Highlights from 2019

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 12/20/2019 10:10 AM EST

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Highlights from 2019

Photo of Governor DeWine signing Executive Order on Night of his Inauguration

2019 has been a banner year at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). A video highlights our major accomplishments.

As we celebrate this special season, we are reminded of the staff, providers, employer partners, family members, and others who want the best for people with disabilities. At this special time, we extend our deepest appreciation for all that you do. Happy holidays!

OOD Works Podcast: Floyd Poruban Runs Successful Nursery

From left to right: Floyd, Rich, and Ann Poruban.

The Poruban Nursery was born out of a passion for horticulture, bleak job prospects, and determination. “Frustration was my motivation,” said Floyd Poruban of Avon, Ohio, who established the business more than 55 years ago.

When he began his studies in 1957, Floyd was the first person who is legally blind to be admitted to and graduate from a science program at The Ohio State University (OSU) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in plant pathology. He is a 2019 recipient of OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award.

Tune into episode 9 of OOD Works - the Podcast, to learn more about Floyd’s story and inspiration for handling obstacles.

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.

Employment a Key to Megan’s Recovery

Megan shows off her Certificate of Completion for Phase One of her Recovery

Megan receives her certificate of completion of Phase 1 of Butler County Drug Court.

Megan, a 29-year-old from Butler County, became addicted to methamphetamines seven years ago. She entered the Butler County Drug Court in May 2019 and was ordered to complete the residential treatment part of her program. Erin Crawford, OOD Job Developer, met with Megan at the residential treatment center. “I’ve never had a legitimate job in my life,” Megan told Erin. Megan expressed that she was ready to find any job that would allow her to complete treatment.

Prior to recovery, Megan was not interested in work. “I wouldn’t show up because I didn’t care about my job, or I would call off because I was in withdrawal.”

With help from OOD, Megan landed a job in fast food. After working steadily at the restaurant for two months, her work schedule conflicted with treatment, so Megan gave her two weeks’ notice. “I’ve never done that before,” said Megan. “I never cared enough about doing the right thing, until now.” She ended up with a position at Popeyes, and after working six months, Megan was promoted to shift leader.

Megan’s recovery is on track. She completed her residential treatment program and moved into an apartment. Megan feels good about the direction her life is headed and is grateful she can buy items for her children. She also helps other drug court participants get jobs at Popeyes.

“It has been my pleasure to work with Megan. When I first met her, I saw her at her worst. To see how far she has come, and to see her make such transformative changes that have resulted in her being healthy and thriving, is the best part of my job,” said Erin. “Work truly is a key component of recovery,” she added.

“Drug Court saved my life, and OOD helped me get to the next phase,” said Megan. “I love my job at Popeyes, and I love having the chance to give back by helping others who find themselves in the same situation I was in just one year ago.”

For more information about OOD Jobs for Recovery, visit https://ood.ohio.gov/ Jobs for Recovery.

All About Accessibility: Google Disability Support Now Includes American Sign Language

Young man at table, using sign language with two people on his phone

Google Disability Support now includes American Sign Language (ASL) specialists to help people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing through video chat. ASL specialists are available Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) to answer questions about assistive features and functionalities within Google’s products. To learn more, read a Google blog post.

OOD Works Newsletter Returns January 10

Graphic of pine tree branches and text: Happy Holidays, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

Happy holidays! The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, January 10. Stay tuned!

In the News

Woman with MS Fights for Handicap Placards for Those with Invisible Diseases, Disabilities

WEWS, 12-19-19

Goodwill Opens Store in Hubbard

The Business Journal, 12-18-19

Columbus is Piloting a Mobile App that Helps People with Cognitive Disabilities Use Public Transit

Forbes, 12-15-19

For Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, Anything Really is Possible

CBS This Morning, 12-15-19

Wood County Society Partners with Local Salon for Special Treat

WTAP, 12-14-19

These are the Workplace Trends that Give Us Hope

Fast Company, 12-14-19

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

Questions?
Contact Us

Want a job? Have a disability?
OODWorks.com

Subscriber Services:
Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | Help

Stay Connected:

Help us support more individuals with disabilities by forwarding to someone you know.

Programs provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are funded, in whole or in part, with federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), OOD received 78.7% of its funding through the DOE VR grant. In Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2019, OOD received $99,548,657 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $26,942,648. Of these federal funds, $14,932,299 is set aside for Pre-ETS. For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for the Supported Employment for Youth with a Disability Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of regular Supported Employment program costs up to the grant amount. In FFY 2019, OOD received $297,857 for SE Youth with a Disability and State appropriated funds paid a small amount more than the remaining 10% or $33,192 of the total costs. In FFY 2019, OOD received $297,857 in regular SE grant funds. For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2019 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2019, OOD received $1,153,208 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid over the 10% required match or $130,000 of the total costs incurred under the OIB program.For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2019. In FFY 2019, OOD received funding of $640,571. Funds appropriated by the State paid 10% or $71,175 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.