Schools For Special Needs In Ohio

There exists a relatively high percentage of functional, potentially contributing members of the United States who are increasingly becoming recognized for the contributions they can make to others and themselves. Toward that end, many states have dedicated large sums of money, time and dedication to seeing that as many as possible live up to the potentials they possess. Ohio is no different, offering a plethora of schools, academies and programs within programs to special needs students and adults.

Overarching Resource

The Center for Special Needs Populations (CSNP) at Ohio State University offers a wide array of interdisciplinary professional support for projects that hone skills of special needs individuals by focusing on increasing the social and educational opportunities and quality-of-life skills of special needs children and their families. CSNP supports not only the individuals, but also the system that supports the special needs students. It is a great resource for those looking for assistance, no matter the locale: csnp.ohio-state.edu.

Summit Academy Schools

Summit Academy Schools are public-private institutions specializing in serving students with highly functioning autism, ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and related learning disorders. The extensive list of locations speaks well of both the school's and students' success and parental satisfaction. Summit Academy Schools offer individualized on-site education assistance for pre-kindergarten through high school students in Akron, Warren, Youngstown, Cincinnati, Columbus, Xenia, Lorrain, Middletown, Plainsville and other locations. If you're an Ohio resident, or even a Western Pennsylvania resident, you're probably not far from one of these schools.

Ohio Progressivism

Ohio is a progressive state when it comes to educating special needs students. The state public school system offers at least two programs for families of students with disabilities who wish to be placed out of district, or families who wish their children to learn in specially chartered state schools or non-chartered, non-public career technical education schools. The Ohio Department of Education also recognizes gifted students and gifted students with disabilities under two programs.

A Word of Caution

While many of the schools targeted for educationally challenged and disabled students are well-intentioned, a 2010 study by the "Columbus Dispatch" newspaper found that 31 charter schools didn't pass the grade with the state, either for educational or financial performance. Ironically, another 41 schools in the state planned to open in 2011. Do your homework and check all resources at your disposal on the reputation and financial stability of your school of choice for any special needs students you desire to enroll. Start with the State Department of Education and your local school district, but Ohio State University may be a more objective source.

Financial Assistance

There are at least three state-financed scholarship programs available. Some are designated specifically for children with special needs and some are more broad, like the EdChoice Scholarship program, which offers assistance to a broad spectrum of students at under-performing schools. However, just because the scholarships aren't geared specifically for special needs students doesn't preclude special needs families from applying. The other two state scholarship programs are more narrow in focus: the Autism Scholarship Program, and the Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program.