Today, one in 68 children is
diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Just a few years ago, that
number was one in 88 – and the numbers have been steadily increasing over the
last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This week, I was privileged to offer
brief remarks at the opening of OCALICON 2015 at the Greater Columbus
Convention Center. The conference, in
its ninth year, focused on meeting the needs of individuals with autism
spectrum disorders and low-incidence disabilities. It was hosted by The Ohio Center for Autism
and Low Incidence (OCALI). Speaking as
both an agency director, and as a father of a child with autism, I touched upon
the importance of helping individuals with disabilities achieve quality
employment and independence. I also reflected
upon the importance of conferences like OCALICON and the work of OCALI in
making a difference in the lives of individuals and families.
The conference coincided with the
recently created Autism Certification Center and the launch of a groundbreaking
online video training program – ASD
Strategies in Action. This innovative program, which is easy to access and
free to all Ohioans, will help improve the quality of life for individuals with
ASD.
Powered by OCALI, the program was
developed under the leadership of the Ohio Department of Developmental
Disabilities in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Education and the
Governor’s Office of Health Transformation.
A blue-ribbon panel of internationally renowned experts provided
consultation. The training provides
practical information and skills from multiple research-based approaches. It’s
more than just best practices, it’s the best of the best practices put into
action.
Strategies in Action gives
families and service providers (even in the most rural areas of our state)
tools to ensure they are equipped to effectively care for, support, educate,
employ, or work with individuals on the autism spectrum from early childhood to
young adulthood.
Thanks to OCALI for hosting such a great conference and for
the work they do every day. It was great
to see so many leaders gathering to share and learn about ASD. For more information on the Autism Certification
Center and to access ASD Strategies in Action please visit www.autismcertificationcenter.org.
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James Clinkscale, OOD Diversity and Inclusion Manager, and Kelly Jordan, OOD Business Sourcing Analyst, facilitating a 30 minute ADA presentation for OHBLN member AEP on Monday
 Business Enterprise staff at this week's retreat
This week the Business Enterprise
(BE) staff met for their annual retreat.
The first day was spent in discussing successes, strategic planning and training
in time management.
The second day of the retreat was
dedicated to a working session on finishing the development plan for upgrading
vending sites at rest areas. Prior to the retreat, BE Business Consultants
assessed all rest areas on primary interstate and secondary highways. The evaluations took into account the condition
of vending equipment, structure, accessibility, signage, branding, cleanliness,
HVAC, doors, flooring, paint, plumbing, safety and exterior sidewalks. Consultants also documented if the machines
took credit cards or Apple Pay, and if the site had the operator’s name and
number prominently posted.
At the retreat, BE Business Consultants,
lead by managers Vicki Smith and Adam Kieffer, were split into two groups to
develop the desired state for rest area locations. The work groups then
identified the ideal prototype, the steps necessary at each site to achieve the
desired future state and prioritized the action steps.
We now have a Facility Master Plan
process for 75 rest areas for discussions with ODOT. The end goal is for OOD to partner with ODOT
on identifying priority sites, developing a project plan for each site and improving
and standardizing rest area vending, all resulting in providing the most pleasant
customer service experience for the traveling public. In doing so, we also expect to increase sales
and expand job opportunities for our operators who are blind.
Thanks to staff for their hard
work and focus during the retreat. I am
excited about what the future holds for the Business Enterprise Program.
*We are introducing a new section to the Weekly Focus, “Did You Know?,”
offering tips and information on interacting with individuals with disabilities
in the workplace and in your community.
When encountering a person with a
service dog (also known as a service team), it is best to speak to the person
and ask permission before talking to, touching, petting, feeding, making noises
towards, or reaching for the leash or harness of the dog. These actions can
confuse, distract or upset both the working dog and owner. Also, some service
dogs may not be wearing a vest, patch or other identification as this is not
required by U.S. federal law, and dogs of many breeds can serve in this role. (Source:
www.petmd.com)
Vocational
Rehabilitation
Current
FFY2016
Individuals in Job Ready
Status: 3,740 977
(For county level
information
and map visit our
website)
Individuals Employed: 2,102 904
(Employed, not yet
successfully closed)
Successful Closures: 964
(Employed for over 90 days,
case closed
successfully)
Disability
Determination
(FFY2016
as of 11/13)
Applications
Received:
26,446
Determinations:
28,166
Productivity
Per Work Year (PPWY) 386.7*
(total
number of cases processed divided
by the number of work years funded)
*Best in the region
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