Answers for families & referral partners
Common questions about developmental disability services, Ohio waivers, and getting started with First Step Healthcare in Columbus, Ohio.
About First Step Healthcare
What services do you provide?
Our main service is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC) — hands-on help with daily living. We also provide HPC Transportation, plus additional services including Ohio Shared Living. Every individual we support has an individualized plan built around their goals.
Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
We’re based in Columbus, Ohio, and able to serve individuals across Ohio. Reach out and we’ll let you know how we can help.
What makes First Step different?
We’re a small, personal provider. We build individualized care plans, keep communication close with families and SSAs, and treat every person with dignity, independence, compassion, and community.
Our services explained
What is Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC)?
HPC is our primary service. It provides hands-on help with everyday life — personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and daily routines — so individuals can live as independently as possible.
What is HPC Transportation?
HPC Transportation provides reliable rides to waiver services, appointments, day programs, and community activities. It’s how many of the individuals we serve get where they need to go, alongside their caregiver.
What is Ohio Shared Living?
Ohio Shared Living is in-home support where an individual lives with and receives care from a chosen caregiver in a family-home setting, supporting independence and daily living in a familiar environment.
Eligibility & waivers
Who is eligible for your services?
We support individuals with developmental disabilities who are enrolled in an Ohio DODD waiver — children and adults alike. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, your county board of developmental disabilities can help determine eligibility.
What waivers do you accept?
We accept all Ohio DODD waivers, including the Individual Options (IO), Level One, and SELF waivers.
How are services funded?
Our services are funded through Ohio’s Medicaid (DODD) Home- and Community-Based Services waivers for eligible individuals. Your Service & Support Administrator (SSA) can walk you through the details for your situation.
I don’t have a waiver yet — how do I get started?
Start by contacting your county board of developmental disabilities (for example, the Franklin County Board of DD). They determine eligibility, help with waiver enrollment, and assign a Service & Support Administrator (SSA) who coordinates your services.
Choosing First Step & referrals
Can I choose First Step Healthcare as my provider?
Yes. In Ohio you have free choice of provider — you can choose any qualified DODD provider willing to serve you. Just let your SSA know you’d like to work with First Step Healthcare, or contact us and we’ll help coordinate.
Can I switch to First Step from my current provider?
Yes. You have the right to change providers at any time. Talk with your SSA, or reach out to us and we’ll guide you through the transition.
How do I make a referral?
You can reach us by phone at 614-256-6558, by email at info@firststepohio.com, or through the “Make a Referral” option on our Contact page.
Are you currently accepting new individuals?
Yes — we’re currently accepting new referrals.
How quickly will I hear back after I reach out?
We respond quickly — typically within 24–48 hours, and often the same or next business day.