For Immediate Release: October 24, 2019
State Announces Initiative to Support College Students with Disabilities
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Today, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) announced the launch of Ohio College2Careers to ensure students with disabilities have the support they need to complete their degree and/or credential, earn higher wages, and meet the demands of tomorrow’s labor market. As part of the state’s budget for fiscal years 2020-2021, Ohio College2Careers immerses a full-time, dedicated vocational rehabilitation counselor in the disability services offices at 15 public colleges and universities:
• Bowling Green State University • Central Ohio Technical College • Columbus State Community College • Cuyahoga Community College • Kent State University • Lorain County Community College • Miami University • The Ohio State University • Ohio University • Stark State College • The University of Akron • University of Cincinnati • The University of Toledo • Wright State University • Youngstown State University
“The benefits of this partnership are two-fold,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Ohio colleges and universities will be better meeting the needs of their students by placing career counselors for students with disabilities on campuses, and students will be better prepared to obtain and keep in-demand jobs.”
"This initiative not only allows us to offer additional supports to students with disabilities, but also connects participants to an expansive network of employer partners," said Kevin Miller, Director of OOD. “Working within public colleges and universities means individuals with disabilities have a greater opportunity of success as they transition from academic life to a career.”
Vocational rehabilitation counselors assist students with disabilities with career exploration and counseling, assistive technology, resume and interview preparation, and job placement. OOD is also expanding its business relations team to connect college students with disabilities to internship and permanent employment opportunities. Approximately 1,500 students will be served annually.
“In Ohio, we want to make higher education and a successful future accessible and attainable for all students,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner. “The counselors serving at our participating public colleges and universities will work to ensure that students with disabilities are on the right path to a successful career.”
For more information about the program, including quotes of support from college and university presidents, visit https://ood.ohio.gov/OhioCollege2Career, or contact Kapila Rodrigo at 614-781-8735 or Kapila.Rodrigo@ood.ohio.gov. A video of the press conference announcing the initiative is available at https://ohiochannel.org/video/press-conference-10-24-2019-ohio-college2careers.
OOD is the state agency responsible for empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. www.OOD.Ohio.Gov
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