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Help for Handicapped People in Ohio

Whether a person has a physical or psychological disability, or a combination of both, the challenges of everyday living can be particularly difficult. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), other federal laws as well as Ohio state laws ensure that he can receive help that enhances his quality of life and provides him with the necessary assistance to remain as independent as possible.

  1. Americans with Disabilities Act

    • The ADA promotes and advocates for the total inclusion of individuals with disabilities into every aspect of society. It ensures that they have equal opportunities in the areas of employment, access, public transportation, state and local government services and telephone services. In Ohio, ADA compliance is overseen by the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.

    Rehabilitation Services Commission

    • The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission is the state agency that works with Ohioans with disabilities to ensure that they achieve "quality employment, independence and Social Security disability determination outcomes through its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired and Bureau of Disability Determination (BDD)." It provides personal care assistance for those with severe disabilities, helps young people transition between school and further education or work, helps job seekers find training and jobs and helps individuals access Social Security benefits.

    Developmental Disabilities

    • The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities offers support and services to the more than 80,000 Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families. It provides wide-ranging services including adult day programs, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and transportation. The programs and services are provided to ensure that participants are able to maintain as much independence as possible, and be engaged members of the community. One of its main aims is to provide training and employment. This includes assistance in developing skills to become employed, job seeking help and placement, non-integrated workshop employment with other participants, as well as transportation to and from the workplace.

    Ohio Medicaid

    • Ohio Medicaid for the Aged, Blind & People with Disabilities, also known as ABD Medicaid,offers programs to assist with medical expenses for people with disabilities and older adults. These programs provide coverage, including primary, acute care and long term care. To qualify for ABD Medicaid in 2011 an individual must be aged 65 or older, or legally blind, or classified by the Social Security Administration as having a disability. The individual must also be an Ohio resident, with a Social Security number, who is a US citizen or lawful resident and who has less than $589 income per month. (See Reference 3)

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