 Ohio's Youth Leadership Forum delegates stop for a photo at the statehouse last week.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a five-day career, leadership, and advocacy training for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities. The program, in its 21st year, took place from July 14-18 in Columbus. Delegates came from all across Ohio to take part in educational sessions on advocacy and leadership; disability rights; the legislative process; employment with a disability; informational interviewing and speed mentoring; and independent living and technology.
On July 16, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stopped by to address the delegates. “I want to see everyone in Ohio, including those with disabilities, live up to their God-given abilities,” Governor DeWine said.
 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and participants of the 2019 Youth Leadership Forum.
Governor DeWine went on to explain that he is concerned the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is higher than the unemployment rate for individuals without disabilities. He said, “There is no reason it has to be this way. Helping individuals develop their own skills and giving them the tools they need is very important.”
“The students liked having the governor come see them,” said Makayla Puckett from Lancaster. Puckett, a 2017 delegate, served as a peer mentor this year. “It made them feel really special that someone so big, would take the time to come and talk to them,” Puckett added.
During the week, students were treated to a fashion show that taught them how to dress for a job interview and the workplace. In addition, 4 Paws for Ability gave a presentation on service and emotional support dogs. As part of a longstanding tradition, delegates were also given a tour of the statehouse where, Representative Brigid Kelly (31st District) and Representative Scott Lipps (62nd District) addressed them about the legislative process and how they can get involved with government on the local level. On the last day, delegates presented skits about what they learned at YLF.
 The Youth Leadership Forum was co-founded 21 years ago by Karla Lortz, the late Maureen Fitzgerald, and Dr. Bill Bauer, who replicated the program after seeing it in action in California. From day one, Bauer asked his niece to be a part of the event. Twenty-one years later, Carma Schilling is still volunteering with this program, and now she brings her son Adam. “The Youth Leadership Forum has been an amazing part of my life,” said Schilling. “It’s an incredible event to witness. The delegates arrive and they are crying, scared, and shy. Most have never been away from home before. At the end of the week, they are crying because they don’t want to leave,” she added.
 Carma Schilling has been part of YLF for 21 years and now brings her son Adam to volunteer.
“The program builds independence and skills. The kids have to get themselves up every morning, dressed and ready for the day without any prodding from mom. Strong bonds are built. These kids come from all walks of life, from the city to the country, and they end up staying in contact with each other for years,” Schilling added.
To really understand what is so great about YLF, it’s best to hear from the delegates. Here is what they have to say:
 To learn more about the Youth Leadership Forum, visit Youth Leadership Forum.
There are many who came together to make the 2019 Youth Leadership Forum a huge success! Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for all you did to make this event a memorable one for our delegates.
Special thanks to: Governor Mike DeWine; Michael Reiner, YLF alumni and Kent State University student; Elizabeth Sammons, Advocate; Davin Marcum, YLF alumni and Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council Board Member; Jamie Lahrmer, Center for Disability Empowerment; Dr. Bill Bauer, YLF Co-Founder; Paul Jarvis, DD Council Legislative Liaison; Tiffany McClain, Columbus State Community College Disability Services; Jessie Green, The Ohio State University TOPS Program Manager; Tom Webb, Wright State University Disability Services; Britny Bensman, Student; Disability:IN Ohio Employers: Lynnise Smith, OhioHealth; Karis Spence, Huntington Bank; TyKiah Wright, WrightChoice Consulting; 4 Paws for Ability; Katie Frederick and Kenzo (service dog); Meredith Bridges and Dexter (service dog); Melissa Marchi; Representative Brigid Kelly and Representative Scott Lipps; Hilliard City Schools Transportation; Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities; Brett Harbage, Ohio Secretary of State's Office; Joshua Cook, The ARC of Ohio; Columbus Recreation and Parks, Therapeutic Recreation Program; Best Buddies Ambassador Program; Embassy Suites-Columbus Airport hotel and staff; Resource Fair Participants: Assistive Technology of Ohio; Disability Rights Ohio; Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council; HandsOn Central Ohio; State Library of Ohio; Crisis Text Line; OCALI Lending Library; Bureau of Children, Youth and Families; Ohio Family 2 Family; Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council; Josh Steinmentz, DJ; the OSU Swim Team, Jana Davis, COTA; Ayanna Bennet, Huntington; Paramita Bhadra, Huntington and the following OOD staff: Donna Foster, Julie Hance, Kapila Rodrigo, Kathy Seecamp, Alex Moormann, Kelly Jordan, Roya Hood; Alissa Otani-Cole.
A very special thank you to all YLF volunteers who so generously dedicate their time to make this event successful.
 This year’s Ohio State Fair is more accessible and inclusive for everyone!
Three new efforts are providing fairgoers with improved accessibility as the Ohio State Fair opened this week and will continue through August 4, 2019. The most accessible fair ever means wheelchair/mobility charging stations, technology to connect people who are blind or have low vision to an agent who can help with navigation, and a dedicated sensory-friendly morning. Watch a video to learn more.
 A Goodwill Columbus Careers in Technology student shows Lt. Governor Jon Husted how to break down a hard drive
On July 15, Goodwill Columbus hosted a Careers in Technology (CiT) “IT Fiesta,” that offered an opportunity for potential Goodwill Columbus students to learn about IT micro-credential programs. Students had the opportunity to try their hand at actual projects that are part of the curriculum.
Lt. Governor Jon Husted delivered remarks at the event. He told the students, “I believe that you are having an amazing door to your future opened if you decide to take it. The economy is changing dramatically – it’s tech-infused.”
Goodwill Columbus President and CEO Margie Pizzuti said, “We’re strategically focused on developing skills in those employment sectors like IT that provide the opportunity to earn a living wage and a pathway to economic mobility. It’s imperative that every job seeker has the digital skills necessary to secure and retain employment.”
The event also included a tour of Goodwill’s Battelle Career and Education Center; an overview of “Career Bootcamp,” a workforce preparation program; details on certifications and credentials and how they positively impact students’ employment options and information on how Goodwill helps job seekers join the pipeline to employment. Students at four hands-on stations provided demonstrations of changing out RAM and hard disks, emergent technologies including a 3D printer, programming and scripting, and cybersecurity.
Goodwill offers day and night IT classes. CompTIA A+ is an essential foundation credential for a career in IT. The A+ certification is recognized and used worldwide by companies such as Dell, Canon, and the U.S. Department of Defense. CompTIA IT certifications are stackable building blocks for additional IT certifications.
In the CompTIA A+ class, students learn about the hardware and operating systems of phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and servers in a classroom setting. Upon completion of the class, Goodwill covers the cost of the certification test, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
During the program, students are introduced to potential employers. Those who obtain and maintain employment for six months after course completion are eligible to take advanced IT classes from Goodwill.
Danavan McIntosh completed the program and an internship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In March, he was hired to work in the hospital’s Information Services department. He said, “This has done so much good in my life.”
OOD Director Kevin Miller applauded the efforts of Goodwill Columbus, which partners with OOD to provide workforce services to 150- 200 individuals with disabilities each year. In addition to IT, Goodwill offers career paths in healthcare, hospitality, lodging, and retail. Director Miller said, “Goodwill Columbus has stayed on the cutting edge to ensure they are helping individuals prepare for today’s workforce.”
July 22- 26 has been designated as Service Dog Awareness Week in Ohio by the Ohio Senate in S.R. 286. This resolution was sponsored by Senator Stephanie Kunze of the 16th District (Hilliard).
Service dogs, are dogs trained to help people with disabilities, such as those who are blind or have low vision; those who are deaf or hard of hearing; and those that have mental or emotional disorders; mobility impairment; seizure disorders, or diabetes.
Designated by the Ohio General Assembly beginning in 2016, Service Dog Awareness Week was started as a recognition of service dogs that have served Ohio citizens with disabilities including adults, children, and veterans.
“Canine Companions is a great organization that is doing a lot to help people with special needs all across the board with quality of life issues. I have seen the time they spend matching up puppies with people and training the dogs. There is a human connection that makes such a difference,” said Senator Kunze. “The time they put into this service is so important and worthwhile to those with disabilities. The dogs offer comfort and practical assistance and help build confidence in those that need them most. I am honored to sponsor this resolution,” Kunze added.
On June 27, Senator Kunze presented the resolution in front of the Ohio Senate as her Point of Personal Privilege, to Dan Wormer, a puppy raiser and Molly Schulz the Marketing and Public Relations Director for Canine Companions for Independence. Read the whole Senate Resolution 286, here.
This week is also about recognizing trainers, as well as organizations that train and offer financial support to prepare dogs to be of service. As a way to bring attention to the importance of service dogs, Canine Companions for Independence, in conjunction with WCMH Channel 4, Columbus have partnered together to train “Buckeye,”(a Labrador/golden retriever cross) through November, 2019. Buckeye will one day be a resource service dog for a disabled Ohioan. This project entitled “Puppy with a Purpose,” shines the spotlight on what goes into training a dog such as Buckeye. You can watch Buckeye’s progress on-air at Channel 4 and with the Channel 4 team at community events. To check out a handy FAQ for service animals in the work place, visit Service Animals in the Workplace, or to follow Buckeye on his training journey, you can also log on to Puppy with a Purpose.
 Rex is the loyal service companion to Berna King, Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor in Canton, Ohio.
Here at OOD we celebrate our four-legged friends who help some of our star employees to do their job, so in turn, they can help others. Watch our video salute to these helpful companions!
 Brooke Fisman, 2019 Chicago Regional Commissioner's Honor Award Recipient
Earlier this week, Brooke Fishman with the Division of Disability Determination (DDD) was recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with the 2019 Regional Commissioner’s Citation for outstanding achievements and service to the public, during federal fiscal year 2018.
The Regional Commissioner’s Citation is the highest honor award presented by the SSA in recognition of those employees who have made significant contributions throughout the year, in assisting the region with delivering outstanding public service.
Fishman was nominated for her commitment to accuracy, policy-based determinations, customer service, and quality in all of her work. She works diligently on behalf of claimants, while producing policy-compliant decisions, and guides others to work in the same manner. Fishman also provides instructive feedback that is consistent, constructive, and policy compliant to adjudicators and their supervisors, so they can improve their overall quality.
“Brooke is committed to find ways to assist staff and better serve our customers,” said Rhonda Tanner, Deputy Director of DDD. “Her drive, enthusiasm, and overall leadership has had a positive impact for those we serve,” Tanner added.
Brooke Fishman has been with the Division of Disability Determination (DDD) since April 2010. As an adjudicator, Fishman was in the Fast Track unit in 2013-2014 and an interim unit helper for the March 2014 and the June 2015 training classes. She was a member of Director’s Advisory Group from 2013-2015. Fishman became a supervisor in November 2015, where she supervised an interim unit for the May 2016 training class and became a QA supervisor in August 2017. This spring, Fishman was promoted with two other staff members to the role of Area Manager, where she is responsible for directing the claims operations of Social Security programs throughout Ohio. In her new role, Fishman analyzes all aspects of case operations for cost and program efficiency, and conducts evaluations to promote quality services for Ohioans with disabilities. She is a past recipient of OOD’s Excellence in Service Award. Fishman holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Bowling Green University and a Law Degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Fishman. “My role every day is to make people’s lives easier, so they can have direction. I like that I can be a resource for people by answering questions on policy and procedure, and being a problem- solver on a daily basis. I really love my job,” she added.
 Katie loves to bake and wanted to work in a bakery. OOD helped her get her ServSafe certification. Now she is the new assistant baker at Great Scott’s Bakery & Coffee in Brunswick. Watch a video about Katie.
 Today, July 26, marks the 29th anniversary of President George H.W. Bush signing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. In recognition of the anniversary, the ADA National Network is hosting an online pledge to show recommitment to the ADA. Visit https://www.adaanniversary.org/home to learn more.
 Megan Naves, Employment First vocational rehabilitation counselor participates in the ADA Toledo Zoo Day.
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