DAS Update

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Ohio Department of Administrative Services

The latest news from the Ohio Department of Administrative Services

October 12, 2021

Rhodes Tower project progressing

Rhodes Tower

The multi-year project to modernize the tallest building in State of Ohio government is in its final stages. More than 3,000 windows have been replaced with new, energy efficient window systems since the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower modernization project began in January 2017. The other major part of the project – granite replacement on the building’s exterior – is expected to be finished in January.

“We are certainly in the home stretch now,” said DAS Director Kathleen C. Madden “The Rhodes State Office Tower is an iconic building in downtown Columbus, and this much-needed restoration work is increasing efficiency while preparing the building for successful operation in the years to come.”

With the progress on the project, the protective canopy at the front of is being completely removed and the Broad Street entrance plaza will be cleaned and freshened, including the addition of new trees along the front of the building in November.

During these final months of 2021, the two mast climbers that have covered three sides of the tower for the past four years will be removed. The bronze statue of Governor James A. Rhodes, which has been covered throughout this project, will be professionally cleaned, and returned to its home in front of the building.

Visit the modernization project site for more on future work planned for the building.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

cybersecurity awareness month2

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted acknowledged National Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a proclamation recognizing the vital role technology plays in our lives and the importance of cybersecurity awareness and education.

“Maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role, and awareness of computer security essentials will improve the security of Ohio’s information infrastructures and economy,” they said in the proclamation.

DAS is home to the State’s Office of Information Technology, which delivers IT and telecommunications services to State of Ohio government agencies. One critical component of their work is providing training to the State’s workforce, and they share important information and tips related to information security throughout the year.

If you’re looking for information about keeping your information secure, or just need a few reminders, we suggest you check out the Cybersecurity Awareness Month materials available at staysafeonline.org.

Disability Inclusion Conference materials available

Disability Inclusion Logo

Ohio’s Disability Inclusion Program within DAS hosted the 2nd Annual Disability Inclusion Conference recently covering a variety of topics related to better understanding workplace issues that individuals with disabilities face, and how to better accommodate them.

Those who missed the conference can now access materials, including videos and handouts, on the Disability Inclusion Conference website by clicking the Conference Materials tile.

The conference featured eight virtual sessions looking at diversity and inclusion from different perspectives and reviewing best practices and processes to support the State’s goals.

The conference is part of efforts led by Governor Mike DeWine to make Ohio a disability inclusion state and model employer of individuals with disabilities.