Four years ago OOD set a goal that seemed impossible to
many: average thirty days from application to eligibility; thirty days from the time an individual
applies for services until they are given a decision on their eligibility.
In 2001, the average was over four times that, at 129 days. As an agency we knew that was unacceptable
and had to change. The national
benchmark was sixty days, but OOD committed to exceeding that. We challenged ourselves to new ways of doing
business and to higher standards to provide the best possible services for the
individuals we serve. However, there was
skepticism and even sheer disbelief that achieving this goal was possible.
OOD held our first ever LeanOhio Kaizen event. We worked relentlessly to find efficiencies
and improvements. We continued to
improve and went from over 120 days in 2011, to 90 in 2012, and under that
national benchmark of 60 in 2014.
I am proud to say that as of today, August 28, our rolling average for application to eligibility is
30 days!
I want to extend my congratulations to everyone who made
this seemingly impossible goal a reality. Thank you to LeanOhio, our local partners,
and all of the people who have contributed along the way. Most importantly, congratulations to OOD
staff for the work and dedication that went into achieving this goal.
It’s more than meeting and maintaining a goal, it is a
cultural change and commitment that has driven more plans being written, more
individuals being employed, more rehabilitations achieved and finally, more
individuals finding employment and a sense of purpose.
Thanks to all!
Strengthening Employment Opportunities
This week counselors
from the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and other BSVI
professionals met for a statewide training day.
In addition to agency specific information and updates, attendees heard
presentations on a variety of topics including how vision is affected by
traumatic brain injury, updates on the latest assistive technology, and
low-tech, low-budget labeling.
This included discussion about OOD’s updated medical and
dental fee schedules. On August 10, OOD
revised these fee schedules to align with Medicaid rates for optometry,
audiology, and dental services.
The training also included presentations focused on job
opportunities for the individuals we serve.
Jon Hackathorn, Business Relations Manager, and Nate Fernandes, Public
Information Officer, gave a presentation on OhioMeansJobs and the OMJ job
board. Carolyn Groves (above right), Human Capital
Management manager at the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), also provided
training and advice on how to help consumers apply for jobs with the State of
Ohio.
Thank you to all the participants and presenters for
empowering our counselors and partners to better serve individuals with
disabilities in Ohio.
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Individuals in Job Ready Status* Statewide: 3,857
(For larger map and county details please visit out website)
*Job Ready Status: Have received Vocational Rehabilitation services
and are ready and seeking employment.
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