Budget Invests in RecoveryOhio; In-Demand Jobs Week, May 6-10, 2019; Screen Reader Technology Helps Jeff Langstaff Make a Difference in His Community; Christina's New Job Gets Her One Step Closer to Living on Her Own; April Is Limb Loss Awareness Month; April is National Social Security Month; In The News

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 04/19/2019 12:52 PM EDT

Budget Invests in RecoveryOhio

Work is critical to an individual’s recovery. Governor Mike DeWine’s budget supports the agency’s efforts to address Ohio’s mental health and substance use disorder public health crisis. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) will replicate a successful model established in partnership with the Butler County Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board and Common Pleas Judge Keith Spaeth’s drug court. In this model, OOD embeds a vocational rehabilitation counselor as an active member of the drug court team to ensure the individual gets a job.

You can watch a video of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Director Kevin Miller’s budget testimony on the Ohio Channel or read it on OhioHouse.Gov (April 1, 2019 Hearing).

In-Demand Jobs Week, May 6-10, 2019

Learn about the opportunities in your community during In-Demand Jobs Week, May 6-10! Right now there are more than 130 events on the statewide event map. Contact your vocational rehabilitation counselor regarding events that are exclusive for those served by OOD. Find out information on all of the special events taking place by visiting Ohio Means Jobs.

Screen Reader Technology Helps Jeff Langstaff Make a Difference in His Community

Photo of Jeff Langstaff sitting in a chair at his job

Jeff Langstaff at his job with the Kent Police Department.

Jeff Langstaff, LICDC-CS is a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor and clinical supervisor. He works with juveniles who are in trouble and their families as part of the Kent Police Department. Langstaff also serves on the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Portage County and supports his community in a variety of ways. When faced with progressive vision loss, he turned to OOD for assistance. The Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired provided screen reading technology. Langstaff is excited to share with others how support provided by OOD has leveled the playing field for him, and he encourages others to reach out and see what is possible. Watch a video to see how technology helps Jeff Langstaff serve others on a daily basis.

Christina’s New Job Gets Her One Step Closer to Living on Her Own

Photo of Christina Pigg standing next to wall

Christina Pigg thrives in a production position.

Christina Pigg originally worked in dining services at a nursing home, but the job was not a good fit for her, as she struggled to keep up with certain tasks. After returning to the opportunity center at MARCA Industries, Christina met with job developer Valerie Rinehart, who introduced her to The Royal Group, where Christina is now a helper on the warehouse floor.

Christina’s Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Audrey Miller remembers when Christina had her job interview at The Royal Group and was offered the job. “She came dancing down the hall at MARCA and was so excited,” said Miller. “Christina absolutely glowed with joy and excitement. Each time I saw her, she had a big smile and would say how much she loved her job!”

Christina’s desire to work is fueled by her desire to find an apartment and live independently. Her sister had found success through OOD, and she was motivated and inspired to do the same. Rinehart said that Christina has been the perfect candidate for employment. “She always comes prepared; always puts her job search first and is always ready to work hard, whether it be on interviewing skills or improving her appearance. She always gives a 110 percent.”

The Royal Group of Sandusky, produces shipping boxes for PPG and other automotive industry clients. Christina folds and hand-assembles boxes, including die-cutting, gluing, and lining them with plastic. She is also responsible for cleaning up the warehouse floor, and other duties, as needed.

At a recent review, Christina’s floor supervisor Adam Cantrell said, “I wish all of my employees were like Christina. She has adapted to every new job and challenge we have given her. She never complains, she does a great job and she is everyone’s friend.” Amanda Appleman, Human Resources Manager for the The Royal Group said she is completely satisfied with Christina’s performance and sees only success. “She has made friends with the whole floor and we absolutely love her,” added Appleman.

Since starting her new job, Christina has been saving her money diligently so she can move into her own place. She recently applied and is currently awaiting approval on her first apartment. Christina’s new found success is a great example of how hard work and determination can help a person achieve their personal goals.

To find out more about the employment assistance OOD can provide to individuals with disabilities, visit www.OODWorks.com.

April is Limb Loss Awareness Month

Photo of veteran woman sitting on sofa who is an amputee

In an effort to raise awareness for the 2.1 million Americans living with limb loss and limb difference, and the 28 million people who are at risk each year for amputation, the Amputee Coalition has designated April as Limb Loss Awareness Month. Each year, 185,000 amputations take place, most often attributed to complications from diabetes, vascular disease and trauma.

By sharing stories and experiences of those who live with limb loss, as well as educating the public and policy makers, the coalition hopes to make an impact that will affect the current challenges and barriers patients face when accessing appropriate care and advocating for their rights.

For the third year in a row, Amps4ohio Inc. will host people with limb loss or limb difference, those considering amputation, caregivers, medical professionals and students, to participate in the Ohio Amputee Celebration on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin Park Adventure Center, located at 1755 East Broad St. in Columbus.

This free event is designed to bring together those who have been amputees for a long time and those recently dealing with limb loss, to share their experiences. This event includes lunch and goody bags for all attendees and their families and will feature inspiring guest speakers, interactive adaptive clinics and much more. There is no cost for the event, and those who plan to attend should register on EventBrite so there is an accurate head count for lunch, information packets and giveaways. To learn more, call 740-777-8180; email amps4ohio@gmail.com or visit the Amps4ohio website.

April is National Social Security Month

Graphic of woman and man looking at my Social Security on an ipad

Celebrate National Social Security Month – See what you can do with a my Social Security Account. Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

In the News

Letter: Register communication disability with the state

Columbus Dispatch, 4-18-19

New STABLE collaboration announced

Troy Daily News, 4-15-19

State fund helps parents provide for their disabled children after mom and dad are gone

Akron Beacon Journal, 4-13-19

How one mother's battle is changing police training on disabilities

National Public Radio, 4-13-19

Brooklyn Heights nonprofit changing lives of people with disabilities through compassion, empowerment

Cleveland 19 News, 4-12-19

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Programs provided by the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities are funded, in whole or in part, with federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), OOD received 78.7% of its funding through the DOE VR grant. In Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2018, OOD received $100,336,097 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $27,155,767. Of these federal funds, $15,050,415 is set aside for Pre-ETS. For purposes of the Supported Employment Program, the DOE VR grant funded 100% of the costs for the Supported Employment for Youth with a Disability Program. In FFY 2018, OOD received $303,725. The grant also funded 95% of the Supported Employment Program (non-Youth). In FFY 2018, OOD received $303,725 and the State appropriated funds paid the remaining 5% or $33,747 of the total costs. For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2018 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2018, OOD received $1,174,400 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid 10% or $130,489 of the total costs incurred under the OIB program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2018. In FFY 2018, OOD received funding of $632,411. Funds appropriated by the State paid 10% or $70,268 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.