The Ohio Family Network connects people with disabilities and their families to local information and resources within their communities.

With a focus on the local level, the Ohio Family Network, or OFN, provides tools and support resources to help grow people's leadership and social skills, as well as offers opportunities for families to make connections with other local families.

As OFN members, these organizations will provide resources for people with any disability throughout 21 counties. OFN members will be identifying the needs of local families so they can connect them with helpful resources based on those needs. Members will also leverage the knowledge, diversity, and current strengths of their communities.

DODD has invested in strategy-based learning sessions to educate the Ohio Family Network about navigating stress, building social networks to reduce social isolation, engaging people in local projects, and empowering people to develop a vision for a good life.

Additionally, DODD expects local community partners will report an increased desire and ability to welcome and support people with disabilities, as well as their families and siblings. 

Ohio Family Networks

Autism Society of Greater Akron

Counties: Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne

Contact: Lisa Thompson, director of programs; lisa@autismakron.org; 330-940-1441

Website: autismakron.org

The Center for Disability Empowerment

Counties: Delaware, Franklin, Licking, and Union

Contact: Debra Petermann; dpetermann@disabilityempowerment.net

Website: disabilityempowerment.net

Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO)

Counties: Franklin, Marion, and Pickaway

Contact: Kirsti Osborne; kosborne@dsaco.net; 614-263-6020

Website: dsaco.net

The Family Leadership Network of Starfire

Counties: Butler, Clermont, and Hamilton

Contact: Carol Combs, program coordinator for Southwest Ohio; carol@starfirecouncil.org

Website: starfirecincy.org

Milestones Autism Resources

Counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, and Lake

Contact: Haley Dunn, project supervisor; hdunn@milestones.org; 216-464-7600

Website: milestones.org

Autism Society of Northwest Ohio

Counties: Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa, Wood

Contact: Kate Schwartz; Executive Director; executivedirector@asno.org; 419-490-0111

Website: ASNO.org