Ohio’s biennial budget process is nearing the finish line
with just a handful of days left until the end of the fiscal year. The Conference Committee report on the
budget bill, HB 64, was adopted in the early morning hours on Thursday after
a late night session. The Senate
adopted the Conference version later in the day (Thursday) and the House did
the same earlier today. The
legislation now moves on to Governor John Kasich for his signature. The bill must be signed by midnight on June
30.
Throughout this process OOD’s priority items have remained
unchanged and we are excited about the positive changes that will result. Look for a full report on the impact of the
budget once the process is complete.
Remember, you can receive regular updates on OOD news and information on
specific topics by subscribing, or updating your subscription preferences, to
our email alerts (click here to do so).
Stacy Collins, DODD, and Julie Hance, OOD, presenting at the APSE conference this week
Julie Hance and Stacy Collins, agency leads for the Employment First partnership, attended the 2015 Association of People Supporting Employment First
(APSE) National Conference this week in Philadelphia to make a presentation
on the partnership between OOD the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). Ohio’s model is being recognized nationally
for its success. In fact, representatives from another state are exploring how they might bring staff in to repeat the presentation in their state and discuss how to replicate Ohio’s model.
Participants discuss ways to increase Braille and Literacy Instruction in Ohio
Staff from vision service centers and Adult Basic Literacy
and Education (ABLE) from around the state convened today at OOD to hear a
combined presentation from the Cleveland Sight Center and Cuyahoga Community
College. The topic at hand involves nuts and bolts of adult instruction for
those working towards a G.E.D., as well as those learning Braille and
assistive technology. Increasing
literacy in the blind and low-vision community is a critical factor for
gaining jobs and self-confidence. It takes a partnership of educators,
low-vision specialists and volunteers to make it work, the Cleveland
presenters emphasized. Brainstorming after the presentation encompassed
questions and ideas on how to collaborate toward such potential projects in
other areas of the state.
If you are a former consumer and are interested in giving
back, and would like to be a member of the Consumer Advisory Committee,
please contact Shirley Marchi at 614-438-1477 or e-mail at shirley.marchi@ood.ohio.gov to
get more information or visit OOD’s website at http://www.ood.ohio.gov/About-Us/Consumer-Advisory-Committee
Individuals in Job Ready Status* Statewide: 3,944
(For larger map and county details please click here)
*Job Ready Status: Have received Vocational Rehabilitation services and are ready and seeking employment.
Note: There will be no Weekly Focus next Friday, July 3, due to the holiday. The Focus will return on July 10.
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