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Josh Taylor preparing to use his electric power chair to enter his workplace.
Josh Taylor of Pioneer, Ohio is the father of two children. He experienced a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle accident in 2006.
In November 2018, Josh began working with Deborah Hasselswerth, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. “We took a special approach to this case,” said Deborah. “We literally carved out a job for Josh.”
Buddy Rossow, Job Developer with PARTNERS in Employment, Inc., helped Josh find a packaging job with Pioneer Custom Molding, Inc. that was adapted to ensure a good fit.
Josh Taylor packaging parts at his workstation.
Lindsey Hollingshead-Barnhouse, Job Coach with PARTNERS in Employment, Inc., worked with Josh to break down the job into manageable steps, create a job board that he could reference, and practice the work until he could perform it independently.
OOD provided Josh an electric power chair and rubber angled entry mat to help him access the factory.
“I like working,” Josh said. “I also like being able to spend money on my kids and pay for meals when we go out to dinner.”
“Josh feels like a real person, again. He is out in the world again, and his children are so proud of him,” said Holly Taylor, Josh’s mom.
Deborah said, “I am glad we were able to help get Josh back to work and see doors open quickly for him and his family.”
If you have a disability and want to work, visit www.oodworks.com.
 In 2005, Fifth Third Bank implemented Project SEARCH, a unique transition-to-work training program for students with disabilities, at its Madisonville campus in Cincinnati. The program provides marketable and skill-building opportunities to help participants secure competitive, integrated employment.
The program was expanded to downtown Cincinnati in 2007 and to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2008. To date, Fifth Third Bank has trained more than 325 students at the three locations. More than 30 Project SEARCH graduates are now permanent members of the bank’s team.
“We understood that people with disabilities have many ways to contribute when employed,” said Mitch Morgan, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, who also manages the Project SEARCH program. “We’ve had a lot of success with the students landing full-time employment at Fifth Third Bank and various organizations in the community. The program has cultivated a culture of inclusion where everyone is accepted and valued.”
For 13 years, Carolyn Rogers, a Great Oaks Career Campus employee and Project SEARCH classroom instructor at Fifth Third Bank, has provided vocational training to students to prepare for full-time employment. “I always wanted to help those who had to overcome barriers to learn,” she said. “I am so thankful for the bank’s support of Project SEARCH.”
“Seeing the Project SEARCH students go through the program and grow in confidence, leadership skills, and then go on to graduate and become gainfully employed has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my job,” said Mitch.
Since 2011, more than 150 OOD participants have enrolled in the Project SEARCH program at Fifth Third Bank. The following students, who are all current OOD participants in the Cincinnati area, recently took part in Project SEARCH.
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Dianna Cravens is a graduate of William Mason High School. “I found out about Project SEARCH through my teachers and at my Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings,” explained Dianna. “Project SEARCH helped me to learn to communicate professionally, improve my resume, and write a letter of appreciation. I got to work in a big environment and make new friends.”
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Jo’Annah Carter is a graduate of Shroder High School. Jo’Annah said, “The best part of the program was learning to do new things such as using office equipment that I never used before. I also learned a lot about what it takes to stay employed, practiced interviewing skills, learned how to write a resume, and interacted with coworkers. I came away from the program knowing I want to work in an office environment.”
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A graduate of Walnut Hills High School, Jericho Cafferty highly recommends Project SEARCH to any student with a disability. He said, “I feel this program helps people with disabilities transition into the real world while also teaching them important skills in a school-like setting. I gained valuable experience, enhanced my computer skills while learning new programs, and became friends with people at my worksite and in my classroom.”
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Corey Davis, a graduate of Loveland High School, said, "I will use the skills I learned at Project SEARCH to pursue a career in the computer field."
OOD helps students with disabilities, beginning at age 14, successfully transition from school to work. For more information, visit https://ood.ohio.gov/Students-14.
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 Whether you are an individual looking to take your career to the next level, a business looking for top talent, or an educator wanting to shape Ohio’s future curriculum for the better, Ohio’s Top Jobs can provide you with valuable insights to help guide you along the way. Visit www.TopJobs.Ohio.Gov.
“The updated tools at TopJobs.Ohio.gov are built for Ohio students and workers who are trying to figure out what is next for their education and career,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. “Ohio’s Top Jobs is a place for people who know they are ready for the next step, but need a little help understanding their options and designing a strategy for achieving their goals.”
The site allows users to search in-demand job postings in Ohio. Users can also view the full in-demand jobs list or personalize it to best fit individual needs.
 OOD offers Ohio College2Careers at 15 public colleges and universities in Ohio 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. Want to keep up with what’s happening with Ohio College2Careers? Follow us “@OhioC2C” on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and events happening at the 15 public college and university campuses with an Ohio College2Careers counselor.
 TechSummit 2020 is an all-day conference about technology to benefit people with developmental disabilities. The event, “Bringing the Future into Focus,” will take place on June 26, 2020 at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel, 409 Altair Parkway, Westerville, Ohio 43082.
With funding from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and sponsorship and support from Assistive Technology of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the event is hosted by The Ohio State University Nisonger Center. For more information, visit https://nisonger.osu.edu/adult/resources/technology-project/.
 Gift giving provides an opportunity to be thoughtful with selections. For people with disabilities, the best gifts could be those that make life more accessible, are sensory-friendly, help ease chronic pain, or promote self-care and mental wellness. For a list of helpful suggestions, check out The Mighty’s Gift Guide for People with Disabilities.
Editorial: All Win When Disabled Students Find Work
Columbus Dispatch, 12-13-19
Ohio Updates List of In-Demand Jobs and Makes it Searchable
Associated Press, 12-11-19
Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital Designated 'Autism Friendly Hospital'
News 5 Cleveland, 12-10-19
Ohio College2Careers Creates Opportunity and Encouragement for Students with Disabilities at Kent State
Kent State Today, 12-9-19
Ohio State Engineering Students Adapt Toys for Kids with Challenges
Columbus Dispatch, 12-9-19
The US Needs to Lead Again on Disability Rights
The Hill, 12-7-19
Scientists Discover How Gene Mutation Causes Autism and Intellectual Disability
WBNS 10TV, 12-6-19
Hiking Wheelchair Opens up Outdoor Lifestyles to People with Serious Disabilities
National Public Radio, 12-6-19
New Facility Opens for Agility Angels and Assistance Dogs
WVTG, 12-6-19
Six Carnival Cruise Ships Certified as Sensory-Inclusive
USA Today, 12-6-19
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