What OCALI does

OCALI (Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence) is a Columbus, Ohio-based non-profit organization established under Ohio statute in 2007-2008 and operating as a project of the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio. It functions as the state's designated resource center for autism and low-incidence disabilities, delivering evidence-based content, professional development, technical assistance, and direct services to four primary stakeholder groups: educators (general and special education), parents and families of people with disabilities, service providers and agencies, and individuals with disabilities themselves. Secondary audiences include Ohio policymakers and higher education faculty/students. The organization is funded primarily through state appropriations and partnerships with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and other Ohio state agencies; supplemental revenue comes from the annual OCALICONLINE conference (registration tiers of $80-$350) and CEU-aligned professional development services.

OCALI's product architecture is a unified web platform ecosystem organized around ten specialized Centers (Autism, Teaching All Learners, UDL, AT&AEM, Lifespan Transitions, Family and Community Outreach, Center for the Young Child, Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness, Multi-System Navigation, plus an Office of Policy) and two Centers of Excellence (Inclusive Practice; Early Childhood Inclusion). Underpinning these centers are multiple online learning portals (Autism Internet Modules with 50+ modules, Assistive Technology Internet Modules with 50+ topics, Literacy Access for All, Education Station), connected through the OCALI ID unified single sign-on system. Supporting tools include the Teams Portal (administrator-level group learning and reporting), My Learning Plan (individual learner tracking), the Family Resource Hub, the AT Decision-Making Tool, a free Lending Library for Ohio residents, and the OCALICONLINE annual virtual conference. The platform is integrated with state agency systems (Ohio PBIS, Ohio Employment First, OLAC, Ohio Early Intervention), validated to W3C and WAVE accessibility standards, and enhanced with a Recite Me accessibility/language toolbar.

The go-to-market motion is community-led: OCALI aggregates research through relationships with internationally recognized disability researchers, translates it into CEU-bearing training, and distributes it via state agency partnerships, district professional learning communities, family-facing resource hubs, and the OCALICONLINE conference ecosystem. The organization has served more than 450,000 learners worldwide and reports participants from all 50 U.S. states and multiple countries. Most resources and online modules are free; the principal paid offerings are conference registration and professional development credits, with Lending Library access limited to Ohio residents. Headcount is 101-250 employees, the entity is private/non-profit, and there have been no disclosed funding rounds, acquisitions, or restructurings beyond the statutory operating relationship with ESCCO.

Name

OCALI

Legal name

Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence

Website

https://ocali.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

OCALI is a Columbus, Ohio-based non-profit state project that delivers research-based professional development, online learning, family resources, and the OCALICONLINE conference to educators, families, service providers, and individuals with autism and low-incidence disabilities across Ohio and globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services and Professional Development

NAICS

Educational Support Services (6117), Educational Services (611), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism Teacher Training & Professional Development (EDAKAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Classroom & School Program Support (Inclusion/Resource) (EDAKAKAC), Autism Assistive Technology & Learning Tools (Educational) (EDAKAKAM), Autism Parent/Caregiver Education & Training (School-Linked) (EDAKAKAJ), Autism Support Instructional Materials (Structured Teaching, Visual Supports) (EDAGAMAK), Autism Spectrum (ASD) Academic & Social-Communication Support Tutoring (EDANAFAD), Open Courseware & Course Modules (OCW) (EDAGAJAB)

Keywords

• Disability professional development
• Autism education resources
• Assistive technology training
• Online learning modules
• Special education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Conference Revenue: OCALICONLINE annual conference generates registration fees from professionals ($250-$350), parents/families ($80), and students ($80). The premier autism and disabilities conference serves as a major revenue driver and professional development opportunity.
2. Professional Development Services: Online learning modules, CEU processing, and graduate credit coordination for educators and professionals serving individuals with disabilities
3. State Funding and Grants: Operating as a project of ESC of Central Ohio under Ohio statute, funded through partnerships with Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and other state agencies

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

OCALI provides evidence-based online professional development, training modules, and resources for educators, families, and service providers supporting individuals with autism and low-incidence disabilities. The organization operates 10 specialized centers and multiple online learning portals connected through the OCALI ID unified authentication system, alongside an annual OCALICONLINE conference and a free lending library for Ohio residents.

Product overview

OCALI operates a comprehensive platform-and-centers architecture for disability support services. The organization encompasses 10 specialized Centers (Autism Center, Teaching All Learners Center, UDL Center, AT&AEM Center, Lifespan Transitions Center, Family and Community Outreach Center, Center for the Young Child, Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness, Multi-System Navigation Center, and two Centers of Excellence) that provide resources across the lifespan. OCALI manages 3 online learning portals (Autism Internet Modules with 50+ modules, Assistive Technology Internet Modules with 50+ topics, and Literacy Access for All), plus Education Station for early childhood. The OCALI ID unified login system connects users to all platforms. Additional offerings include the Lending Library, Teams Portal for group professional development, My Learning Plan for individual tracking, and OCALICONLINE annual conference. The organization also provides the AT Decision-Making Tool, Family Resource Hub, and virtual reality resources. OCALICON (November 17-20, 2026) is the premier annual conference offering CEUs and connecting professionals, families, and leaders in the disability field.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OCALICONLINE Conference Annual premier autism and disabilities conference held virtually since 2020, featuring keynotes, hundreds of sessions, CEU opportunities, and networking for professionals, families, and leaders committed to improving outcomes for people with disabilities. Tiered pricing for professionals ($250-$350), parents/families ($80), and students ($80).
• OCALI Lending Library Free resource lending service offering books, videos, assistive technology devices, and assessment tools available to borrow on a short or long-term basis, shipped directly at no charge. Available to any person over age 18 residing or working in Ohio.
• Autism Internet Modules (AIM) Online learning environment providing high-quality information and professional development with over 50 modules for anyone who supports, instructs, works with, or lives with someone with autism.
• Assistive Technology Internet Modules (ATIM) Online learning environment containing over 50 assistive technology topics from assessment and funding to content areas such as access to mobile devices, communication, seating and positioning, and AT for students with complex needs.
• Literacy Access for All Structured module series with instructional videos, tools, and resources to help educators ensure all learners, especially those with diverse needs, can access the general education curriculum.
• Education Station Early childhood-focused tools, strategies, and resources supporting early care and education professionals, families, and community partners in fostering young children's learning and development.
• Autism Certification Center Certification platform providing learners with tools to develop social-communication and academic skills, positive behaviors, and independence for individuals with autism.
• Family Resource Hub Online resource discovery tool designed to help families find OCALI resources to best support their needs in caring for family members with disabilities.
• Assistive Technology Decision-Making Tool (AT DMT) Tool designed to support IEP teams in making data-informed decisions about assistive technology and accessible educational materials for students with disabilities.
• OCALI ID Unified single sign-on system that provides access to multiple OCALI-operated sites and partner platforms including Autism Internet Modules, Assistive Technology Internet Modules, AT&AEM Center, Education Station, Ohio PBIS, Ohio Early Intervention, and more.
• Teams Portal Online professional development management tool allowing administrators, regional or organizational coaches, team leaders, and higher education faculty to organize online learning for groups, assign resources, set target dates, monitor progress, generate completion reports, and send email reminders.
• Did You Notice? (Virtual Reality) Virtual reality project developed in partnership with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities to provide immersive experiences for individuals with developmental disabilities as part of employment first initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served more than 450,000 people worldwide through professional learning programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormal partnership providing funding, co-development of resources, and coordination on statewide initiatives including Ohio PBIS, Surrogate Parent Training, and state-level disability education policy.
• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership for employment first initiatives, virtual reality project 'Did You Notice?', Ohio Employment First MAP Tool, and Outcome Tracking System supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Educational Service Center of Central Ohio (ESCCO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOCALI operates as a project of ESC of Central Ohio, which serves as its fiscal agent and administrative home. ESC of Central Ohio provides operational infrastructure and governance oversight.
• Ohio Employment First Task ForcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative initiative focused on employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, with OCALI providing web platform services and technical support for Ohio Employment First initiatives.
• Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for delivering leadership development resources and connecting OCALI content with statewide educational leadership initiatives through OLAC web platform access.
• National Autism Leadership CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network bringing together state leaders to brainstorm and discuss autism policy and practice. OCALI participates in sharing best practices and coordinating national initiatives.
• Autism Society of AmericamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric partnership hosting the Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP) Conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, expanding OCALI's national reach.
• Organization for Autism Research (OAR)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOAR convenes its national scientific council in conjunction with OCALICON. Partnership includes research collaboration and conference programming focused on autism evidence-based practices.
• Ohio Interagency Work Group on AutismcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level interagency coordination group addressing autism services, policy, and practice across Ohio's disability service systems.
• Art Possible Ohio (formerly VSA Ohio)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-standing partner hosting Accessible Expressions Ohio Exhibit & Tour as the exclusive Gallery by OCALI participant, a conference mainstay featuring accessible art.
• Good Life Ambassadors of Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental DisabilitiesminorGTM or Marketing Partner2020 partnership hosting the Good Life Ambassadors event showcasing self-advocacy and community inclusion initiatives at OCALICON.
• Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with DisabilitiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNamed in honor of Margaret Burley's 39-year leadership, this organization represents families and advocates. OCALI honors this legacy through the Margaret Burley Impact Award.
• Ohio State Support TeamsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerState-level educational support teams utilizing OCALI book studies, webinars, and professional learning resources for district and school improvement initiatives.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Organization for Autism Research (OAR): National autism research and applied practice organization that partners with OCALI on OCALICON programming and scientific council activities; comparable in mission to translate autism research into practice for professionals and families.
• PEAL Center (Pennsylvania Education for All Learners): Pennsylvania-based parent training and information center serving families of children with disabilities and educators; shares OCALI's mission of connecting families and professionals to disability resources through training and outreach.
• Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA): Indiana's state-affiliated autism center housed at Indiana University, providing professional development, resources, and technical assistance to educators and families—directly comparable to OCALI's Autism Center mandate and resource distribution model.
• Utah Parent Center: State parent training and information center serving families and professionals in Utah; structurally analogous to OCALI's Family and Community Outreach Center and similar state-level disability resource hubs.
• WATI (Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative): Wisconsin state initiative providing assistive technology training and resources to schools; directly comparable to OCALI's AT&AEM Center and Assistive Technology Internet Modules in mandate and target audience.

Broad incumbents

• Autism Society of America: National non-profit advancing autism advocacy, education, and support; OCALI partners with the Autism Society for the NATTAP Conference, and the two operate in overlapping national awareness and resource-distribution territory.
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): International professional association for special educators that provides professional development, standards, and content aimed at the same educator audience OCALI serves through its centers and modules.
• Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC): University-based disability research and training center offering professional development, family outreach, and statewide Tennessee programs—comparable to OCALI's blend of academic expertise, statewide service contracts, and lifespan programming.

Emerging players

• CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology): Non-profit research and development organization that originated the Universal Design for Learning framework—overlapping meaningfully with OCALI's UDL Center content and inclusive practice professional development offerings.

Regional players

• National Center on Disability and Access (NCDA): Federal resource center focused on disability access in education; partially overlapping mandate with OCALI's assistive technology and accessibility work, though federally rather than state-funded.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ocaliofficial
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ocalivideos
• Facebookfacebook.com/OCALIofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ocali
• Instagraminstagram.com/ocaliofficial

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about OCALI