Community Life: Religious Resources (03-06 Years)

BREATHE events are hosted by Valley church twice during the year – usually in the spring and fall. They accept children with special needs ages 2-18 and their siblings. For the next scheduled event, please contact the church office.

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.

Services children 2-18 years of age with a wide range of services, including: psychological assessment, applied behavioral analysis(ABA), speech and language therapy, social skills classes, and school services.

Year-round programs are available, either at home, school-based, or center-based. Call office to inquire insurance coverage.

Their Lorain County satellite office is located near I-90 and Route 611 in the Avon Health and Wellness Building at
38530 Chester Road, Avon, Ohio 44011

Accepts most insurance, including CareSource, and private pay. They do not accept state Medicaid.

Cara Marker Daily is a pediatric psychologist specializing in children with autism.

Dr. Heather Dukes-Murray, PhD specializes in assessing, diagnosing, and treating Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disorders, ADHD, and mental health diagnoses. Also works with children and adolescents with mood and anxiety disorders, behavior issues, and mental health difficulties associated with trauma exposure.

Available to Jewish students ages 6-18 with various special needs. The classes will teach Jewish history, culture, holidays, blessings, Israel and bible stories. Hebrew will be taught by ability, and the program is run by special education professionals along with teen aides.

Through the Roof Ministry offers a special service called Take A Break, which is a respite event for the families of a child (ages 6+) or adult with disabilities. Take A Break provides 4 hours of free time for families to do whatever they want – whether taking in a movie, going shopping, or going out to dinner – providing these families with a way to rejuvenate and recharge their batteries. Call the contact phone number to be placed on the waiting list.

Meets on one Saturday each month from 5 PM to 9 PM in the Activity Center. See dates below.

This evening event at Grace Church is for children, teens and adults ages 6 and over with disabilities.

Dates for 2018
January 13 May 5 September 8
February 3 June 2 October 6
March 3 July 7 November 3
April 7 August 4

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

Saint William School provides a faith-based education that recognizes that each student is an individual. Our parish families, teachers and staff work together to create a spirit of community and service.

They currently enroll students in traditional pre-K through 8th grade as well as those with learning disabilities and students with autism. They accept the Edchoice Voucher, EdChoice Expansion Voucher, Jon Peterson Scholarship and Autism Scholarship systems.

ReCharge is a FREE monthly respite ministry for families of children with disabilities who range in age from infants through 22 years old. Many volunteers help provide activities and supervision for special needs children while their families enjoy some much-needed free time. Pre-registration required.

Includes activities, food and fun, as well as a special needs Sunday School service at 11:05am. Many volunteers have a background in special education.

Pairs teenage volunteers and children with special needs for social opportunities.
There are several programs, including social activities, respite services, parent support events, a sibling support group, an Asperger’s family support group, and winter camps.

VIP supports and encourages children, siblings, families and individuals challenged by disabilities. It provides an appropriate and supportive Christian setting for children and students with special needs so parents can comfortably attend worship.

Kids can be placed in the traditional Grace Church POWER Kids with one-on-one assistance, as needed (VIP Buddy Ministry), or participate in a special classroom (VIP POWER Kids) that includes a higher ratio of teachers and helpers. This program is for children ages 5 and up.

Grace Church also offers a monthly support group and a quarterly respite VIP Night Out for parents.

Visit the Grace Church website or search our Event Calendar for upcoming meeting dates.

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.