Northeast Ohio Autism Asperger's Adult Services / Milestones Cleveland Akron


Local Resources

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Parent Support

ABA Seek/Post
Recreation Programs
Social Groups

Northeast Ohio Autism / Asperger's

Adult Services

This webpage is a resource. Milestones Organization does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services from any of the groups or companies listed below.

Medical Resources for Adults

Ohio Adult Events Listing

Social Groups/Recreation

A.C.T. Now, LTD. (Autism Consulting and Training) Bryan, 419-633-0068

Bonnie Kelly bonnie@autism-behavior-analyst.com

Social Skills Support Group For Individual’s with High Functioning Autism/Asperger's Syndrome. For pre-teen thru early adult. Group Three: 1st and 3rd Monday of every month from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm at Grace Community Church *Pre-registration and screening required*

Adult Autism Group, Online Yahoo Group

Adults sharing among professionals, psychologist, psychiatrist and educators, discussing the issues of autism from an inside perspective.

ASPIES Support Group, Akron 330-745-5115
Joy Spencer Rreindeer@aol.com

7:00-9:00pm, 1st Thursday of each month Adult Support Group (18 years & older) The group meets at the William Considine Professional Building in rooms 5 & 6 across from the main entrance of Akron Children's Hospital. www.asagreaterakron.com

Berk, Jay, PhD, Woodmere, 216-292-7170. *Autism Scholarship and Health Insurance Accepted

Social Skills groups that treat more than just social skills deficits. Groups are ongoing throughout the year and thus individuals may start and end at anytime. Different groups are available for males and females young adults (ages 18-22) and individual sessions for all age adults. All groups are facilitated by Jay H. Berk, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist who teaches nationally about children, adolescents, and adults with Asperger’s syndrome and Autism. He is a recognized expert in the field and has over 15 years experience facilitating group therapy with this population. Please visit www.jayberkphd.com for more information.

High 5 Club, Eastside Cleveland, 216-999-8338

Paul Blumberg
A social club for young adults and adults with learning differences ages 15-40. Meets monthly at Eastside Cleveland locations. Outings include movies, dances, etc. The High 5 Club has been In existence for 15 years.

Paul Blumberg and Craig Matis are offering a new service to complement the mission of the High 5 Club. It is a social program for special needs teens through adults that focuses on the development of one-on-one connections between individuals, rather than on group activities.

Help is provided to arrange social outings between individuals through their families, group home staff, or at the request of the individual him/herself.

Contact Paul Blumberg at: peblumberg@aol.com or (216) 999-8338 Craig Matis at: matisc@netzero.net or (216) 381-1257

Insight Wellness and Learning Center, Cleveland, 216-765-4470

Michelle Martin, ED.S ilcmartin@sbcglobal.net

Social Skills Group for those who struggle to relate to others in a personal way. Insight offers an opportunity for individuals of all ages to learn social skills within a friendly supportive environment. A series of small group sessions addresses the needs of individuals so they can make & sustain a conversation, express themselves clearly and develop problem solving and conflict resolution skills. ALSO *Summer Therapeutic Martial Arts for ages 3-21.

Ohio Special Olympics

SAP is a new support group forming to aid those who have partners on the Autism Spectrum. Our first meeting will be held on Sun. Nov. 23 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Panera Bread, 2855 W. Market St. Fairlawn (by Target). For more information please call Mary at 330-328-4547 or Brenda at 330-723-4778.

Solutions Psychological Consultants, Cleveland 216-751-0710

Kurt Jensen, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist drj@drkurtjensen.com

Support/Therapy Group for young adults with HFA/AS/Aspergers. Started in 2005, this group meets every other Saturday morning near the intersection of I-271 and 480 near Beachwood. Members discuss social, academic/vocational, and emotional issues that adults with AS often struggle with, using homework assignments to guide and encourage progress toward agreed-upon, behavioral goals. Please call the number above to set up a screening/orientation meeting

Think Computer Foundation, Cleveland 216-932-1989

Judi Greenspan jgreenspan@keenepromotions.com

Social outings and clubs for ages 13 and up only!

Youth Ability (JFSA) Cleveland 216-378-3434

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Employment Resources

Career InfoNet

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities 216-241-8230

Service for Transition start at 16 yrs. Accessing Services 216.736.2681
Adults must have 3 or more substantial deficits that manifested before age 22 in the following areas: Mobility, Communication, Self-care, Self-direction, Capacity for independent living, Learning, Economic self-sufficiency

County Board County Listing DD

Cuyahoga East Vocational Education Consortium (CEVEC) 440-995-7450

Cheryl Schwartz cschwartz@mayfieldschools.org

Selective Schools Listing

CEVEC specializes in vocational training and job placement for high
school disabilities. Working with ages 16-22 year old and on an IEP.

Easter Seals

Cleveland 440-838-0990

Akron 330-836-9741

Employment Connection
Cleveland 216-664-2112

Goodwill
Cleveland 216-916-9862

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) 800-526-7234

jan@jan.wvu.edu

The Job Accommodation Network is a free consulting service that provides information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and the employability of people with disabilities.

Jewish Family Services Association (JFSA) Cleveland 216-292-3999

pprice@leapinfo.org

Ascentia's TAPP program (Training and Placement Program) focuses on assisting people with disabilities throughout the employment search process.

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) assists state and local workforce development systems to better serve all youth, including youth with disabilities and other vulnerable youth. The NCWD/Youth, created in 2001, is composed of partners with expertise in education, youth development, disability, employment, workforce development and family issues. Publications/Links

Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (BVR) 216-797-7000

Susan.pray@rsc.state.oh.us
RSC is Ohio's state agency that provides vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to help people with disabilities become employed and independent. They also offer a variety of services to Ohio businesses, resulting in quality jobs for individuals who have disabilities.
These services may include:continuing education or specialized job training, including supplies and books; work adjustment training;tools and equipment, including assistive technology or adaptive devices/low vision aids which enable you to work; on-the-job training; and job placement and follow-up.

A Guide to Transition Services: Helping Students with Disabilities Move from School to Work (.pdf link)

Office of Disabilities Employment Policy 202-693-7880

infoODEP@dol.gov

The Office of Disabilities Employment Policy (ODEP) is an agency within the US Department of Labor. ODEP provides national leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate barriers to employment

Project Search, Adult Employment Program, Canton, 330-478-0263

jdoug@siffrin.com

Project Search serves people with disabilities through innovative workforce and career development. The Adult Employment Program offers comprehansive emplyment, job retention, and career advancement services for adults with disabilities.

Solutions at Work (Saw, Inc.)
Cleveland 216-736-4581

United Cerebral Palsy 216-791-8363

Paul Soprano psoprano@ucpcleveland.org

The mission of United Cerebral Palsy is to advance the independence, productivity, and full citizenship of people with disabilities.

Vocational Guidance Services of Cleveland 216-881 6007

info@vgsjob.org

Vocational Guidance Services (VGS) changes lives and communities with services that enhance personal abilities, break down barriers to employment and help individuals realize their potential.

Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP)
Recruitment and referral program that connects federal sector employers nationwide with postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities

WorkSmart Consulting Shaker Hts. 216-751-0710

Workworld

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Residential Resources

Ardmore Inc. 330-535-2601 Ext. 3333

Mike Noe autism@ardmoreinc.org

Ardmore’s Frontier Initiative is expanding and developing specialized residential services for those with Autism. Ardmore is a member of the National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism (NARPAA). The Association consists of twenty-six leading agencies across the country specializing in autism specific residential services.

Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities 216-241-8230
Service for Transition start at 16 yrs. waiting list for residential services (Put on list early) Accessing Services 216.736.2681
Adults must have 3 or more substantial deficits that manifested before age 22 in the following areas: Mobility, Communication, Self-care, Self-direction, Capacity for independent living, Learning, Economic self-sufficiency.
Alex Naku 440.995.7489 or 216.589.3972 housing

Ohio County Board DD Listing

Hattie Larlham - Services for all ages, Mantua 800-233-8611

Hattie Larlham provides services appropriate for the abilities of each individual. In order to meet the needs of each individual, adult services range from 24-hour residential care to day vocational services.

Hilltop Village Euclid 216-261-8383

Independent Living with Caring Assistance

Jewish Family Services Association (JFSA) Cleveland 216-292-3999
Ascentia operates 45 group residences throughout Northeast Ohio.

Koinonia Homes, Cleveland, 216-741-6659

National Association of Residential Providers for Adults with Autism

info@narpaa.org

NARPAA goals are: promote best practices and quality standards through training; open access to underserved populations; exchange information members and partners to promote efficiency and effectiveness; promote effective public policy relating to the needs of adults with autism.

E-class- course developed to focus on developing the skills and competence required to achieve the best outcome for a person with autism and their support networks.

North Coast Community Homes 216-662-1880

info@ncch.org

North Coast Community Homes develops and maintains housing for individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities in Cuyahoga, Lake and Stark Counties, Ohio and for individuals with severe mental illness in Summit County.

Pathway to Independence, Inc. 330-686-7442
P2ind@aol.com
The mission of Pathway to Independence, Inc. is to provide quality apartment style living and support services in a community setting for high-functioning (young) adults with developmental disabilities, capable of independent living, that is safe, affordable, promotes socialization, encourages independence, and provides volunteer opportunities to supplement work.

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Education Resources

AHEADD(Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities) is a private, community organization that provides support for students in higher education with, Learning Disabilities, High-Functioning Autism (HFA), Asperger's Syndrome (AS), Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Originally developed in cooperation with Equal Opportunity Services of Carnegie Mellon University. AHEADD is specifically designed to address students' inherent social, communication, and organizational issues, and helps students develop individualized strategies to manage their college careers independently.

View AHEADD Presentation (.pdf link)

Ohio Department of Education

Career-Technical and Students with Disabilities

U.S. Department of Education

Transition of Students With Disabilities To Postsecondary Education

An Autistic Students Journey to College - Article

Best Buddies 515-282-6221
Learn how to open a local chapter at your university or college

College Internship Program - Comprehensive College and Careers 877-566-9247

College Living Experience (CLE)
helps students with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, learning disabilities and other special needs by providing academic, social and independent living skills. Each of the five locations partners with local universities, community colleges and other educational institutions to provide courses and degree programs for CLE students.

CSU Cleveland State University 216-687-2015

Kate Yurick r.c.yurick@csuohio.edu

Department for Disabilities- Provides a wide range of academic services and accommodations for students on the spectrum.

Ohio State University 614-292-4185

Jeffrey Siegel siegel.45@osu.edu

Aspirations- a social and vocational support program

Marshall University, West Virginia 304-696-2271

Model College Program

Summer Prep Program

Muhlenberg College, PA 484-664-3433

Academic Resource Center

List of disabilities resources (including job accommodations)

Office of Disability Services

Muskingham University, 740-826-8280

Muskingum Plus Program

New York Institute of Technology, 631-348-3139

Vocational Independence Program

Notre Dame College 216-373-5185

Gretchen Walsh gwalsh@ndc.edu

Academic Support Center for Students with Learning Differences

Summer Springboard to Success (.pdf link)

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Links/Services

The ARC of Ohio 800-875-2723

The Arc of Ohio works to create a world where children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

Autism Society of Ohio 330-376-0211

askASO@autismohio.org

Autism Society of Greater Akron 330-543-3955

Lisa Weaver - President

Autism Society of Greater Cleveland 216-556-4937
Rory McLean - President

Find your local Autism Society

Autism Speaks

Calliope Speech & Language Services, LLC, Akron, 800-787-3914

In-home treatment for children and teens. Services for adults on the autism spectrum take more of a consultant format, offering "social coaching" and analysis, and helping these individuals manage the effects of autism in their social and professional lives, while also embracing the positive aspects of autism.

Medicaid Development and Administration: Ohio Department of DD
614-728-2736

Medicaid Buy In (Fact Sheet)

OCALI, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence 614-410-0321

Chris Filler chris_filler@ocali.org

Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder:Transition to Adulthood

Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council

Ohio Legal Rights Services

PASS Plan (Social Security Work Incentive)

People First of Ohio CMR 216-622-0755

People First of Cuyahoga County is a local chapter of the nationwide self-advocacy group that gives individuals with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities training to build skills in decision-making so they can advocate for themselves.

PLAN of Northeast Ohio Cleveland 216.321.3611 EX 204
Ray Gonzales rgonzalez@planneohio.org
PLAN of Northeast Ohio Provides home based social work and counseling services by LISWs to persons with mental disabilities & to their families.

Ohio Medicaid Information- Ohio Department of MRDD

Ohio Medicaid Information- Department of Job and Family Services

Adult Foster Care- Waiver Information- Ohio Department of MRDD

Organization for Autism Research (OAR)

Transition Guide (Download)

Tools for Today, Upcoming Events and Resources 216-229-5757 Ext. 126

Linda Kresnye lkresnye@ronaldhousecle.org