Aspirations
Aspirations Ohio is a part of the Nisonger Center’s Social Programs. Established in 2002 by The Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center and the Department of Neurology, Aspirations is a group-based social skills and support program that supports adolescents and adults (13-30 years) with mild autism and their caregivers. Led by program manager Erin Powers and parent facilitator Tracey Manz, group leaders facilitate discussions and activities focused on building social and vocational skills as well as self- confidence and a sense of belonging for teens and young adults with autism. Aspirations also offers resources and support to caregivers navigating their loved one's transition from adolescence into adulthood.
Dreamshine at Autumn Lakes, LLC
Dreamshine is an innovative year-round Adult Day Support, including job and community engagement, and transportation. Dreamshine provides door-to-door transportation to and from each participant’s home. Participants arrive at Dreamshine by 9:30 a.m. and leave for home at 2:45 p.m. Dreamshine’s adult program is open year-round M-F from 9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Our campus is located on a lush 2.5 acres with 2 beautiful buildings: our Log Cabin and Waterfront Lodge. We feature a stocked pond for fishing, a vegetable and herb garden, a hot tub, woods to explore, a koi pond, and so much more! Dreamshine’s adult day program provides education in life skills, social skills, healthy living skills, as well as job training skills in our own Community Store where our clients learn to make candles, fire starters, gourmet treats, and more!
Dreams on Horseback
Dreams on Horseback is a therapeutic riding center located in Blacklick, Ohio. In addition to our year-round therapeutic riding program, we offer summer sessions of 3-hour vocational training at our facility each summer that allows youth 14-22 to learn the expectations of the workforce while being supported by mature staff who have worked alongside people with disabilities for more than a decade. Participants will work within the authentic tasks of caring for our horse partners' stalls and needs. Participants will also be challenged to assess their preferred work setting, communication style, employment goals, and more. Some lessons will be learned through an on-ground horse partnered exercise called "equine-assisted learning," a unique aspect of this vocational training program. Please visit www.dreamsonhorseback.org for more information or our Facebook page at Dreams on Horseback.