ohioans with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Ohio Law recognizes The Arc of Ohio as the organization to represent families in legislative decisions. The mission of The Arc of Ohio is to advocate for human rights, personal dignity and community participation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, through legislative and social action, information and education, local chapter support and family involvement.
  • Autism Speaks: 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 through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. 
  • Disability Rights Ohio: Disability Rights Ohio is a non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities in Ohio. 
  • Governmental Benefits Planning for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: Adults with developmental disabilities often qualify for governmental supports such as SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, and other benefits. Please watch this Sept. 22, 2022 Zoom webinar to listen to Trey Bennett of Stark & Knoll explain these benefits, and how to secure them. Trey is a wonderful local resource for many of our families! Presented by Integrated Community Solutions of Medina, OH - https://www.ics.oh.org.
  • Make-A-Wish Foundation - Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana: Tens of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters advance the Make-A-Wish® vision to grant the wish of every child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. In the United States and its territories, on average, a wish is granted every 34 minutes. We believe a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us and inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids and families we serve. 
  • Tuscarawas County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force: Child Advocacy Center 330.364.2777.
  • Tuscarawas County Family & Children First Council (FCFC): We are a group of parent representatives and public and private agencies who believe that children and families are our county’s most valuable resource. As a partnership of state and local government, agencies, communities, and families, we strive to enhance the well-being of our county’s children and families by building community capacity, coordinating systems and services, and engaging and empowering families.

Support and Groups

  • Alzheimer Support Group: 330.966.7343
  • ASPIES of Greater Akron: ASPIES Mission is to enhance the lives of children and adults with Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD/NOS and other spectrum disorders. 
  • Autism Acceptance for Parents of Tuscarawas County Ohio - Facebook page:  A private support group. We are a group of parents of children with special needs in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. This group has been formed to facilitate relationships, support, and educate. While initially formed as a support for parents of children with autism, we welcome any family members of a child/adult with any kind of special need. We feel that we can all learn from each other, and we look forward to friendships and support. No negative talk will be tolerated.
  • Compass: Sexual assault education, prevention, and support. 330.339.1427 
  • Community Hospice Adult Grieving Group: 330.343.7605
  • Community Hospice Children's Camp: 330.343.7605
  • Diabetic Support Group: 330.343.3311 Ext. 2394
  • Ohio Family to Family: The Ohio Family to Family (Ohio F2F) Information Center helps families of children with disabilities and special health care needs navigate the health care system and find answers to their questions. 1.844.644.6323 
  • PrideZone Tuscarawas Valley: This group for LGBTQ individuals and their families and friends meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at The Outreach Center, 208 North Wooster Avenue in Dover. To request more information, e-mail pridezonetv@gmail.com.
  • Stroke Support Group: 330.364.0830
  • Tuscarawas/Carroll County Survivors of Suicide Support Group: 330.364.6488
  • Tuscarawas County Senior Center: The Tuscarawas County Senior Center is a rare beacon of hope and opportunity for the area's older adult population.  We are dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of older adults 50 years of age and older living in Tuscarawas County.  Each day an average of 250 seniors visit the center for services and activities such as meals, exercise classes, educational presentations, club meetings, crafts, medical screenings and Medicare consultations. 330.364.6611. 

Education, Training, Research

  • Autism Awareness for First Responders: Please share this link with anyone who may encounter someone with Autism. This training, recorded on 5/27/2015, is presented by Lori McIlwain, co-founder of the National Autism Association.  
  • International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICARE): The mission of the International Center for Autism Research and Education is to coordinate basic, clinical, translational and interdisciplinary research across a consortium of institutions.
  • Milestones Autism Resources (Cleveland): Milestones Autism Resources helps individuals with autism reach their unique potential. We focus on educating and coaching for family members and professionals in evidence-based practical strategies. Our conferences, workshops, professional development, referral calls and online resources connect the autism community with vital information, and each other.
  • Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI): Informing public policy and developing and deploying best practices - linking research to real life - so that people with disabilities have the opportunity to live their best lives for their whole lives. 

Health

  • Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps: This program through Tuscarawas County Health Department links families and children with special health care needs to a network of quality providers and helps families obtain payment for the services their child needs. This program serves birth to 21-year-olds who are permanent residents of Ohio, under the care of a BCMH approved doctor, and have chronic medical condition. Contact Diane Spade at 330-343-5555 ext. 169 for more information.
  • Community Mental Healthcare: With over 45 years of experience, Community Mental Healthcare is the community’s largest provider of comprehensive quality mental health, primary care, Dental, substance abuse  and crisis services in Tuscarawas and Carroll counties. 
  • Count the Kicks: This public awareness campaign of counting your baby’s movements during the third trimester is a great way for expecting moms to get to know their baby and can alert them to potential problems. For more information. 
  • Crisis Text Line: By texting 4HOPE, anyone in crisis can connect with a trained crisis counselor anytime. This free support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Help me Grow: A voluntary family support program for pregnant women or new parents. 330.343.8171.
  • OhioGuidestone (formerly PFCS): Since 1970, Personal and Family Counseling Services (PFCS) has been helping individuals and families by providing counseling, support, advocacy and education, with a focus on prevention as well as treatment. Our services are available to all residents of Tuscarawas and Carroll counties. In 2013, PFCS became an affiliate of OhioGuidestone.  OhioGuidestone is not only one of the largest behavioral health agencies in the state but has been providing services to Ohio residents for over 150 years.    
  • Rainbow Connection: Local Health Charity. 330.343.8686. 
  • Tuscarawas Clinic for the Working Uninsured: The Tuscarawas Clinic for the Working Uninsured is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded in a effort to improve access to health care for working, uninsured adults who live at or near the poverty level in Tuscarawas County. 330.364.1853.  
  • Tuscarawas County Health Department: The Tuscarawas County Health Department is dedicated to promoting healthy choices, preventing disease, protecting the environment for all persons who live, work and play in our community. 330.343.5555. 

Grants and Legal

Housing

  • Home Choice Program: Home Choice is a waiver program that provides assistance for those transitioning from long-term facilities to home and community-based settings. If eligible, individuals could receive up to $2500 for qualified services to assist with their transition. For more information about Home Choice, contact Tuscarawas County Family & Children First at 330-343-2286.
  • Tuscarawas County Friends of the Homeless: The mission of the Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County is to assist families and individuals in a faith-based environment to achieve stability, sobriety and permanent housing.  330.602.6100 
  • Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Housing Authority (Metro): The Mission of TMHA is to assist eligible families with safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities, without discrimination. 330.308.8099.  

Independent Living

  • Harcatus: HARCATUS Tri-County C.A.O., Inc contracts with federal, state, and local governments and other groups to develop, manage, and deliver human and social services for the betterment of our communities.  Many of its programs, including Head Start, are designed to assist people in need to help themselves and to become self-sufficient. 330.343.8770.
  • MID-OHIO MOBILITY SOLUTIONS: The Regional Transportation approach is to help the 10 counties in the Ohio Mid-Eastern Government Association  area to coordinate transportation trips whenever possible.  Mid-Ohio Mobility Solutions Call Center can help with this coordination by being a resource for information, referrals and scheduling trips.
  • Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD): The State of Ohio agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment and independence. We also make determinations on Social Security disability. 
  • Society for Equal Access (S.E.A.): A consumer controlled, cross disability, private not-for-profit organization operated by individuals with disabilities for individuals with disabilities. Society for Equal Access currently provides services to residents of Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson and Tuscarawas counties in Ohio. Our Mission is to assist individuals to become more independent within our community.

Community Events and Recreaon

  • Dover Public Library 
  • Norma Johnson Center: The Norma Johnson Center located outside of Dover, Ohio is a nature area open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk. The center includes a wheelchair accessible fishing dock to the preservation pond behind the yellow pole barn off of SR 39. 
  • Red Treehouse: Supporting the well-being of Ohio’s families and children with challenges, disabilities, and health care needs. Find tools, organizations, and events in your community to meet your needs.
  • Soccer4All: Soccer4All is the Dover Soccer Association (DSA) league for children for physical and/or mental disability. 
  • STEAM Centers: A 501 (c) (3) nonprofit based in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Our mission is to provide exciting, educational experiences for children and families. STEAM strives to create interest in science, technology, engineering, art and music. In providing opportunities to explore integrated approaches to various topics, we are building strong communities, starting with our youngest members. 
  • Tuscarawas County Challenger Little League: Challenger is a division of Little League baseball that is available to players (ages 6 through high school) with physical and/or cognitive challenges or have an IEP (Individual Education Plan) through their school. When needed, players are paired with a buddy to assist with batting and/or fielding.  Family members, friends, and other members of the community are encouraged to participate as well. The Tuscarawas County Challenger League is open to any player living in the Tuscarawas County and surrounding areas.  Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! For additional information on being a player, buddy, financial sponsor, or other supporter of the league, please contact: Jennifer Flaherty at  flahertydover@aol.com. 
  • Tuscarawas County Calendar of Events
  • Tuscarawas County FANS Network: We will help you find your new favorite movie, book, and game. Join our group and start a conversation, make a new friend, chat and Zoom with a new network of people, or go to virtual events together. We welcome everyone! Our purpose is to connect people with and without disabilities to one another in an informal and fun environment, to promote inclusion, and to reduce disabilities stigma.
  • Tuscarawas County Public Library: SNAP (Special Needs and Parents) Story and Social Hour (Main Library) - Children with special needs and their parents, caregivers, and siblings are invited to play, explore, and learn together in a friendly, no-stress environment. Each session will include a short sensory storytime as well as time to explore the Children’s Department. The library will be closed to the general public during these sessions.  
  • Tuscarawas County YMCA Camp Butterfly
  • Tuscarawas Valley Farmer's Market: Open every Wednesday from June through October from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds in Dover. 
  • Wanake Camp & Retreat: For individuals with Moderate or Severe developmental disabilities who must have the ability to walk +1 mile throughout the course of a day. 

Resource Directories


Assistive technology (AT)

AT is products, equipment, and systems that enhance learning, working, and daily living for persons with disabilities. Discover more by visiting:

  • Abilitations: To engage and inspire, with everything from crayons to
    curriculum to complete learning environments.
  • Ablenet: AbleNet is a world leader in assistive technology, curriculum, and services to help individuals with disabilities lead productive and fulfilling lives.
  • American Printing House for the Blind: World’s largest nonprofit organization creating accessible learning experiences through educational, workplace, and independent living products and services for people who are blind and visually impaired.
  • Don Johnsonston Human Learning Tools: We merge the best parts of technology with our experience and human learning expertise to build tools that transform the lives of people across all learning styles and abilities.
  • Forbes AAC: While our focus has always been communication devices, our products also include adaptive computer access, custom mounting solutions, environmental control systems and custom adaptive accessories.  
  • Logan Technology: Low to mid-tech augmentative and alternative communication products and accessories, iPad keyguards and cradles, device mounting systems, and Braille learning and Braille labeling systems. 
  • OCALI: OCALI informs public policy and develops and deploys practices grounded in linking research to real life.
  • Prentke Romich Company: PRC-Saltillo is a worldwide developer of speech-generating devices (SGDs), market-leading apps and several innovative augmentative and alternative communication language systems that enable individuals with complex communication disorders the ability to express themselves.
  • Robots4Autism: Robots4Autism integrates a variety of evidence based practices shown to improve social skills in students with autism (tools most of us are already using), packaged together in a highly systematic way, and delivered using Milo. Partnering a humanoid robot with a social and emotional curriculum provides a tool for evidence based practices to “unpack” social skills for students with autism.
  • Saltillo Corporation: We are committed to providing helpful solutions for people with adaptive living needs. The ability to communicate results in less frustration, greater personal growth, and increased self-esteem. At Saltillo, we strive to provide the most effective assistive technology products along with comprehensive support and service.
  • Tobii/Dynavox World leader in eye tracking. With eye tracking as a base, Tobii creates the conditions for new insights into human behavior and intuitive user interfaces.

Tuscarawas County Resource Guide