Matthew Burger, a student at Franklin University, demonstrates BlindSquare technology for Governor DeWine. Also pictured is Sarah Kelly, Program Manager, Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.
On Thursday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was on hand to learn about BlindSquare, the innovative navigation support system for students with vision and mobility challenges at Franklin University, provided through support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Matthew Burger, a student at the school, showed Governor DeWine the smart phone technology that is now available for students to use at no cost, to navigate the campus. Franklin University is the first four-year college in the nation to offer BlindSquare year-round.
OOD collaborated with Franklin University to install permanent navigation technology to improve access to education and employment for students with disabilities. By using the BlindSquare application for smart phones, a Franklin University student can now access seamless indoor and outdoor navigation support around campus.
Franklin University’s Office of Disability Services currently supports 140 students with blindness or low vision, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, mobility disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and traumatic brain injury. The University has a transfer agreement in place with Columbus State Community College, which also offers BlindSquare, providing a pathway for students with disabilities to continue their education.
OOD is available to assist college students with disabilities with individualized services to prepare for, obtain, retain, or regain employment.
Today a graduation ceremony recognized the achievements of the participants of the adult basic literacy pilot program for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program, a partnership between OOD, the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Ohio School for the Deaf, and the Delaware Area Career Center-Aspire program, offered adult learners who are deaf or hard of hearing, literacy classes in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English. The program focused on overall communication abilities, workplace communication skills, reading levels and independent living skills.
Be sure to check out a video by WBNS about the unique program.
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program at OOD provides individuals with disabilities the services and supports they need to get and maintain employment. Good news: VR is helping more individuals this year! To date, more than 1,000 referrals have been received through www.oodworks.com, a 20% increase! A total of 11,196 people have started their career path by receiving eligibility determinations through vocational rehabilitation, up by 162 people or 4%. A total of 8,063 individuals have committed to written plans that outline their vocational goals and the services needed to reach these goals. This is an increase of 454 people or 6%.
This year you could help us reach a new milestone for serving people with disabilities! Watch a video about how VR makes a difference, and recommend www.oodworks.com to someone you know!
OOD Director Kevin Miller recently provided a special video message, featured by the Ohio Department of Aging, in honor of Older Americans Month. He explained that OOD’s vocational rehabilitation program provides customized employment support with no age limit. Since age can bring diminished mobility, vision loss and hearing loss, making it difficult to remain in the workforce, it is important to know that OOD can help. Counselors can connect individuals with services and equipment to help them stay on the job or transition to a new job that might be a better fit.
In addition, the Independent Living Older Blind Program helps eligible individuals 55 and older with vision loss, remain independent at home and in the community with services like adaptive aids and equipment.
To find out more for yourself, a friend or loved one, visit www.oodworks.com or call 800-282-4536.
The Business Enterprise Program was recently featured by “The Loop,” a video spotlight series by the Ohio Department of Transportation. A short video explains how stopping at one of Ohio’s rest areas for a snack contributes to a good cause.
New Senior-Level Disability Claims Adjudicators Begin Their Training
On Tuesday, May 28, a total of 31 Senior Disability Claims Adjudicators (DCAs) began a four-day training to prepare them for their new role. Valerie Berado, one of the new Senior DCAs, walked through the door and exclaimed, “I am ready to learn! I have been doing this job for four years, and I am ready to challenge myself in the new role.”
The Division of Disability Determination (DDD), which assists individuals with disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, announced the promotional opportunity in April, making known that anyone with three or more years of experience, was eligible to apply. As part of the application process, candidates must pass an exam on policies and internal procedures. Adjudicators who met the requirements were able to sign up for a workshop to prepare for the exam and meet with current Senior DCAs to discuss position responsibilities.
New job duties include reviewing Continuing Disability Reviews for those already receiving benefits for continuation of service. “On average, a Senior DCA carries a pending caseload of 116 claims and receives 14 new claims each week,” said Lisa Comer, Disability Claims Supervisor. “They are incorporating assessments of continuing disability reviews along with their other case assignments. The opportunity acknowledges existing skills that staff have to manage the additional casework.”
“For almost five years, I have been counting down to be eligible for this new opportunity,” said Zaneta Brown. “I love my job. I love to help people in need and provide hope and also provide closure. Sometimes we open doors and sometimes we close them, but in the end our job is to help people find answers and assistance.”
“We are very proud of our new class of Senior DCAs,” said Disability Claims Supervisor, Elizabeth Bando. “We wish them the best of luck in their new positions!”
The words we use and the way we portray individuals with disabilities matters. The Disability Language Style Guide, developed by the National Center on Disability and Journalism at Arizona State University, is a free helpful resource. The guide is available in English and Spanish and covers basic guidelines for referring to people with disabilities. It covers almost 200 words and terms commonly used when describing disability, many of which are not covered in The Associated Press style guide.
State treasurer touts 11,000 STABLE accounts
Delaware Gazette, 5-29-19
The tech empowering disabled people in cities
CNN Business, 5-29-19
Things You Should Never Say To Someone with a Disability
Thrive Global, 5-29-19
Service dogs and the public: Do you know your rights?
WKYC, 5-29-19
How to Deal with Job-Search Depression
The New York Times, 5-27-19
|