Understanding Ohio DODD waiver services
A plain-language guide to Ohio's developmental-disability waivers, individual service plans, and the questions families can ask before choosing support.
Read the guideResource articles
Useful answers before the first call.
Focused guides for families, caregivers, and referral sources navigating care at home and community support in Ohio.
Plain-language guidance
Useful guides for the next decision.
These articles offer general education. Individual care, coverage, authorization, and eligibility decisions should be confirmed with the appropriate care team, payer, county board, or program.
Skilled home health care versus personal care
Understand the difference between clinical home health services and everyday personal support—and why some families may need both.
Read the guideQuestions to ask before starting care at home
A focused guide for comparing services, confirming coverage, and preparing for a first conversation with a home-care agency.
Read the guideHow to prepare for a first home health conversation
A simple, privacy-conscious checklist for families who are beginning to explore care and support at home.
Read the guideA first home health visit: what families can prepare
Practical ways to make a first in-home visit calmer, more useful, and centered on the person receiving support.
Read the guideHow home health aides can support everyday routines
A plain-language overview of the day-to-day support families may discuss when exploring home health aide and personal care services.
Read the guidePhysical therapy and occupational therapy at home: how they differ
A family-friendly explanation of two in-home therapy services and the questions to ask when deciding what support may fit.
Read the guideSpeech therapy at home: questions families can ask
A practical starting point for families exploring in-home speech, communication, cognitive, or swallowing support.
Read the guideWhat medical social services can help families with
An overview of the practical and emotional support families may discuss when care needs become more complex.
Read the guideDODD waiver services in Ohio: a family planning checklist
A practical checklist for families who are organizing questions about Ohio developmental-disability waiver support.
Read the guideHow community respite can support family caregivers
A respectful guide to discussing respite support, caregiver capacity, and the role of an individual service plan.
Read the guideOhio Shared Living: questions to ask before exploring support
A person-centered set of questions for families considering whether Ohio Shared Living may be worth discussing with their support team.
Read the guideHow to talk with a loved one about accepting help at home
A respectful approach to a difficult family conversation about support, independence, and changing routines at home.
Read the guideA referral source checklist for home health and waiver support
A concise, privacy-conscious checklist for case managers, discharge planners, and other referral partners preparing an initial conversation with A&A.
Read the guideInsurance and coverage questions to ask before care begins
A simple list of coverage questions families can use when speaking with A&A, a payer, a county board, or a care coordinator.
Read the guide