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There are 16 topics and 12 local resources that match your search for Developmental%20disabilities.
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  • Developmental Disabilities Family Support

    Caring for a child with developmental disabilities can be a significant financial and emotional challenge. Stark Help Central has gathered together some of the most common resources to help you provide the care your child needs. From transportation and child care to cash, food and employment support, learn about the resources available to you.

    For more information on how to apply for accessible plates or windshield placards, visit bmv.ohio.gov/.

    Resources for Individuals &

    • Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: A mother and son’s 20-year journey
      I teach about people with disabilities and how Stark DD helps more than 3,900 people, including my son, living in Stark County. Read our story.
      • Stories of Self-Advocacy
        Watch these videos from Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities to find out how young people with disabilities are advocating for themselves.
        • Developmental disabilities: early childhood

          Caring for children with developmental disabilities presents unique challenges. For children up to age 3, Stark County Early Intervention (EI) provides services for families to help children reach their full potential. Using a team approach, developmental specialists and therapists, who are specific to the needs of the family, work with caregivers and children to coach, teach specific techniques, and provide appropriate resources to parents and caregivers. Learn more about the programs and services available for young children with developmental disabilities.

          • Special education services
            Every child with developmental disabilities has a right to receive a free, appropriate, public education in the least restrictive environment possible. Learn how school districts across Stark Country are supporting students with functional needs through a variety of educational programs and services.
            • Guardianship

              Guardianship is established when a person with functional needs is no longer able to maintain control over their own decisions. Because this is a legally binding process, it should only be considered as a last resort. Explore alternatives to guardianship and learn about ways to protect the rights of Stark County residents with disabilities.

              • Developmental disabilities: childhood

                For school-aged children with developmental disabilities, services are typically provided through specialized instruction in a classroom setting. Additional resources may include occupational, physical and/or speech/language therapies, nursing services and behavior supports. Learn more about the educational programs available for children with developmental disabilities in your home system by consulting your district’s special education department.

                • Financial support: developmental disabilities

                  People with developmental disabilities face unique challenges as they strive to build independent and fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know has a qualifying disability, there are many assistance programs and services available to help you support yourself financially. Learn about your options to help along your journey toward financial stability.

                  • Developmental disabilities: youth & teens

                    Beginning around age 14, is it important that families of children with developmental disabilities start the process of transitioning to adulthood. This includes activities such as age-appropriate transition assessments, setting measurable postsecondary goals and planning an eventual career path. Through support from the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities, learn ways to set your child up for success and independence in adulthood.

                    • Developmental disabilities: young adults

                      The journey to adulthood can be challenging for anyone, and especially for young people with developmental disabilities. From securing employment and managing health care responsibilities to finding accessible housing and transportation, there is a lot to learn to ensure a smooth transition. To plan for success in the adult world, community resources are available. Learn about the advocates and supporters helping to empower young adults with disabilities in Stark County, Ohio.

                      • From a Mom Who Knows: Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

                        I love to take my children out of the house. Whether it is shopping, the park, going for a walk around the neighborhood, to church, or on an adventure- we are always on the go. However, as a parent of two special needs daughters, both with different needs, this can be a challenge. Having one child with physical disabilities means we must make sure the location is accessible and can be accommodating to our specific needs.

                        • Mental health service providers

                          For Stark County families to grow stronger and healthier, it is important that everyone has the support they need to maintain their emotional well-being. There are hundreds of mental health, substance use and trauma recovery resources available here in Stark County, including individual, family and faith-based services.

                          • Early childhood physical abuse
                            When a baby is abused, it can have severe consequences including developmental issues, brain damage or even death. If you are concerned that an infant, toddler or young child may be suffering from physical abuse, reach out for help, advice and support.
                            • Mental health: early childhood

                              We all wonder and worry about our children, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal tantrums and the signs of a more serious behavioral problem. If you think your child’s thoughts or emotions might call for attention, your next move should be to consult a mental health professional. Start with a developmental pediatrician or community behavioral health resource to voice your concerns.

                              • 2-1-1 Helpline Transitions Resources to StarkHelpCentral.com

                                In 2023, 2-1-1, Stark County’s helpline, transitioned to StarkHelpCentral.com. 

                                Closing the Stark County information system and online database—that was run by United Way of Greater Stark County—and moving resources to StarkHelpCentral.com helps streamline the process for community members looking for resources and information.  

                                StarkHelpCentral.com can help you find community resources available to you and your family. The searchable community resource website is supported by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR),

                                • The Legacy Project of Stark Makes an imPACT

                                  Who We Are

                                  In 2015, The Legacy Project of Stark was founded by Eugene Lingenhoel. As he was delivering backpacks & school supplies at Lehman Middle School in Canton City, the principal, Jeanne McNeal, who is now the principal at Oakwood Middle School in Plain Local, asked Eugene if he would be willing to meet with some of her students.  Jeanne saw a need for her students to have a positive role model in their life and saw an opportunity to provide that for them.

                                  GiGi’s Playhouse Canton – Down Syndrome Achievement Center

                                  GiGi’s Playhouse Canton is fulfilling the dream of the Down syndrome community of having a location where individuals with Down syndrome of all ages have a place to call their own, where they feel safe and can explore their abilities through proven programs with support and celebration. Parents no longer feel the anxiety of finding a place where their loved one will be unconditionally accepted and offered opportunity to become their best of all.

                                  Each participant will grow with the programs at their own pace and interact with their peers in an environment of celebration and achievement. 

                                  4061 Bradley Circle NW
                                  Canton, OH 44718
                                  Phone: (330) 493-9114
                                  Learn more

                                  Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities

                                  A Major Unusual Incident (MUI) is an event that negatively impacts the health, safety or wellbeing of an individual with developmental disabilities. If you or someone you know is experiencing a major unusual incident, call the 24-hour hotline to report the event.

                                  MUI Hotline: 330-477-4477

                                  The Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities exists to connect individuals and families with the services they need for health, safety, education and a high quality of life.

                                  2950 Whipple Ave. NW
                                  Canton, OH 44708
                                  Phone: (330) 477-5200
                                  Intake: (330) 479-3582
                                  Learn more

                                  Help Me Grow-Early Intervention

                                  Concerned about your child’s development? Act Early!
                                   
                                  If you’re concerned that a child may have a delay or disability, it’s important to refer them for Early Intervention as soon as possible. Early Intervention can address all types of concerns, like crawling or walkingspeech delays, or social interaction like playing with other children.
                                   
                                  Early Intervention is available in every part of the state and to any eligible child,
                                  6057 Strip Ave NW
                                  North Canton, OH 44720
                                  Phone Number: 330-479-3448
                                  Phone Number: 330-479-3448
                                  Referral Number: 1-800-755-4769
                                  Referral Number: 1-800-755-4769
                                  Learn more

                                  40 Developmental Assets

                                  The 40 Developmental Assets® is a framework consisting of preventative measures, positive experiences and qualities that young people need to grow up healthy, caring and responsible. These assets are protective factors that have been consistently shown, by research, to buffer youth from risk.

                                  Learn more

                                  Kids Link

                                  Individualized education program for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

                                  899 Frost Rd.
                                  Streetsboro, OH 44241
                                  Phone: (330) 963-8600
                                  Learn more

                                  Make-A-Way Drop-In Center

                                  Social, recreational and educational opportunities for people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.

                                  227 3rd St.
                                  Massillon, OH 44648
                                  Phone: (330) 837-0650
                                  Learn more

                                  Beyond Our Boundaries

                                  Bringing people with developmental disabilities together to set the stage for an active and social life.

                                  601 Cleveland Ave. NW
                                  Suite D
                                  Canton, OH 44702
                                  Phone: (330) 455-8111
                                  Learn more

                                  Stark County Early Intervention

                                  Providing support and services to children under the age of 3 who have or are at risk of having developmental delays.

                                  Eastgate Early Childhood and Family Center, 2121 Ashland St.
                                  Louisville, OH 44641
                                  Phone: (330) 479-3448
                                  Referrals: 1 (800) 755-4769
                                  Referrals: 1 (800) 755-4769
                                  Learn more

                                  Quality of Life Health Care Service, LLC

                                  Quality of Life Health Care Service, LLC provides care services for those with developmental disabilities in Stark, Summit, and Portage counties.

                                  2019 NE Maple Ave.
                                  Canton, OH 44714
                                  Phone: (234) 207-5944
                                  Learn more

                                  The Arc of Ohio: Northeast Region

                                  The Arc of Ohio is the voice of people with developmental disabilities, their families, friends of people with disabilities, and those who work with them. The Arc of Ohio is a grassroots organization which advocates for human rights, personal dignity and community participation of individuals with developmental disabilities through legislative and social action, information and education, local chapter supports, and family involvement. The Arc of Ohio can help with IEPs, getting services as well as support for inclusive education and LREs and waiver services for families.
                                  1401 South Main St
                                  North Canton, OH 44720
                                  Phone: (234) 571-5689
                                  Learn more

                                  Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA)

                                  Public transportation through 34 fixed routes and four transit centers. Special programs are available for students, Medicaid recipients and individuals with developmental disabilities.

                                  1600 Gateway Blvd. SE
                                  Canton, OH 44707
                                  Toll free: 1 (855) 887-2782
                                  Toll free: 1 (855) 887-2782
                                  Proline service: (330) 455-2292
                                  Proline service: (330) 455-2292
                                  Teletypewriter (TTY): 711 or 1 (800) 750-0750
                                  Teletypewriter (TTY): 711 or 1 (800) 750-0750
                                  Bus service: (330) 477-2782
                                  Bus service: (330) 477-2782
                                  Learn more

                                  Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC)

                                  The Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC) promotes healthy development through family strengthening and early education resources:

                                  • Child care information and referrals
                                  • Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) kindergarten readiness program
                                  • Professional development resources for educators
                                  • Home and group-based learning opportunities
                                  • Developmental screenings and community resource connections
                                  • Car seat help

                                  Find a list of child care programs in Stark County here. 

                                  1718 Cleveland Ave. NW
                                  Canton, OH 44703
                                  Phone: (330) 491-3272
                                  Phone: 1-877-691-8521
                                  Learn more