The
Division of Disability Determination (DDD) at OOD is often asked by the Social
Security Administration (SSA) to assist with the roll-out of new programs and
special projects. They are usually aimed at processing claims faster and more
efficiently in an effort to save money and provide better service to applicants.
One
project of high importance is the Disability Case Processing System (DCPS). As part
of the DCPS development, several OOD staff members consulted with SSA at their
headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. Last spring, OOD Disability Claims
Adjudicator Eric Zirger provided subject matter expertise to the DCPS programming
team.
Zirger was there for the month of April, along with representatives from other
states. “I worked mostly with another adjudicator from Oregon.” said Zirger. “We
worked with the team designing DCPS and explained how we would like the work
pages to look and function. We spent a lot of time explaining what information
is critically needed to the web designers and
coders, along with creating flow charts that addressed all potential outcomes."
DDD Deputy Director Erik Williamson explained,
“These collaborative efforts help to expand knowledge and build relationships
that prove valuable. Sharing our collective expertise in processing disability
claims will help to create a better system that allows us to better serve
individuals in Ohio.”
When
implemented, DCPS is expected to improve the speed and quality of the
disability process, while reducing the overall growth rate of infrastructure
costs. Ohio is scheduled to start piloting the new program in December.
For more
information about OOD’s Division of Disability Determination, go to www.ood.ohio.gov/Core-Services/DDD.
Pictured are DDD Deputy Director Erik Williamson (left) and Disability Claims Adjudicator Eric Zirger.
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Businesses often commend
employees with disabilities for their long-term work and stick-to-it attitude.
Like anyone else, young people with disabilities tend to look to move up the education
and job ladder.
This is the case for Amanda
Rice, who was referred to BVR by her Findlay High School work-study coordinator
in 2002. She attended the office and print technologies program at Millstream Career
Center with her sights set on a clerical job. She needed computer technology, vehicle
modifications and driver’s training. She participated in a community-based assessment, which turned into her first job as a receptionist.
Rice decided to continue her
education at Owens Community College, and later online at Kaplan University.
After earning an associate’s degree in information systems technology, she found
a computer-related job where she could use her skills. However, she found the
office environment stressful. She decided to pursue home-based employment. OOD
helped her obtain the necessary furnishings and equipment to assist her in this
endeavor.
Among other services, she
received rehabilitation technology to set up her home office. Last October, she
began home-based work with a progression from seasonal work to her current
full-time customer service position with the Home Shopping Network. “It's going great.” said Rice. “I got recognized twice for my customer service.”
Rice’s knowledge of computer
systems helps her perform the job. She sees potential for advancement based on
her education and work ethic. She is optimistic that the salary and benefits may allow her to get off Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid.
For more information about OOD’s
vocational rehabilitation programs, go to www.ood.ohio.gov.
OOD’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) met last weekend to
discuss OOD’s new local consumer focus groups, the vocational rehabilitation portal (OODWorks.com) and phase 2 of the fee schedule. In addition, a special
presentation on the STABLE Account was provided by Ohio Treasurer’s Office Deputy
Chief of Staff Eric Ochmanek. The STABLE Account creates tax-advantage
investment accounts for individuals with disabilities. For more information
about STABLE Accounts, visit
http://www.stableaccount.com/.
The CAC advises OOD on its vocational rehabilitation programs. This volunteer body is comprised of people who have successfully found or kept a job with the help of OOD. For more information about the CAC, visit
http://www.ood.ohio.gov/About-Us/Consumer-Advisory-Committee.
OOD staff participated in the National Falls Prevention Awareness Day by taking part in 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls to raise awareness that falling is not a normal part of aging. As part of this statewide focus, Ohio Department of Aging Director Stephanie Loucka challenged all Ohioans who care for or serve individuals who are unable to walk on their own, to participate on their behalf.
OOD staff from across the state participated in the event by walking around OOD offices. OOD Director Kevin Miller said, “It was great to join with community organizations and other state agencies to raise awareness for this important issue.”
For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Aging at www.aging.ohio.gov/steadyu/.
Disclosing a disability is something to consider when starting a new job, transitioning from school or retaining a job after acquiring a disability. Making the decision to disclose can be overwhelming, especially in the case of invisible disabilities that can play a role in the workplace. People new to disabilities may face challenges such as understanding their impairments and determining what types of accommodations are available. For additional details, visit the Job Accommodation Network at
askjan.org/topics/discl.htm.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Current
FFY2016
Individuals in Job Ready
Status:
2,981
6,246
(For county level
information
& map visit our
website)
Individuals Employed:
2,383
6,741
(Employed, not yet
successfully closed)
Successful Closures:
6,376
(Employed for over 90
days,
case closed
successfully)
Disability Determination
(FFY2016
as of 09/16/2016 – Week 51)
Applications Received:
192,213
Determinations:
194,658
Productivity Per Work
Year (PPWY) 368.4
(Total number of cases
processed divided
by the number of work
years funded)
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