Resources For Special Needs Children And Families

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

2753 Central Ave # 1, Toledo
419-243-1119 | namitoledo.org

NAMI promotes wellness for individuals and families in the Toledo area who are living with mental health issues and illnesses. NAMI offers education classes, specialized support groups, children’s programming and community outreach. They also offer family navigators to help guide you through the mental health system by getting answers, sharing resources, educating about the mental illness, promoting self care and strengthening your advocacy skills. All of these services are completely free.

Lucas County Family Council

1946 N 13th St #420, Toledo
419-725-0703 | co.lucas.oh.us/528/Family-Council

Lucas County Family Council is a collaborative of public and private agencies and family representatives working together to promote the health and wellbeing of children and families in Lucas County.

Green Options for Autism of Lucas County

1600 Amesbury Road, Toledo
419-250-0401

G.O.A.L is a vocational rehabilitation program for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. G.O.A.L provides a flexible day program to develop “green” job skills – think working in a greenhouse or community garden and reusing, refurbishing and repurposing items. The program focuses on teaching self-determination and social interaction skills to help increase a participant’s self-esteem.

Modern Heritage Eye Care

5150 Chappel Drive, Perrysburg
419-873-7446 | perrysburgeyedoctor.com

Your child’s health and wellbeing are top priorities. Take care in making sure they’re growing strong and get the attention they need. Eye disorders, beyond the need for glasses, can significantly impact your child’s vision. A comprehensive eye exam is the only way to fully assess a child’s visual function. As the only optometrist in the Greater Toledo Area with fellowship training in pediatrics and vision therapy, Dr. Shasteen provides compassionate eye care that goes far beyond 20/20. She uses the most advanced, scientifically studied technologies to make sure your child’s eyes are functioning at their maximum visual potential. Dr. Shasteen also understands that all children learn and progress at different rates. She will discuss with you a tailored treatment plan based on your child’s diagnosis
and needs.

Party Crashers

419-290-7832 | facebook.com/PartyCrashers419

A character-for-hire service, Party Crashers brings the party to you! Founded by parents of children with special needs who were often over-stimulated at other party venues, Party Crashers offers customizable packages to guarantee a memorable birthday party or special event. Packages start at $50 and can be tailored for your needs and venue.

Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West

2275 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo
419-245-4150 | esclakeeriewest.org

Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West offers Sibshops, free workshops for children and teens ages 8-16 who have a brother or sister with a disability. Sibshops give siblings a chance to meet other kids who share many of the same feelings. Sibs talk about the joys and challenges and hear how others deal with things. Sibshops include fun games, team-building activities and open conversation that help kids understand their world and appreciate the role of their siblings. Participants also learn advocacy skills. The workshops are held monthly from November through April at the Alternate Learning Center (3939 Wren Road, Toledo) from 10am -1pm. Free pizza lunch is provided. Call 419-214-3066 to register.

Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism

2040 W. Central Ave, Toledo
419-291-7031 | greatlakesautism.org

Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism is a leader in the community in bringing agencies together that serve individuals with autism, to find and fill service gaps, establish best practices and advocate for families statewide. This collaborative hosts a transition program in high schools to better equip students for gainful, competitive employment. Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism also raises funds to provide scholarships to families in need of essential, but often expensive, developmental services that are not covered by insurance.

More Resources

Help Me Grow:
helpmegrow.ohio.gov

Harbor Behavioral Health:
harbor.org

Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities:
co.lucas.oh.us/1461/Lucas-Cty-Board-of-Developmental-Disabil

National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI Toledo:
namitoledo.org/

Special Needs Directory, Toledo Parent Magazine:
toledoparent.com/features/special-needs-directory/

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