The annual Ohio Department of Children & Youth questionnaire revealed that the agency improved its metrics across nearly all categories, with many scores climbing by five or more points compared to 2025. Parents reported higher confidence in their ability to communicate their child's needs, which rose to 97.57%, and a greater understanding of social-emotional development, which hit 93.46%. Lori Mago, director of Assistive Technology and Children's Services, attributed this growth to intensified staff training focused on social-emotional expertise.

For families like Lisa Scharfenort’s, the impact is tangible. After noticing developmental delays in her daughter, Eliza, Scharfenort began working with speech-language pathologist Renee Farmerie in late 2025. Following a diagnosis of apraxia, the targeted intervention helped Eliza transition from non-verbal behavior to communicating in near-complete sentences in under a year. This success is reflected in broader satisfaction ratings, with 98.11% of families stating they are likely to recommend the program to others.