Services
Avenues supports individuals with developmental disabilities in everyday life and in the community.
Our approach
Support shaped around the person
No two people want the same day. Support starts with what matters to the person, and it changes as they do.
Routines
How a person likes their day to go, and the way they like things done.
Interests
What they enjoy now, and what they’d like to try next.
Goals
What they’re working toward, in their own words.
People
Family, friends and the familiar faces in their life.
Everyday life
Direct support
Our Direct Support Professionals, or DSPs, provide direct support to the individuals we serve, day to day.
DSPs help with the everyday and make it possible to get out and take part. They help people connect, grow, and enjoy life in their communities, on their own terms.
Community
Community participation
Community activities and outings are part of life at Avenues, from museum visits and walks to seasonal events. They’re chances to connect, explore, and enjoy time in the community.
- People choose what they’d like to join.
- Plans change with the seasons and the weather.
New to the system?
Ohio terms, explained
Words you’ll hear as you explore developmental disability services in Ohio.
- County boardCounty board of developmental disabilities
- In Ohio, your local county board is usually the first stop. It determines eligibility, helps assess needs and coordinates services.
- SSAService and Support Administrator
- A county board staff member who helps a person plan their services and put them in place.
- ISPIndividual Service Plan
- The written plan that describes a person’s goals and the supports that help them get there.
- WaiverHome and community-based services waiver
- A Medicaid program that is one way to pay for home and community-based services. Ohio’s developmental disability waivers are Individual Options, Level One and SELF.
- ProviderService provider
- An agency or independent provider that delivers services. People get to choose their providers.
- DSPDirect Support Professional
- The person who provides day-to-day support.
Your county board can explain how each of these works for you. Find your county board on the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities website.
Talk with us about support
Have questions about support for yourself or someone in your life? Get in touch, and we’ll talk it through with you.