The Arc of Ohio

What The Arc of Ohio does

The Arc of Ohio is a non-profit, grassroots advocacy organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, that operates as the state chapter of The Arc of the United States, the largest community-based organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The organization's mission is to advocate for the human rights, personal dignity, and community participation of individuals with developmental disabilities through legislative and social action, information and education, local chapter support, and family involvement. It serves three primary constituencies: individuals with I/DD, their families, and the Direct Support Professional (DSP) workforce that delivers in-home services, alongside referral relationships with County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and state agencies.

The organization runs three core programmatic lines. First, the Family Choice Program acts as the agency provider of record under Ohio Medicaid's SELF, Level 1, and IO waivers, managing compliance, certification, waiver billing, workers' compensation, and payroll for self-directed services including Homemaker Personal Care (HPC), Transportation, and Ohio Shared Living (OSL). Second, the Assistive Technology Program distributes a catalog of communication, sensory, and home safety devices (iPads, communication apps, weighted blankets, fidget toys, Nest Cams, Ring doorbells, pressure mats, door sensors) through waiver authorization. Third, an Advocacy Services function helps families navigate the I/DD system — waivers, guardianship, transition services, county boards, and appeals — and trains families in legislative testimony. The Family Choice Portal (fcpportal.com) provides online enrollment, service documentation, and a DSP employee portal with web-based training and quizzes.

The Arc of Ohio is funded primarily through Ohio Medicaid waiver billings routed via the Department of Developmental Disabilities and County Boards, supplemented by donations, fundraising events, and vehicle donations via Careasy.org. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: a weekly newsletter links 20,000+ Ohioans to public policy issues, supported by a podcast, Facebook, X, and Instagram channels, action alerts via act.thearc.org, and recurring community events including the annual Family Advocacy Conference (15th edition in 2026 at the Northeast Branch) and the seventh annual Everyone's Got Talent showcase. The organization coordinates with referral partners including Disability Rights Ohio, OCECD, and People First of Ohio, and is currently engaged in legislative testimony regarding Substitute H.B. No. 795 (SHIELD Act) before the Ohio House Medicaid Committee.

Name

The Arc of Ohio

Legal name

The Arc of Ohio

Website

https://thearcofohio.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Arc of Ohio is a Columbus-based non-profit advocacy organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and Direct Support Professionals through Medicaid waiver-based self-directed services, assistive technology, and public-policy advocacy across Ohio.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Advocacy and Human Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Independent Educational Consultant Case Management & Service Coordination (EDAKACAO), Parent & Caregiver Training for LD/Dyslexia Support (EDAKAJAJ)

Keywords

• Disability advocacy services
• Medicaid waiver services
• Self-directed care
• Assistive technology
• Developmental disabilities support

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbus

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Family Choice Program - Medicaid Waiver Services: The Arc of Ohio serves as agency provider of record for self-directed programs through Ohio Medicaid waivers (SELF, Level 1, IO). They handle certification, compliance, waiver billing, workers' compensation, and payroll for Direct Support Professionals. Services include Homemaker Personal Care (HPC), Transportation, and Ohio Shared Living (OSL).
2. Donations and Fundraising: The organization accepts donations through their website, including vehicle donations via Careasy.org. They link advocates to public policy issues and provide resources at no cost to families.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Arc of Ohio is a grassroots non-profit organization that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and provides direct services through its Family Choice Program (self-directed services via Ohio Medicaid waivers including SELF, Level 1, and IO) and its Assistive Technology Program (communication, sensory, and home safety devices). It also operates advocacy services, family support groups, online training, and a resource hub for I/DD-related information.

Product overview

The Arc of Ohio is a grassroots advocacy organization that offers a portfolio of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The primary offerings include the Family Choice Program (a self-directed service model enabling families to control their supports through SELF, Level 1, and IO waivers) and the Assistive Technology Program (providing communication, sensory, and home safety devices). These are supported by an electronic-based Family Choice Portal for applications and documentation, advocacy services for system navigation, a podcast for community engagement, and a comprehensive Resources hub covering waivers, Medicaid, education, and Social Security. The organization also supports local chapter sites throughout Ohio and connects members to public policy advocacy initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Family Choice Program: A self-directed program offering people with developmental disabilities and their families control over recruiting Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and in-home coordination of services through SELF, Level 1, and IO waivers.
• Assistive Technology Program

Products and services

• Family Choice Program A self-directed program offering people with developmental disabilities and their families control over recruiting Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and coordinating in-home services through Ohio Medicaid waivers (SELF, Level 1, and IO). The Arc of Ohio serves as the agency provider of record handling certification, compliance, waiver billing, workers' compensation, and payroll for DSPs. Services include Homemaker Personal Care (HPC), Transportation, and Ohio Shared Living (OSL).
• Assistive Technology Program Provides assistive technology devices to individuals with developmental disabilities, including communication tools (iPads, tablets, apps, Bluetooth speakers, switches), sensory items (weighted blankets, weighted vests, fidget toys, fiber optics), and home safety equipment (Nest Cams, Ring doorbells, video locks, pressure mats, door sensors).
• Family Choice Portal An electronic-based platform for the Family Choice Program allowing families to manage applications, submit service documentation, and coordinate with Direct Support Professionals. Includes a DSP employee portal for service documentation, online training, and forms.
• Advocacy Services Helps families navigate the intellectual and developmental disability system, including assistance with waivers, guardianship, transition services, county boards, and the appeal process. Includes legislative and social action advocacy, information, and education.
• Resources and Information Hub Comprehensive resource center offering information on waivers, Medicaid, special education (IEP guides), Social Security, STABLE Accounts, disability verification, MUI/UI reporting, residential services, and scholarships for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Online Training and Education Provides online training modules for Direct Support Professionals including PowerPoint slides and electronic quizzes, as well as Family Coordinator training for overseeing DSP compliance and service documentation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Connected over 20,000 Ohioans to public policy issues through weekly newsletter and social media
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

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

• The Ohio Olmstead Task ForcemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026Coalition partner providing testimony on Substitute H.B. No. 795 (SHIELD Act) before the Ohio House Medicaid Committee. Both organizations advocate for home and community-based services and the rights of people with disabilities to avoid unnecessary institutionalization.
• BREADmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 June 2026Coalition partner providing testimony on Substitute H.B. No. 795 (SHIELD Act) before the Ohio House Medicaid Committee. BREAD is a disability advocacy organization working on legislative issues affecting people with developmental disabilities in Ohio.
• The Arc of the United StatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arc of Ohio is affiliated with The Arc of the United States, the largest national community-based organization dedicated to advocating for and including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They participate in national conventions and utilize shared resources, position statements, and advocacy frameworks developed at the national level.
• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arc of Ohio coordinates with DODD for Family Choice Program enrollment, ISP reviews, and funding authorization. They utilize DODD resources including the County Board Eligibility user guide, MUI/UI data sheets, and Developmental Disabilities Level of Care Assessment Manual.
• County Boards of Developmental DisabilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arc of Ohio works with County Boards throughout Ohio to amend ISPs and authorize services for families enrolled in the Family Choice Program. They provide advocacy support and resources for county board eligibility processes.
• People First of OhiomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichael Richards serves as People First of Ohio Chapter Coordinator through The Arc of Ohio. People First of Ohio is a self-advocacy organization run by and for people with developmental disabilities, promoting self-determination and rights.
• Ohio Department of MedicaidcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Arc of Ohio administers services through Ohio Medicaid waivers (SELF, Level 1, IO) and coordinates with OhioRISE for managed care. They provide resources on simplifying Medicaid long-term care and dental clinics accepting Medicaid.
• The Arc of Wyandot CountyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal chapter affiliated with The Arc of Ohio network. Contact: Theresa Barron at (419) 294-4437.
• The Arc of Shelby CountyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal chapter affiliated with The Arc of Ohio network. Located at 1200 Children's Home Rd., Sidney, OH 45365. Executive Director Kendra Hamaker, President Karen Weinschenk.
• The Arc of Ottawa CountyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal chapter affiliated with The Arc of Ohio network. Contact: Connie Roe, Executive Director at [email protected].
• The Arc of Mercer CountyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal chapter affiliated with The Arc of Ohio network. Located at 4980 Mud Pike, Celina, OH 45822. Contact: Gregg Rutledge at [email protected].
• The Arc of Allen CountyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal chapter affiliated with The Arc of Ohio network. Located at 546 S. Collet St., Lima, OH 45805. Executive Director Brad Perrott.
• Disability Rights OhiomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral resource for families needing legal advocacy support. Disability Rights Ohio is the protection and advocacy system for Ohio.
• Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral resource for families needing special education advocacy. OCECD provides education advocacy support for children with disabilities.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Arc of the United States: National parent organization and largest U.S. community-based advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Directly comparable as the federated national network to which The Arc of Ohio belongs, providing shared position statements, advocacy frameworks, and conventions.
• The Arc of Pennsylvania: State chapter of The Arc providing advocacy, family navigation, and direct services for I/DD individuals. Comparable in scope and service mix, including self-directed service models and assistive technology support.
• The Arc of California: Large state chapter of The Arc with comparable advocacy, family support, and self-directed service programs for the I/DD population. Operates in a significantly larger state but with parallel program structures.
• The Arc of Texas: Large state chapter of The Arc providing advocacy, family support, and direct services for I/DD individuals across Texas. Operates a similar portfolio of services including self-directed support models.
• The Arc of Indiana: Neighboring state chapter of The Arc offering comparable advocacy and self-directed services for I/DD individuals. Operates a similar combination of family support, legislative advocacy, and direct service programs in a Medicaid HCBS waiver state.
• The Arc of Michigan: Neighboring state chapter of The Arc offering similar advocacy and self-directed services under Michigan's Medicaid HCBS waiver system. Comparable in mission, services, and regional operating environment.

Others

• Ohio Provider Resource Association: Ohio trade association representing I/DD service providers across the state. Comparable ecosystem participant that influences state policy and provider standards affecting The Arc of Ohio's Family Choice Program operations.

Broad incumbents

• Disability Rights Ohio: Ohio's federally designated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities. Overlaps with The Arc of Ohio on system navigation and rights advocacy but specializes in legal advocacy and individual case representation rather than direct service delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ArcOfOhio
• Facebookfacebook.com/ArcofOhio
• Instagraminstagram.com/the_arc_of_ohio/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPtutlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFrMlpiQTNxWm1MS0FqSVdPc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQBMAABHq4tCJZoC0gb1T7oJaIiOG-lyRl0IUTStcOyyQlsggaKugqYgAmnUHg7L-Ir_aem_hwpiEpaj3IT8mDI4U0rE-Q
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-arc-of-ohio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Arc of Ohio