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There are 16 topics and 34 local resources that match your search for disability.
  • 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 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.
      • 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: 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: 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.

              • 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.

                • 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.
                  • 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 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: 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.

                          • Employment resources
                            Whether 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.

                              • 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),

                                • Disaster Recovery

                                  If you recently experienced a disaster and need immediate assistance

                                  • Call 911 for immediate medical attention
                                  • Find a shelter if you have evacuated because of a disaster, and need to shelter outside of the hazard area. Search online using the American Red Cross Shelter Finder for help with locating open shelters near you.
                                  • Text loved ones or use a Wi-Fi connection to update your status on social media to let others know you are safe.

                                  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.

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

                                  GiGi’s Playhouse Canton – Down Syndrome 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.

                                  4061 Bradley Circle NW
                                  Canton, OH 44718
                                  Phone: (330) 493-9114
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                                  The Arc of Ohio: Northeast Region

                                  Addresses critical issues related to human and civil rights, health care and treatment, and services and programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
                                  1401 South Main St
                                  North Canton, OH 44720
                                  Phone: (234) 571-5689
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                                  IDEA House Educational Services

                                  IDEA House is a K-12 year-round, private, faith-based school for children with Autism located in Canal Fulton.

                                  6630 Towpath Ave. NW
                                  Canal Fulton, OH 44614
                                  Phone: (330) 970-0777
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                                  8:30 am - 3:30 pm
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                                  Stark County Educational Service Center

                                  Shared services provided by the Stark County ESC include special education and pre-school classes, psychologists and other related service providers, curriculum development and supervision, and professional development.  The Stark County ESC serves as the fiscal agent for Help Me Grow, CARE Teams, the Stark/Portage Area Computer Consortium, Stark County Family Council, Stark County Schools’ Council of Governments and State Support Team 9.

                                  6057 Strip Avenue NW
                                  North Canton, OH 44720
                                  Phone: (330) 492-8136
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                                  Canton Social Security Office

                                  Provides federal disability and social security benefits to Stark County residents.

                                  301 McKinley Ave. SW
                                  Suite 100
                                  Canton, OH 43725
                                  Phone: 1 (877) 255-1509
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                                  Pathway Caring for Children

                                  Help children and families realize the possibilities of their lives through foster care, adoption, and mental health.

                                  4895 Dressler Rd. NW
                                  Suite A
                                  Canton, OH 44718
                                  Phone: (330) 493-0083
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                                  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 walkingspeech delays, or social interaction like playing with other children.
                                  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

                                  Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities

                                  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.

                                  1949 Towne Park Blvd
                                  Uniontown, OH 44685
                                  Phone: 877-770-5558
                                  Phone: 877-770-5558
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                                  ICAN Housing

                                  Connecting people to housing, mental health services and community support in Stark County, Ohio.

                                  Need help? Click here for first steps.

                                  1214 Market Ave. N
                                  Canton, OH 44714
                                  Phone: (330) 455-9100
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                                  Autism Society of Greater Akron

                                  ASGA is the premier resource for adapted community events, advocacy, education, information and referral, and support for our local Autism community in Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne counties.

                                  • Safeguards the progress our society has made in awareness of the Autism community.
                                  • Promotes greater acceptance of and higher quality of life for every member of our community.
                                  580 Grant Street
                                  Akron, OH 44311
                                  Main: 330-940-1441
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                                  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
                                  816 30th St. NW
                                  Canton, OH 44709
                                  Phone: (330) 438-0500
                                  Learn more

                                  Ohio Department of Disabilities

                                  Start a search for waiver-funded service providers offering transportation, housing, day services and more.

                                  Learn more

                                  Friendship Village

                                  HUD subsidized income based housing; does not accept Section 8 vouchers. Head of household must be disabled.

                                  1308 Cherry Rd. NW
                                  Massillon, OH 44647
                                  Phone: (330) 830-1246
                                  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
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                                  1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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                                  1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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                                  Canton Towers

                                  Income based housing; does not accept Section 8 vouchers. 

                                  Residents must be 62 years of age or older and/or disabled.

                                  131 5th St. NE
                                  Canton, OH 44702
                                  Phone: (330) 456-7847
                                  Learn more

                                  Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children

                                  Dedicated child care facility for children with autism, down syndrome or other disabilities.

                                  1431 30th St. NW
                                  Canton, OH 44709
                                  Phone: (330) 493-4400
                                  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

                                  Meals on Wheels of Northeast Ohio

                                  Provides food donations to individuals who are homebound due to age, illness or disability, with no eligibility requirements.

                                  2363 Nave Rd. SE
                                  Massillon, OH 44646
                                  Toll free: 1 (800) 466-8010
                                  Toll free: 1 (800) 466-8010
                                  Local: (330) 515-5605
                                  Learn more

                                  Visiting Angels

                                  Respite care is available to support elderly and disabled adults and their caregivers. This includes temporary care, part-time care, and support care.

                                  4905 Hills & Dales Rd. NW
                                  Canton, OH 44708
                                  Phone: (330) 497-5995
                                  Learn more

                                  Ohio Coalition for the Education Of Children with Disabilities

                                  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.

                                  Phone: (740) 382-5452
                                  Learn more

                                  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.

                                  110 Central Plz. S
                                  Suite 501
                                  Canton, OH 44702
                                  Phone: (330) 451-7755
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                                  8:30 am - 4:30 pm
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                                  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

                                  Cedar Oaks

                                  Income based housing; does not accept Section 8 vouchers. 

                                  Residents must be over the age of 63, handicapped and/or disabled.

                                  All units are handicapped accessible.

                                  3538 Millvale Ave. NE
                                  Canton, OH 44705
                                  Phone: (330) 455-1905
                                  Learn more

                                  Pegasus Farm

                                  Helping to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities to become independent, well-rounded, self-confident individuals through:

                                  • Equine activities
                                  • Recreational programs
                                  • Social services
                                  • Vocational support
                                  7490 Edison St. NE
                                  Hartville, OH 44632
                                  Phone: (330) 935-2300
                                  Learn more

                                  YWCA Canton

                                  • Provides emergency shelter to the homeless and tools to help them get back on their feet and become self-sufficient.
                                  • Offers early care and education services to children that enhance their development and prepare them to be successful as they transition to kindergarten.
                                  • Also has spaces available for community members and businesses to rent for meetings and events.
                                  231 6th St. NE
                                  Canton, OH 44702
                                  Phone: (330) 453-7644
                                  Learn more

                                  Vantage Aging

                                  Promotes successful aging by providing programs that support older adults who wish to age in place and live independently with dignity.

                                  2363 Nave Rd SE
                                  Massillon, OH 44646
                                  Main Line: 330-515-5605
                                  Main Line: 330-515-5605
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                                  Stark County Family Council

                                  Coordinates help for children and families between the hundreds of child and family service organizations that specialize in specific needs across Stark County.

                                  Each of these organizations focus on single issues, such as mental health, developmental disabilities, education, substance abuse, child welfare, juvenile justice, etcetera. While each agency functions independently, many of them are serving the same families and deal with similar issues.

                                  6057 Strip Ave NW
                                  North Canton, OH 44720
                                  Phone: 330-492-8136
                                  Phone: 330-492-8136
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                                  American Red Cross: Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter

                                  We help communities in Northern Ohio prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. We are able to make a difference in our local communities because of the generosity of our donors and support of our volunteers. Together, we provide the following programs and services:

                                  • Disaster Services
                                  • Volunteer Services
                                  • Blood Donation Services
                                  • Lifesaving Skills Training
                                  • Military or Veterans Assistance (mental health counseling, emergency assistance and job services)
                                  • Home Fire Campaign
                                  408 9th St. SW
                                  Canton, OH 44707
                                  Phone: (330) 453-0146
                                  Learn more

                                  National Human Trafficking Hotline

                                  If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, call now. Texting is also available: SMS: 233733 (Text “HELP” or “INFO”) Languages: English, Spanish and 200 more languages
                                  Phone: 1-888-373-7888
                                  Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
                                  Learn more

                                  Stark County Homeless Hotline – Homeless Navigation

                                  Intended for individuals or families without a place to stay that night. Referring individuals or families who already have a place to stay for the night will only prolong wait times for those who urgently need shelter.

                                  Refers eligible callers to appropriate shelters and other programs for households that meet the HUD definition of literally homeless after conducting an eligibility interview Monday – Friday 7am to 5:30 pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm (except holidays).

                                  Intake & Assessment Number: (330) 452-4363
                                  Intake & Assessment Number: (330) 452-4363
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                                  7:00 am - 5:30 pm
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                                  10:00 am - 2:00 pm
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                                  Crisis Lifeline

                                  24/7 Phone #’s

                                  • Call or text: 988
                                  • Chat on website: www.988lifeline.org
                                  • Or call: 330-452-6000
                                    • Press 1 for Veterans support or 2 for Spanish-speaking.
                                  Hotline: (330) 452-6000
                                  Hotline: (330) 452-6000
                                  Textline: Text 4hope to 741741
                                  Learn more

                                  Alliance for Children & Families

                                  Committed to empowering children, individuals and families to restore them to lives of stability, self-sufficiency and enhancement.

                                  Services include:

                                  • Permanent Supportive Housing
                                  • Emergency Shelter
                                  • Rapid-Rehousing
                                  • Parenting program
                                  • Pregnancy & Maternal Health
                                  624 Scranton Ave.
                                  Alliance, OH 44601
                                  Phone: (330) 821-6332
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