Here's what we found for you
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: A mother and son’s 20-year journeyI 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.
- 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.
- Applying for disability
Do you feel that you or someone you know is eligible for disability services? If you are no longer able to work due to an illness, accident or injury, you may qualify for social security disability insurance in Stark County. Learn how to apply for disability assistance and get started today.
- 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/.
- 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.
- Special education servicesEvery 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.
- Stories of Self-AdvocacyWatch these videos from Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities to find out how young people with disabilities are advocating for themselves.
- 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.
- 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),
- Employment resourcesWhether you are a young person looking for a part-time job, a parent who is out of work or an individual with disabilities planning for independence, resources are available to help you navigate the job search.
- Transportation Services
For many Stark County residents, public transportation services are essential for their basic needs, including trips to work and medical appointments. Fortunately, local transportation resources are available to support low-income individuals as well as those with permanent disabilities. Find routes and more information for SARTA here.
- 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.
Canton, OH 44718
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.
Canton, OH 44708 Learn more
Kids Link
Individualized education program for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
Streetsboro, OH 44241
Make-A-Way Drop-In Center
Social, recreational and educational opportunities for people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.
Massillon, OH 44648
Beyond Our Boundaries
Bringing people with developmental disabilities together to set the stage for an active and social life.
Suite D
Canton, OH 44702
The Arc of Ohio: Northeast Region
North Canton, OH 44720
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.
Canton, OH 44714
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.
Canton, OH 44707
Help Me Grow-Early Intervention
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 walking, speech delays, or social interaction like playing with other children.
Early Intervention is available in every part of the state and to any eligible child,
North Canton, OH 44720
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.
Ohio Department of Disabilities
Start a search for waiver-funded service providers offering transportation, housing, day services and more.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Helping to support Ohioans with disabilities as they achieve quality employment and independence:
- Customized employment plans
- Education
- Social Security disability determination
Canton, OH 44709
ICAN Housing
Connecting people to housing, mental health services and community support in Stark County, Ohio.
Need help? Click here for first steps.
Canton, OH 44714
Ohio Coalition for the Education Of Children with Disabilities
The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) is a statewide nonprofit organization that serves families of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities in Ohio, educators and agencies who provide services to them.
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.
Louisville, OH 44641 Learn more
Direction Home Akron Canton: Aging and Disability Resource Center
Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities (Direction Home Akron Canton) is a private, non-profit organization that helps older adults and people with disabilities thrive in the places they want to call home.
- Aging and Disability Resource Center – Provides professional, one-on-one consultations to access to information on in-home care and community resources.
- Meal Sites/Senior Centers
- Assisted Living Waiver
- Care Coordination
- Ohio Home Care Waiver
- PASSPORT
- Acute Care Transitions
- And More
Call (330) 896-9172 or click here to learn more.
Uniontown, OH 44685
Canton Social Security Office
Provides federal disability and social security benefits to Stark County residents.
Suite 100
Canton, OH 43725
Hattie Larlham Constant Companions – North Canton
This day program for adults with disabilities offers social, educational, volunteer, and recreational activities.
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Uniontown, OH 44685
Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children
Dedicated child care facility for children with autism, down syndrome or other disabilities.
Canton, OH 44709
Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio
Provides food donations to individuals who are homebound due to age, illness or disability, with no eligibility requirements.
Massillon, OH 44646
Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
Protecting individuals from discrimination at work based on age, gender, disability, race, religion, and/or sexual orientation.
Canton, OH 44702
Stark County Probate Court
When a person is unable to manage his or her personal estate because of a disability or chronic illness, a guardian is appointed by the Stark County Probate Court.
Suite 501
Canton, OH 44702
Pegasus Farm
Helping to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities to become independent, well-rounded, self-confident individuals:
- Equine activities
- Recreational programs
- Social services
- Vocational support
Hartville, OH 44632
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
Canton, OH 44703 Learn more
YWCA Canton
Provides emergency shelter to the homeless and tools to help them get back on their feet and become self-sufficient
Also provides early care and education services to children that enhance their development and prepare them to be successful as they transition to kindergarten
To be placed in housing you must first register with the homeless hotline by calling 330-452-4363
Canton, OH 44702