From left to right: Lindsay Thomas, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; David Howland, Drew Wills; OOD Director Kevin Miller; Markell Madison; Glenn Wilson; State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria; Daniela Arrollo-Trinidad; Zachary Gillespie; Tyler Haddox; Nancy Armstrong, Transition Coordinator, West High School; and Maria Angel, Special Education Transition Coordinator, Columbus City Schools.
On Monday, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) announced the expansion of the Ohio Transition Support Partnership (OTSP) to ensure students with disabilities have support to gain the skills needed for in-demand careers.
Included in the state’s 2020-2021 biennium operating budget this year, the expansion provides approximately 270 additional students with disabilities in Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton counties with individualized transition services over the next year. The partnership will target an additional 360 students with disabilities statewide in the 2020-2021 school year.
“Career planning helps students identify where they want to go and how to get there,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Expanding the Ohio Transition Support Partnership helps more students with disabilities get a great start to successful career paths.”
"The best way to remove barriers and support students with disabilities in viable careers is to offer a pathway to employment as they transition from middle and high school," said Kevin Miller, Director of OOD. “Once they land a job and succeed in the workforce, quality of life improves for people with disabilities, as they gain confidence, become financially independent, and enjoy contributing to their communities.”
Dedicated vocational rehabilitation counselors assist students with disabilities with career exploration and counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling on post-secondary education, paid work experiences, and job coaching. With the expansion, OTSP is expected to serve more than 4,000 students with disabilities statewide this school year.
“Supporting the diverse needs of students with disabilities is a necessary and important step to addressing equity,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Paolo DeMaria. “When students have the opportunity to gain work experience, it enriches their overall educational experience.”
In conjunction with the expansion announcement, Director Miller and State Superintendent DeMaria visited West High School in Columbus. Stay tuned for a video about the visit.
For more information, visit https://ood.ohio.gov/Students-14/Ohio-Transition-Support-Partnership, or contact Julie Hance at 614-781-8724 or Julie.Hance@ood.ohio.gov.
In recognition of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, OOD is hosting job fairs across the state to connect OOD job seekers with employers, as well as recognize businesses who are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.
The third job fair took place at Parkway Place in Maumee on October 17. The event included 29 employers and 115 job seekers. OOD staff were joined by 33 job developers from 10 agencies to support job seekers.
Employers take part in an interactive workshop called “Game Changers: An Assistive Technology Playbook for the Win.”
Stephanie Branco, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor and Jill Simpson, OOD Business Relations Specialist.
Planning for the job fair begins nearly one year before the event. Stephanie Branco, who was recently promoted to an OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor from her former role as a Business Relations Specialist, worked closely with Jill Simpson, who was hired as her replacement in September 2019. The two staff worked together on final details for the job fair. Their transition also included introductions to employer partners.
Eric Muller and Brandon Kramer, both OOD Information Technologists, offer assistance at the job fair.
The OOD Division of Information Technology supports all of the job fairs. Staff provide numerous accessible computers at the events so that job seekers can apply online for positions. “We have helped with a lot of resume printing and some scanning,” said Brandon Kramer, OOD Information Technologist.
“Sometimes we’re helping job seekers establish accounts and save login information,” explained Eric Muller, OOD Information Technologist.
Before visiting with employers, job seekers had the opportunity to get pointers during an employer showcase. A group of transition students from the Penta Career Center in Perrysburg attended. Debbie Winters, Transition Coordinator, explained that for many of the students, this is their first time interacting with employers. Winters explained her goal for the students: “I want them to gain confidence.”
James Clinkscale, State Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, talks about job opportunities in state government during the employer showcase.
Employer Partners of Inclusion Awards were presented to Walgreens Distribution Center, HCR ManorCare, Renhill HR on Demand, MaritzCX, and Speedway.
OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Amy Conkey, Human Resources Manager and Sheryl Grauman, Human Resource Generalist, Walgreens Distribution Center.
OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Brian Brough, Senior Human Resources Director, HCR ManorCare.
OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Annastacia Price, Recruiter, Renhill HR on Demand.
OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Tori White, Human Resources Generalist, MaritzCX.
OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Cardon Rozelle, Centralized Recruiter, Speedway.
Curt Morman, OOD Northwest Area Manager, said, “We had many returning employers and new ones. I hope they leave with an increased perception of the abilities of people with disabilities.”
Left to right: Curt Morman, OOD Northwest Area Manager; Ohio Representative Michael Sheehy (Ohio District 46); and OOD Director Kevin Miller.
Ohio Representative Michael Sheehy (Ohio District 46) attended the event. “So many of us tie our self-worth to a job,” he said. “This work is so important.”
Katie Perry, OOD training supervisor (left) and Teri, Corporate Trainer for Kingston Residence.
Teri, a Corporate Trainer for Kingston Residence, also values inclusive employment. She explained that while she is no longer a recruiter, that she still comes to this job fair annually. Teri’s son Jonathan was assisted by OOD. While at the job fair, Teri saw Katie Perry, OOD Training Supervisor, who was Jonathan’s job developer several years ago. Teri explained, “Katie did a wonderful job assessing Jonathan, getting to know his strengths. She helped explore different opportunities. Meijer was a good fit, and he celebrated his third anniversary there.”
“Jonathan takes the bus to work and schedules his own rides. He washes his own clothes. As a mother, it’s so refreshing to hear his colleagues and customers tell me what a nice young man he is,” Teri said.
When asked her reaction to seeing Teri and hearing how Jonathan is doing, Perry said, “This is why I love this.”
Erica Larkett, Employment Professional with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, greeted job seekers at the OhioMeansJobs booth. “It was apparent the job developers worked hard to prepare people for today. Job seekers came dressed to impress. They had great handshakes. They spoke with confidence and gave their best,” Larkett said. “OOD is doing amazing things. I was proud to be part of the event.”
In episode 6 of OOD Works - the Podcast, Scott Fedor discusses how his life changed in an instant in 2009 when he dove into a lake and broke his neck. Fedor shares his story and philosophy for living in his new book, Head Strong: How a Broken Neck Strengthened My Spirit.
Fedor explains how a man he met in a nursing home told him about the services offered by OOD’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. “A counselor named Janice met with me, and I was amazed at the ways they could help me get back to living a normal life and work,” Fedor said. “As someone who was always career-driven, I knew it would be different, but I still wanted to work. I wanted to contribute.”
Find the episode now wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works." Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.
Angela Kenney at her job at Mercy Health Anderson Hospital.
Angela Kenney graduated from West Clermont County High School in 2019. Prior to receiving her diploma, Kenney gained experience as a bagger and cashier at Kroger. She also participated for a year in Project SEARCH, completing an internship at Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati.
Kenney informed Tamara Fultz, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, that she was ready for a new challenge. Ben Alexander, OOD Job Developer, worked with Kenney on resume development and references. Learning that Kenney had an interest in working in a hospital setting, Fultz reached out to Mercy Health Anderson Hospital in Cincinnati. Kenney was provided a phone interview for the position of patient ambassador and got the job.
IKRON’s Joey Oakwood provided job coaching to Kenney. She gained communication skills and became independent at her job. “I had the pleasure of supporting Angela as she started her new role at Mercy Health,” said Oakwood. “Through her determination and self-sufficiency, she has done a great job adjusting to her new position, meeting employer standards, and transitioning to natural supports within her work environment.”
As a patient ambassador, Kenney visits patient rooms and takes meal orders on her iPad. “I feel great,” Kenney said. “I was really happy when I got the job, and I couldn’t wait to tell my parents.” She explained that she treated her parents to dinner with her first paycheck and has started to save money toward a cruise for her birthday.
“It has been an honor to witness Angela’s personal and professional growth over the past several years,” said Fultz. “Watching her perform her job as a patient ambassador and seeing the smile on her face was priceless. In my 30-year career, I have had the opportunity to work with many students who hold a special place in my heart. Miss Angela Kenney will always be one of those students.”
Jeff Kenney is Angela’s father. He said, "My wife Carolyn and I feel incredibly blessed regarding Angela's experience and success as a patient ambassador at Mercy Health. In a short period of time, she has learned a great deal and has put many of the skills from Project SEARCH to good use. She has demonstrated to her manager and peers that she is hard working and great with patients. Some days she walks over six miles at work and still comes home with energy, stories, and a smile. We are grateful Angela was given this opportunity to grow and shine.”
If you have a child, 14 years of age or older with a disability, reach out to OOD for more information on how we can help your child with career exploration, skill development, and strategies to get a job after graduation. To find out more, go to https://ood.ohio.gov/Students-14.
The OOD Business Enterprise (BE) Program provides entrepreneurial careers in vending services by licensed operators who are legally blind. The program currently has 93 licensed operators managing businesses in food service and vending throughout Ohio. These opportunities include the management of cafeterias, convenience stores, snack bars, and vending machines in state and federal buildings and highway rest areas, where licensed operators have priority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act and Ohio Revised Code. The program also operates at state universities, colleges, and in county buildings.
The past federal fiscal year marked a record-breaking year for the program, with the largest number of new licensees on record. A total of 11 new licensees were granted, and seven of these licensees are now active operators. The other four new licensees will soon be active operators as well. Congratulations!
Nicole Perrin, Business Enterprise operator, fills her vending machines at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Nicole Perrin has been a licensed Business Enterprise (BE) operator since 2017. A native of Dayton, Perrin retired from a career in corrections in 2009 when she began having issues with her peripheral vision. At first, she thought her eyes were “playing tricks on her,” but a vision-related accident caused her to seek out a doctor. A diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa was made. Perrin tried to continue to work without revealing her vision challenges, but this proved to be difficult.
Perrin worked with Margaret Jane Worth, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired. Perrin tried a couple of different telework positions, but explained these did not work for her. She said, “I just had to get out of the house.” With a friend already involved in the BE program, Perrin decided to look into becoming an operator.
Worth said, “Nicole was motivated, proactive, and very committed to her training. She completed the training with flying colors. I am happy to have been part of her success.”
Today, Perrin is a proud BE operator with 42 vending machines at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. “It has changed my life,” said Perrin. “I walk differently. I talk differently. I don’t have to hide the fact that I’m visually impaired anymore. I used to be so nervous and scared of losing my job because I couldn’t see in front of my face. I had a heavy heart. Now, I am so proud. I take pride in my machines. People appreciate me being there. I make my own hours, and I am the proud owner of my own business, Nik-Nak Vending.”
Perrin went on to say, “If you are thinking about the BE program, know this is a chance to change your life. Being a BE Operator is an opportunity to own who you are and not be ashamed of your disability. This is your chance to make the world a better place.”
If you are interested in becoming a BE operator, visit https://ood.ohio.gov/Programs-Partners/Programs/Business-Enterprise for more information. If you are interested in having the BE Program assess your site for potential vending, please contact Christy Hauck, BE program manager, at 614-438-1278 or Christine.Hauck@ood.ohio.gov.
Don Hazelton using his action track chair.
Don Hazelton worked as a Court Handler for General Motors for many years. In 2009, he decided to leave to work fulltime on his family farm in Continental where they grow corn, soybeans, and wheat and raise hogs and steers.
Hazelton began working with OOD in 2018 following a spinal cord injury. Working on the farm had become difficult, and Hazelton relied on his family for support.
“When Don came to us, he was losing hope,” said Rachel Erford, Hazelton’s OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. “He was about to quit and hand the family farm down to his son.”
OOD has a partnership with Ohio AgrAbility, which is part of a national program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that promotes independence for people working in agriculture, who want to continue to farm after experiencing a disability. “We have been extremely fortunate to work with OOD on behalf of farmers with disabilities,” said Randy Joseph, Rural Rehabilitation Supervisor for Ohio AgrAbility-Easterseals Serving Greater Cincinnati. Joseph explained, “Our program’s goal is to provide education, resources and technical assistance to those individuals and their families so they may continue to be successful in agriculture.”
Ohio AgrAbility partnered with OOD to complete a farm assessment for Hazelton. Based on his needs, Hazelton received an action track chair, flatbed and running board lifts for his truck, an air ride seat system, and a ramp for the entrance to his home. Hazelton can now independently navigate his workshop, truck, and farming equipment. He shared that the assistive equipment improved his stamina, reduced physical pain, and increased mobility. He also reports being able to reengage with his local community.
“To see things come together for him was an amazing process to witness,” said Erford. “It was truly life changing. He now can completely and independently work the farm, and there really is nothing he can’t do.”
“I have a whole new lease on my farm life,” said Hazelton. “I use everything, every day, and I can’t imagine a day without any of it. It has truly been a blessing.”
If you want to keep working or find out more about employment assistance that OOD can provide to individuals with disabilities, visit www.OODworks.com for more information.
Assistive technology is leveling the playing field for people with disabilities in workplaces and classrooms. The Livescribe Echo Smartpen allows users to write, record, and play back using a small, smart device.
The smartpen records what a user hears and writes. When the recording is needed, the user can easily access the material from the pen’s on-board storage. This is helpful for users who struggle to listen and take notes at the same time as well as for managing at a quick pace. The smartpen comes with companion software for organizing and sharing notes.
If you are interested in borrowing this smartpen or other assistive devices, check out Assistive Technology of Ohio, a part of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University.
For more information about Livescribe products, visit https://www.livescribe.com/site/livescribe-2/echo/.
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