Community Life: Religious Resources (22+ Years)

They provide educational, spiritual, pastoral, sacramental, catechetical, camps, social and recreational programs.

The mission is to assist people with cognitive and other developmental disabilities and physical disabilities to understand, develop and live out their lives as completely as possible within the Church and the larger community.

Camp Happiness is a summer program for children and young adults ages 5-21 with cognitive and other developmental disabilities, regardless of race, religion, culture or economic background.
They offer social and recreational activities, as well as skill enhancement. Participants also go swimming and on community field trips. Camp locations are in Parma and Wickliffe. Some financial assistance is available.

Their very popular Monthly Dance/Social offers persons of all abilities, ages 16 and over only, the opportunity to learn social skills and form friendships. Dances are held on the second Friday of the month, from 7-9pm. They take place at the OLA-St. Joseph Center, 2346 West 14th Street, in Cleveland. Entry for $3 dollars a person.
Call (216)334-2963 for more information, or visit their website.

This organization is part of the National Jewish Council for Disabilities.
They offer programs for teens and young adults with disabilities on a monthly basis, including socializing at a local synagogue, weekend retreats and holiday parties.

The College Success Program for Students Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder provides targeted support, practical knowledge, and cultural awareness to students living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is designed to maximize students’ potential as they live and learn within a caring Christian community.

Adults with developmental delays can participate in a weekly Jewish program on Sunday mornings.

For nearly 50 years, Echoing Hills has supported thousands of families, friends, and neighbors through our outreach to people with disabilities.

Their programs align with their values: the right to choose, the dignity of each person, personal fulfillment in God’s plan and a relationship with Jesus Christ. They provide choice recreational, residential, vocational, travel and educational services throughout the State of Ohio and internationally.

They accept waivers, including the I/O, Level 1 and Ohio Home Care. Other options include County Board of Developmental Disabilities matching funds and private pay.

JFS can help adults in need by coordinating services, managing finances, providing direction, reassurance, and actively monitoring progress. When necessary, JFS can assume further responsibility through conservatorship guardianship, Power of Attorney, and as trustee.

JFS has a job bank where social workers can identify interests and assist in job-seeking efforts, as well as an emergency financial assistance program.

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.

Welcoming Christian church services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their friends, family and other supports.

Services are held in two different locations in the Cleveland Area:
1st Saturday of each month, 5:30pm:
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church — Hudson

3rd Saturday of each month, 5:30 pm:
First United Methodist Church – Cuyahoga Falls

Overall Program Brochure

RespectAbility is on the front lines in the battle to reduce stigmas, failed government policies, and other obstacles that deny people with disabilities the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Their free tools and factual resources inform so people with disabilities can achieve the education, training, jobs, security and good health that everyone needs and deserves.

They can identify and promote best practices for jobs and careers for people with disabilities through direct outreach, and
raise public awareness of the ABILITIES of people with disabilities through the promotion of positive images and stories in the media.

Three-year post-secondary educational program for young adults ages 18 and older with intellectual disabilities. This is a Christian, non-degree granting program that offers programs to aid in college success.

A list of various guides and reading materials available that can help people with autism adapt to religious services, including:

Social stories for children about attending religious services
Advice of different strategies for families
A video tour of the mass experience
Articles relating autism and the religious experience

The list also includes resources for religious leaders on inclusion for members with autism and their families.