Social & Recreation: Social Groups and Playgroups

Provides intervention services to children with a variety of needs as well as provide trainings and resources for families and schools.

They offer homeschool and center-based curriculum. Goals are created based on the needs of each individual child in the areas of social & emotional functioning, academic skills, language development, daily living, and fine & gross motored skills.

They also offer home intervention services, school support, academic tutoring, and social skills groups, early childhood preschool, social groups

Does not accept insurance, but they do accept the Jon Peterson Scholarship and the Ohio Autism Scholarship.

A privately owned speech therapy practice providing individualized and group speech, language and social communication services to children in need. They also provide accent reduction.

This organization helps individuals on the autism spectrum with social groups and provides coaching for employment, independent living and other teen and adult related needs (ages 14+).

A monthly Asperger’s Adult Support group is available for adults with Asperger’s to socialize and discuss pertinent issues in their lives. Meetings are held at the Rocky River library and Beachwood library. The group also organizes occasional social events. They also host a monthly mindfulness event for individuals with autism. Each event will take place at a different location. Reservations are required to attend.

In addition, Autism Personal Coach offers a PARENT support group, dates and topics vary. Reservations are required to attend.

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

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.

A social group that offers classes several times a year for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Any individual eligible for Summit DD services can participate in College for Living classes. Course offerings are listed in a brochure that is distributed quarterly. Participants are able to register for multiple classes.

A  Cleveland-area website  that fosters one-on-one friendships and relationships between disabled individuals, beginning at age 18.

In order to view the membership directory, one first has to contact Craig Matis, the website coordinator at:  matisc@netzero.com

Northeast Ohio’s only social skills program that offers all children a chance to make friends in a fun, movement-based environment. At FIT, children learn valuable social thinking, conversation and self-regulation skills; the tools for connecting with peers and forming friendships.

FIT CAmp is designed for campers aged 3-18 who need extra support developing social skills. Camp is held for 3 weeks in mid-summer.

The East side location currently offers all FIT programs.
East Side – Shaker Heights Location
1990 Malvern Rd., Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122.

The West side location currently offers Bridge to Elementary and Elementary FIT on Saturdays.
West Side – Rocky River Location
3035 Wooster Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116-4100

Offers speech and language services for both children and adults using evidence-based assessment and treatment methods.

Performs speech and social skills evaluations.

Provides opportunities for adults with emotional, physical and developmental disabilities and their families to take full advantage of nearly all of The Mandel JCC programs and services. They also offer personal training for people with disabilities.

Visit the Mandel JCC website for current program schedule.

A licensed and certified Speech & Language Pathologist with years of experience working with individuals with autism. She specializes in pediatric Speech & Language therapy and meets with clients ages 2 through 18.

In network for the following insurance carriers: Medical Mutual, Anthem/Blue Cross, United HealthCare, and in the process with Cigna. They also accept NEON funds.

Provides professionally planned and supervised recreational leisure opportunities, such as vacations, family outings, and social groups. As a bonus, they provide educational preparation to families prior to the trip/experience.

Share A Vision also supplies grant applications to organizations and individuals seeking to provide similar opportunities for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities on an annual basis.

This group will offer a variety of social activities for those ages 16+ with developmental or intellectual disabilities throughout the year. Activities will include eating out, sports events such as baseball, bowling, or rock climbing, gathering to watch a sports game or a movie and more. This group will be a place where everyone can meet new friends and not worry about anyone judging you!

The Blick Center provides a variety of clinical outpatient, residential, day program services and other support services for individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs and other related conditions.

Services include speech, occupational and physical therapies, day programs, residential services, behavioral health including individual and group counseling, plus case management and representative payeeship services. The Blick Center can also provide behavior assessments from licensed BCBAs and sponsors a social group/day program for adults with intellectual disabilities called College for Living. The Blick Center was awarded the Best Practices Award from the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities.

Accepts Medicaid, Medicare and CareSource insurance plans.

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.

Adapted social/recreation for young adults and adults with learning differences, ages 15-40

A weekend social program for young adults ages 18 and older with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum or other cognitive disorders. Typical activities include bowling, nature walks, library visits, museums, shopping trips, and more. There is a one-time joining fee, as well as a yearly membership fee to participate.

Members meet at Beechmont Towers on Chagrin Blvd. before every outing.

Pediatric occupational and physical therapists providing developmental playgroups to toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children to enhance fine, gross and sensory motor skills that are essential for them to succeed in school and life. Their playgroups are free, 90-minute experiences that are based on a theme (things like ocean, bugs, snow, etc). These are drop-off playgroups.

Note: They do not provide pediatric occupational, physical, or speech therapy. Programming available for children ages 2 and up.

Registration for playgroups can be done on their website.

WRILC offers several types of programs for teens and adults to help them transition into becoming more independent in daily life. They do this through independent living skills classes as well as self- and community advocacy.

There are also monthly social events and programs open to the public.

Young Life Capernaum gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities. Young Life Capernaum is a Christian organization.

Contact Young Life Greater Akron for current program schedule.