Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities

07/31/2026

Free Back-to-School Supplies Resources!

Block Party at Vineyard Community Center:
Vineyard Community Center is hosting a ‘Block Party’ on Friday, July 31, from 6:00pm-8:00pm. They will be giving out free school supplies (while supplies last), health services, community resources, fun & activities! Located at 6000 Cooper Rd. Westerville, OH.

Kids on the Blok is hosting a Back to School Bash on Sunday, August 2, from 12:00pm-4:00pm. They’ll have 500 book bag/supplies, games & prizes, free haircuts/styles, live music, food trucks, bounce houses, SNAP/Medicaid assistance. Located at Huber Park 1640 Davidson Dr. Reynoldsburg, OH. Registration is required.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-back-to-school-bash-vendor-registration-and-sponsorship-opportunities-registration-1983205468944?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

The Empowerment Center Resource Festival:
Join us for a day of family fun on Saturday, August 1, from 10:00am-2:00pm. There will be free food, free clothing, free book bags & supplies. Kids must be present for book bags & supplies. There will be community resources, face painting, petting zoo, and more! Located at 52 Reeb Ave. Columbus, OH, at the Greater Glory Empowerment Temple.

Feddersen Community Center:
They are hosting a Back to School Bash on Thursday, August 13, at 5:00pm. They’ll be giving out free bookbags and school supplies (while supplies last).

07/31/2026

Appointments are available now at Memorial Hall and several other community vaccination sites across the county; extended evening hours start in August and go through October to make sure that kids are up to date on immunizations for school. You can scan the QR codes below to schedule, or, you may reach out to [email protected] for any questions about vaccines or help with finding an appointment.

07/29/2026

Nothing like a little fun at the park with friends!

07/28/2026

Extended Sensory-Friendly Day is this Thursday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Ohio State Fair. Here is a link for more information: https://ocali.org/OhioStateFairSensory-FriendlyMorning

In case you missed it: New accessibility features are coming to the 2026 Ohio State Fair! 🎡

This year, fairgoers can look forward to:

☑️ Extended Sensory-Friendly Day on Thursday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

☑️ Six new universal changing tables with private, adult-sized adjustable tables.

☑️ Six complementary accessible shuttles serving parking lots and locations throughout the fairgrounds.

☑️ New accessible blue benches featuring plenty of transfer space and sturdy access bars.

Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy all the has to offer. We can't wait to see you there!

Learn more about accessibility at the Fair: ➡️ bit.ly/4lfQ82c

07/24/2026

Explore art with Open Door Columbus! Tomorrow, Saturday July 25 is the opening reception, and the program runs through September.

Step beyond the surface and into a world shaped by depth, texture, and transformation. In The Next Dimension, Open Door artists build new realities—where shadows shift, forms emerge, and imagination takes shape. Moving beyond the limits of the two-dimensional, this tactile exhibition invites you to wander through space reimagined, where each work speaks not just to the eye, but to the senses.

Opening Reception: July 25th, 2026, 5-7 pm

Date: July 25, 2026 - September 4, 2026
Time: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Venue: Open Door Art Studio & Gallery
Location: 1050 Goodale Blvd., Columbus, OH, 43212, United States,
Price: Free

07/22/2026

Some of the students at West Central made their way down to The Ohio State University to enjoy some of the popular landmarks and fun areas to explore. They had a great time!

07/21/2026

Autism friendly adult bingo and pizza is this Saturday!
Join ASCO Autism Society Central Ohio for a FUN night of BINGO and pizza on Saturday, July 25, from 6:30pm-8:00pm.
You could win lots of fun prizes! All attendees must be at least 18 years old.

Pre-registration is required, caregivers included.

Located at:
Griswold Center Townhall Room
777 High Street
Worthington, OH 43085.

Event Fee- $5 Per Person

🍕🎉 Who's ready for a BINGO Night? 🎉🍕

Grab your friends and join us for a fun-filled evening of BINGO, pizza, prizes, and laughter!

📅 Saturday, July 25, 2026
🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Griswold Center – Townhall Room
777 High Street
Worthington, OH 43085

💲 Cost: $5 per person

Please Note:
✅ This event is for adults ages 18 and older.
✅ Pre-registration is required.

🎟️ Register today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/2p3kxwd?source_id=974f910a-8fa2-4851-a6b0-d4c93104606f&source_type=em&c=ecg0aOEAL2smmfOgj4D6TB9kK6Avi_y_jedYbldpe5FdR3sm0Dw96g==

We can't wait to spend the evening with you! 💙

07/17/2026

A free opportunity to explore.

Every child deserves access to child care settings where they can learn, belong, and thrive.

Ohio's Special Needs Enhanced Rate helps eligible child care programs access additional funding to support children with identified special needs. Recent rule changes now require programs to obtain the Ohio PROMISE Designation in order to receive this enhanced reimbursement.

We’re pleased to welcome Nicole Goudy of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth on July 29 at 4:30 PM for a webinar to learn:
• What the Special Needs Enhanced Rate is
• Who may qualify
• How families and providers can apply
• What documentation may be needed
• How Ohio PROMISE connects to inclusive child care

Whether you're a family member, child care provider, or community partner, this webinar will help you better understand the process and support more inclusive opportunities for children with developmental disabilities across Ohio.

Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ntA3iPrQR1K2Spf22efJYw

07/17/2026

A message from Franklin County Public Health to limit outdoor activities. The air quality is very poor, so stay indoors as much as you can, and keep cool.

Air quality is rated as hazardous here in Franklin County today!

As the graphic from WSYX ABC 6 shows, it’s recommended that older adults and people with health sensitivities and conditions stay indoors today.

To check on the current air quality conditions, go to airnow.gov

07/15/2026

The students at West Central enjoyed a fun fill day at Blacklick Woods Nature Center! So many cool things to see and beautiful nature to explore.