On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to introduce OOD to the
Governor’s Executive Workforce Board. My
presentation focused on how hiring individuals with disabilities is good for
Ohio and good for businesses. The
inclusion of individuals with disabilities in Ohio’s workforce offers several
business advantages: reduced turnover, increased productivity, the opportunity to
build customer loyalty, reach a market with an estimated $4.4 trillion in
annual disposable income, and access to tax credits.
I also noted that employment offers a path to earn a significantly
higher income over the span of an individuals working age (18-64), versus
income received from Supplemental Security Income (based on current
average wages and hours worked for individuals served by OOD). Employment also means access to better health
insurance and benefits and the ability to connect with peer groups and develop
social circles, which in turn means a richer and more engaging life.
Jeremy Shapira, Senior Director and Human Resources Business
Partner for Market District and GetGo (Giant Eagle), also presented on his
company’s experience with hiring individuals with disabilities. He discussed
Giant Eagle’s pioneering work in embedding a professional career transition
liaison in stores to assist individuals with disabilities in successfully
transitioning to employment. Mr. Shapira
highlighted the keys to successfully employing people with disabilities:
overcome your own fears; focus on abilities, not disabilities; build community
partnerships; and enable ongoing support.
Giant Eagle has just launched this exciting
transition liaison project to Cleveland and is already exploring bringing it to
the Columbus area. Giant Eagle, a
Champion of Opportunity Award winner last year, is a great partner in fostering
a diverse and integrated workforce in Ohio.
Both presentations are available online. Click
here to watch the video (requires updated Adobe Flash Player).
As was noted last week, the partnership between OOD and the
Ohio Department of Education (ODE) focused on the transition from school to
work for students with disabilities (starting at age 14) is holding a kick-off
training event on Thursday, September 17th. Thursday morning we will also be holding a
media event with ODE and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
(DODD) at the Ohio Statehouse. The press
conference will be available live on the Ohio Channel.
To receive press and media information, including
information about Thursday’s event, you can manage your
subscriptions by clicking here. Or
follow us on Twitter and Facebook for information as it
happens.
Individuals in Job Ready Status* Statewide: 3,834
(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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