Employment: Resources & Guides (Parents/Family Members)

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) published this guide. The Office of Special Education Programs (along with partners in the Rehabilitation Services Administration) has issued this guide to advance efforts in ensuring that all students and youth with disabilities are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be engaged in the 21st century workforce.

This transition guide addresses the following topics to facilitate a seamless transition from school to post-school activities:
Transition planning: opportunities and programs
Transition services and requirements, as authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act;
Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school; Supporting decisions made by students and youth with disabilities.

Through its ten regional centers, the ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Their services are tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels.

A free tool for professionals working with transitional teens and adults with ASD that assesses the behaviors and competencies youth need to achieve their long term goals.

The largest Community Action Agency and Head Start provider in Ohio. Their mission is to invest in Cuyahoga County residents.

Besides a robust Head Start program, CEOGC offers a Personal and Family Development Program and a Job and Career Training Center.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing employment among Americans with disabilities. The organization works with job seekers and employers ranging across all forms of business.

This guide includes strategies to help youth and their families access the full range of support available to prepare them for successful transition into integrated, competitive employment.

JFSA is guided by traditional Jewish values of communal responsibility and social justice. They offer several programs to assist teens and adults with disabilities with residential services, employment services, community inclusion, and family advocacy.

The Horvitz YouthAbility program offers volunteering and job training opportunities for disabled and at-risk youth and young adults.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services help people prepare for employment based on their skills and interests.
Adult Day Program offers group and individual day respite activities.

​The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (ODD) is committed to improving the quality of life for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families. Offering support across the lifespan of people with developmental disabilities, the department oversees a statewide system of supportive services that focus on assuring health and safety, supporting access to community participation, and increasing opportunities for meaningful employment.

Coordinates efforts among state agency partners: the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Department of Mental Health, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, Ohio Office of Budget and Management and Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.

Formally known as Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC), Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is the State of Ohio agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment and independence. We are also charged with making determinations on Social Security disability.

They have an online tool that allows staff and vocational rehabilitation (VR) participants to research available providers in their area. Searches can be targeted by a specific VR service, or by county, city, address, provider type (i.e. Employment First) or provider name. The OOD Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) Scorecards will also be part of this new tool.

UDS serves individuals of all ages with all types of disabilities – from the mildest to the most severe. They are committed to offering high-quality options to help fulfill social, vocational, community living, low vision and transportation needs.

In addition there is a Toy & Resource Center for parents of children with special needs and a program with sports programs sanctioned by the Special Olympics.