For families and guardians
Helping someone you care about explore support? You’re welcome to reach out with questions, wherever you are in the process.
You’re welcome here
Anyone helping someone explore support can reach out
Exploring support for yourself? Start here. It’s your life, and your call.
Family members
Parents, brothers and sisters, and other relatives helping someone they love.
Guardians
Guardians are welcome to contact us with questions on someone’s behalf.
Support coordinators
SSAs and other professionals helping someone plan their support.
Ideas that help
Helping someone explore support
A few ideas that make the process easier, for you and for the person you support.
Start with the person
What do they enjoy? What would they like to do more of? Their wishes are the place to begin.
Learn the usual steps
In Ohio, support usually starts with your county board of developmental disabilities.
Keep your questions together
A running list makes conversations with the county board and with providers easier.
Talk with more than one provider
Ask each one the same questions, and see who listens best.
Common questions
Questions families often ask
Don’t see your question? Ask us. No question is too small.
Do we need to know exactly what we need before we contact you?
No. Many people start with a few questions, and we’ll talk it through with you.
Can a family member, guardian or support coordinator contact you?
Yes. Anyone helping someone explore support is welcome to reach out.
How is support paid for?
It depends on each person’s situation. Your county board and SSA can explain the options available to you, and we’re happy to talk through your questions.
Do you serve our area?
Our main office is in Dayton, Ohio. Get in touch and tell us where you are.
What does the county board do?
In Ohio, the county board of developmental disabilities is usually the first stop. It determines eligibility, helps assess needs and coordinates services.
Can we choose our provider?
Yes. In Ohio, people get to choose their providers. Your SSA can explain how that works.
What if needs or preferences change?
Support should change with the person. A person’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) can be updated as their needs and goals change, and we’re glad to talk through what that could look like.
Is it safe to send medical details through the website?
Please don’t. A first message only needs your name, how to reach you and what you’d like to know.
Ohio resources
Helpful public resources
From the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.
- Ohio’s guide for families
Where to start, how eligibility works and how to find a provider.
dodd.ohio.gov
- Find your county board
Look up the county board of developmental disabilities where you live.
dodd.ohio.gov
- Waivers in Ohio
How Ohio’s developmental disability waivers work: Individual Options, Level One and SELF.
dodd.ohio.gov
- Report abuse or neglect
How to report a concern about a person with a developmental disability. If someone is in danger, call 911.
dodd.ohio.gov
New to the terms? See Ohio terms, explained.
Questions? We’re glad to help.
Reach out with questions about support for someone in your life. We’ll talk it through with you.