Weekly Focus, September 11, 2015

An update and information report for doctors who provide consultative exams for OOD’s Division of Disability Determination
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

Kevin L. Miller, Executive Director

September 11, 2015

The mission of the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Agency is to ensure individuals with disabilities achieve quality employment, independence and disability determination outcomes.

What's Inside:

Governor’s Executive Workforce Board

GWEB Logo

 

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).

 


Transition Services Partnership Media Event

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.


Job Status by County

Individuals in Job Ready Status* Statewide: 3,834

 

(For larger map and county details please visit out website)

 

Job Ready Status by County

*Job Ready Status: Have received Vocational Rehabilitation services and are ready and seeking employment.


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