Resources
Connecting people with the resources, support, and services they need to thrive.
Mental Health & Behavioral Support Services
Offers outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, including Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) for children and families experiencing behavioral health crises.
Delivers mental health counseling, psychiatry, primary care, early childhood services, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Trumbull County Combined Health District
Provides public health services including immunizations, environmental health inspections, disease prevention, and health education.
Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board
Funds, coordinates, and oversees mental health, substance use, prevention, and recovery services for county residents.
Offers behavioral health services, residential programs, therapy, and support for children, adolescents, and adults with emotional or developmental challenges.
Family & Social Support Services
Trumbull County Job and Family Services
Offers public assistance, child support services, workforce programs, and employment resources for residents in need.
Trumbull County Children Services
Investigates child abuse and neglect, provides foster care, adoption services, and family support programs to protect children.
Trumbull County Family & Children First Council
Coordinates and funds programs for children and families, including early childhood services, mental health support, and interagency collaboration.
Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services for families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Compass Family and Community Services
Offers counseling, domestic violence support, addiction recovery programs, and youth services to strengthen individuals and families.
Provides domestic violence shelter, advocacy, counseling, and community education to support survivors and prevent abuse.
Help Network of Northeast Ohio
Offers crisis intervention, counseling, sexual assault support, and violence prevention services to individuals and families.
Provides therapy, advocacy, and support for survivors of sexual assault and abuse, including children and adults.
Northeast Ohio Adoption Services
Provides adoption placement, family support, counseling, and post-adoption services for children and adoptive families.
Trumbull County Metropolitan Housing Authority
Provides affordable housing, rental assistance, and community programs to help low-income families and individuals.
Handles legal matters including custody, child support, domestic relations, and protection orders while supporting families in the court process.
Direction Home of Eastern Ohio
Provides resources, care coordination, and support services for older adults and people with disabilities to remain independent in their homes.
Respite Resources
A community church offering a free Buddy Break respite program where children with developmental delays, disabilities, or behavioral needs enjoy activities and social time while giving caregivers a regular break.
The Youth Social Skills Program, operated by Buckeye Residential Solutions, is staffed by DODD-certified and trained professionals. The program focuses on friendship building, community outings, and developing independent skills in a fun, safe, and supportive environment that encourages growth and social connection. Buckeye Residential provides transportation from Fairhaven School to the program.
- Youth Social Skills Program Flyer
- Contact Ashley Handel for more information: (330) 652-1116 ext. 203
State Resources
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
Oversees services and programs for Ohioans with developmental disabilities, including funding, supports, and policy guidance.
- Online ICF (Intermediate Care Facility) Search Tool – DODD website to search for an ICF in Ohio.
- Electronic ICF Informational Booklet – DODD website with information on residential services.
Ohio Association of County Boards
Supports and advocates for county boards of developmental disabilities through training, resources, and policy coordination.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
Promotes advocacy, inclusion, and systemic change for people with developmental disabilities through grants, projects, and policy initiatives.
Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University
Provides clinical care, research, and training programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Protects the civil rights of people with disabilities through advocacy, legal support, and systemic change initiatives.
National Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Provides education, support, advocacy, and resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
National Down Syndrome Society
Advocates for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome through programs, education, and policy initiatives.
National Down Syndrome Congress
Offers support, advocacy, and educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
National Organization on Disability
Promotes full participation and employment opportunities for people with disabilities through programs, advocacy, and partnerships.
American Association on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Provides research, education, policy guidance, and resources to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Offers advocacy, education, support, and community programs for individuals with autism and their families.
Provides education, support, care services, and research funding for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Brain Injury Association of America
Offers advocacy, support, education, and resources for individuals and families affected by brain injuries.
Council for Exceptional Children
Provides professional development, advocacy, and resources for educators supporting students with disabilities and special needs.
American Disability Association
Advocates for disability rights and promotes inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Association of Birth Defect Children
Provides support, advocacy, and resources for children with birth defects and their families.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Offers research funding, education, support, and advocacy for individuals affected by multiple sclerosis.
United Cerebral Palsy Association
Provides services, advocacy, and support for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities to live independently and inclusively.
Communication Resources
Communication boards help people communicate with others by using symbols, pictures, or photos. They can be used by people to express their needs, preferences, and decisions. The boards allow people with various communication needs to engage in their communities and activities.
To view all communication boards click here.
Alphabet Soup: A Guide to Disability Related Acronyms
Provides guidance and resources for writing and speaking in plain, easy-to-understand language for all audiences.
Offers instructions and examples for using person-first language to respectfully describe individuals with disabilities.
Local Resources
Abilities Unite Foundation of the Mahoning Valley
A nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by creating meaningful community experiences, inclusive events, art enrichment opportunities, and grants that support social engagement, personal resources, and accessible participation in local activities.
Provides statewide advocacy, training, and support to promote inclusion, self-advocacy, and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Provides financial assistance for families of children and young adults in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties with special needs, behavioral health concerns, or chronic medical conditions, covering therapies, medical equipment, treatments, and travel costs.
Down Syndrome Association of the Valley
Provides family support, educational programs, advocacy, and social opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.
Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley
Provides support groups, educational resources, advocacy, and community programs for individuals with autism and their families.
Guardianship & Supported Decision Making Resources
Hickman Lowder Lidrbauch & Welch Co., L.P.A.
Provides specialized legal services for children and adults with disabilities, as well as elder law and estate planning. Their team helps families navigate guardianships, special needs planning, Medicaid, and trust administration, ensuring long-term security, independence, and peace of mind.
Heller, Maas, Moro & Magill Co., LPA
Provides legal representation and advocacy for injured and disabled Ohioans, specializing in workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, personal injury, and veterans’ benefits claims. The firm guides clients through complex legal systems to secure benefits and compensation, empowering individuals to focus on healing and recovery while building community support.
Provides personalized estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, special needs planning, trust administration, and asset protection services to help individuals and families secure long‑term financial stability, protect loved ones (including those with special needs), and navigate complex legal processes with confidence and clarity.
Supported Decision-Making Toolkit
Provides guidance and resources to help individuals with developmental disabilities make informed choices with support from family, professionals, and community, promoting independence and participation in daily life.
Developmental Screening & Therapy Resources
Provides autism screening and early identification services in collaboration with Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Intervention Team. They also provide therapy, disability support, employment assistance, and community-based programs that promote independence and lifelong support for children and adults with disabilities.
Provides specialized pediatric disability care including developmental and behavioral pediatrics, rehabilitative therapies (speech, occupational, physical), genetic evaluations, a dedicated autism care center, and programs for children with Down syndrome, neurological disorders, and other developmental disabilities.
Dr. Ranttila: Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Nicole Ranttila is an experienced psychologist specializing in autism testing and screening, as well as the assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety across the lifespan. Her work also includes relationship issues, family dynamics, discipline strategies, and behavior modification.
Provides community-based art therapy education and programs that promote emotional well-being through active art making. Designs inclusive, equity-centered initiatives and builds collaborative partnerships to support social-emotional growth and strengthen community capacity.
Physical Fitness Resources
Offers year-round athletic training, competitions, inclusive health and leadership programs, and community-building opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
Provides year-round adaptive sports and recreation programs, including wheelchair basketball, handcycling, sled hockey, power soccer, and more, to help individuals with physical disabilities participate in athletic activities and build community.
Provides inclusive dance and movement classes, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and Drums Alive, for children and adults with special needs to build confidence, coordination, and creative expression.
Offers inclusive tumbling, cheerleading, and recreational classes for children and youth of all abilities, helping young people build physical skills, strength, and self-confidence.
A nonprofit accessible 195-acre campus offering year-round sports, recreation, education, and inclusive camp experiences for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, while also giving families respite and support.
Education Resources
Operated by the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Fairhaven School provides enriching experiences that support children and their families, focusing on growth, independence, and helping each child reach their fullest potential.
Provides one-on-one, grant-funded tutoring and supplemental educational support tailored to students with developmental disabilities to help them meet their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
A specialized non-public charter school serving students with autism from preschool through 12th grade, offering individualized education, life-skills development, therapy services, social-emotional support, and extracurricular activities.
Offers free autism support, education, and treatment programs designed to improve quality of life and help individuals reach their potential while connecting families, educators, and health professionals.
The Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings Program at YSU supports young adults with intellectual disabilities or autism in accessing college, career, and community-based learning experiences that prepare them for independent living and competitive employment, fostering greater independence, community participation, and successful employment outcomes.
- Ohio TOPS Program Schools
- Center for Autism Studies Receives Funding For TOPS Program
- Contact Erika Campolito for more information: emcampolito@ysu.edu
Financial Resources
Abilities Unite Foundation of the Mahoning Valley
A nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by creating meaningful community experiences, inclusive events, art enrichment opportunities, and grants that support social engagement, personal resources, and accessible participation in local activities.
A STABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings and investment account for eligible individuals with disabilities. Created under the federal ABLE Act, it lets you save without affecting Medicaid or SSI benefits, and earnings are tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses.
Provides financial assistance for families of children and young adults in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties with special needs, behavioral health concerns, or chronic medical conditions, covering therapies, medical equipment, treatments, and travel costs.
Community Fund Ohio provides grants to individuals with disabilities and the nonprofit organizations that serve them. These grants support accessibility, assistive technology, programs, and services that promote inclusion, independence, and opportunity across Ohio.
The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, medical, or professional advice. Listing or describing organizations and services does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any particular provider. Users should independently research and evaluate services to determine what best meets their needs.
