Advocacy & self-advocacy

By law, students with disabilities must be invited to attend school IEP meetings that consider postsecondary transition goals. With adulthood approaching, there are many choices and decisions to be made – from next steps in schooling to finding a job and learning to live independently. Here you will find resources you can use to involve students with disabilities in planning the transition into adulthood.

Advocacy & support

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
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tue.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thu.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Fri.
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Canton Friendship Center

A community social center designed to provide safe and friendly peer support for individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities.
2200 Cleveland Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44709
Payee Center: 330-453-8776
Payee Center: 330-453-8776
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Tue.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wed.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thu.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Fri.
9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Down Syndrome Support Network of Stark County

Support, advocacy, education and resources for families of children with Down syndrome.
P.O. Box 1246, 2020 East Maple St. NW
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 361-0587

NAMI Stark County Friday Peer Support Group (Adults with Mental Illness)

Mental illness can be extremely isolating and it's not uncommon to lose friends along the way. This is a chance to meet new people. Support Groups are free to attend and no registration is required. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/386459766 Meeting ID: 386 459 766
Phone: 1-646-558-8656
Hours: 7:00 PM – Group meets weekly Friday (Plan to join 10 – 15 minutes before start time)

NAMI Stark County Sunday Night Support Group (Peers and Family Members)

Mental illness can be extremely isolating and it's not uncommon to lose friends along the way. This is a chance to meet new people. Support Groups are free to attend and no registration is required. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/798097665 Meeting ID: 798 097 665
Phone: 1-646-558-8656
Hours: 7:00 PM – Group meets weekly Sunday (Plan to join 10 – 15 minutes before start time)

NAMI Stark County Tuesday Peer Support Group (Adults with Mental Illness)

Mental illness can be extremely isolating and it's not uncommon to lose friends along the way. This is a chance to meet new people. Support Groups are free to attend and no registration is required. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/97629915727 Meeting ID: 976 2991 5727
Phone: 1-646-558-8656
Hours: 7:00 PM – Group meets weekly Tuesday (Plan to join 10 – 15 minutes before start time)

Philomatheon Society of the Blind

Helping individuals who are blind and sightless to remain independent and engaged in the Stark County community.
2701 West Tuscarawas St.
Canton, OH 44708
Phone: (330) 453-9157

Redtreehouse.org

Find resources to support the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of Ohio children and young adults.

Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities: Self Advocacy

The advocacy program offers various speakers to share information about topics that are important to you and your life. Examples of topics could include: Guardianship, Dating, Preparing for Medical Appointments, Your ISP meeting, and more.
2950 Whipple Ave NW
Canton, OH 44708
Phone: 330-477-5200
School districts in Stark County

Contact your local school district about ways to engage and self-advocate throughout the education process.

Alliance City School District

200 Glamorgan St.
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 821-2100

Canton City School District

Public school system in Canton, Ohio. www.ccsdistrict.org
305 McKinley Ave. NW
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 438-2500

Canton Local School District

600 Faircrest St. SE
Canton, OH 44707
Phone: (330) 484-8019

Fairless Local School District

11885 Navarre Rd.
Navarre, OH 44662
Phone: (330) 767-3577

Jackson Local School District

7602 Fulton Dr.
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 830-8000

Lake Local School District

436 King Church Ave. SW
Uniontown, OH 44685
Phone: (330) 877-9383

Louisville City School District

407 East Main St.
Louisville, OH 44641
Phone: (330) 875-1666

Marlington Local School District

10320 Moulin Ave. NE
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 823-7458

Massillon City School District

930 17th St. NE
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 830-3900

Minerva Local School District

406 East St.
Minerva, OH 44657
Phone: (330) 868-4332

North Canton City School District

525 7th St. NE
North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 497-5600

Northwest Local School District

Northwest local school district in Canal Fulton, OH. www.northwest.sparcc.org
2309 Locust St. S
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Phone: (330) 854-2291

Osnaburg Local School District

310 Browning Ct.
East Canton, OH 44730
Elementary: (330) 488-0392
Elementary: (330) 488-0392
Middle School: (330) 488-0334
Middle School: (330) 488-0334
High School: (330) 488-0316
High School: (330) 488-0316

Perry Local School District

Public school system in Perry Township. www.perrylocal.org
4201 13th St. SW
Massillon, OH 44646
Phone: (330) 477-8121

Plain Local School District

901 44th St. NW
Canton, OH 44709
Phone: (330) 492-3500

Sandy Valley Local School District

5362 State Rte. 183 NE
Magnolia, OH 44643
Phone: (330) 866-3339

Tuslaw Local School District

1835 Manchester Ave. NW
Massillon, OH 44647
Phone: (330) 837-7813