 Patrick Powell is preparing to leave home for his shift at Kroger.
Patrick Powell of Centerville is a people-person. He is known for being friendly and agreeable. Patrick first connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) in 2017 while still a student in high school. Services helped him land his first job. In recent months, Patrick needed assistance again to find a job that better matched his strengths and abilities.
Eric Bostick Jr. is Patrick’s OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. He explained, “Patrick knew he wanted a part-time job and had experience in retail, which he loved.”
Kroger hired Patrick, and he began his new job on March 3. Having a developmental disability, Patrick benefitted from support from Michelle Sears, Job Developer with United Rehabilitation Services. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Michelle checks in with Patrick by phone. They discuss his work, which includes managing carts, cleaning, and assisting customers who need help getting groceries to their cars.
Angela Powell is Patrick’s mother. She said, “He has had jobs off and on since he completed transition, but now he is excited to go to work.” Angela explained that she has already seen growth in Patrick. “I tell him, you’re on the frontline!”
“He is dedicated to making improvements, respectful, and always trying to do the right thing,” Eric said.
Patrick is already focused on advancement. He said, “I try my best. I miss my friends, but having a job helps.” He plans to save his paycheck to make a down payment for an apartment of his own and to eventually take a vacation.
Once Patrick is stable in his position and services from OOD conclude, Patrick will receive long-term, ongoing support from the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities for as long as needed. This collaboration is one of the key parts of the Employment First Partnership, which helps adults with developmental disabilities start careers. Career counselors assist Ohioans with developmental disabilities through career exploration, training, and skill development as they work toward employment.
If you have a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) assist students with disabilities by exploring in-demand career options, teaching workplace expectations, and building self-advocacy skills. Watch a video about how an educator worked with OOD and a community provider to make these services available to students in her district, preparing them for the world of work after high school.
OOD offers Ohio College2Careers (Ohio C2C) 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.
As job interviews are frequently conducted through video conferencing during the coronavirus pandemic, Ohio C2C has supported participants in navigating the virtual interview process. Last week, graduates prepared through mock interviews with OOD Career Development Specialists. This week, students participated in virtual interviews with Employer Partners including Huntington Bank, AEP, Cardinal Health, Trilogy Health Services, Mercy Health, and Summa Health.
Let’s meet a few of the graduates.
Candace Ronny graduated in December from Wright State University with a Master’s in Business Administration. She’s currently living in Columbus and looking for a job in human resources or office administration.
Aaron Betz is graduating from the University of Toledo with a Master of Science in Biomedical Studies. He’s currently looking for a full-time physician assistant position and is open to relocating throughout Ohio.
Jacob Kusnerik recently graduated from Wright State University with a Bachelor’s in Mass Communications. He’s currently looking for a job as a content editor or writer and is willing to relocate to Columbus, Cincinnati, or Dayton.
Good luck to all the candidates!
 If you have a disability and want to work, reach out to OOD today. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can help you explore your options. Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.
For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Be sure to check frequently for new resources. Recent additions include the Ohioans Protecting Ohioans Urgent Health Advisory, Order that Rescinds and Maintains Portions of the Stay Safe Ohio Order, Responsible RestartOhio Youth Day Camps, and Camp Safe Ohio Order.
 May 21, 2020, marked the ninth Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking, and learning about digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) access/inclusion and people with disabilities.
In honor of GAAD, responding to the coronavirus pandemic, BlindSquare and Navilens are offering the BlindSquare EVENT navigation app for free until November 2020.
With public places opening, many may look different, presenting new and unexpected challenges to people who are blind, deafblind, or who have vision loss. BlindSquare is a GPS iOS app that provides personal points of interest for walking paths. Paired with NaviLens, the app that scans proprietary codes to deliver situational information instantly, this duo helps users navigate independently and safely.
Check out an article to learn more.
The Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov website includes a dedicated webpage with a collection of the most recent news releases from Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health, and slides used in COVID-19 Daily Briefings by Governor DeWine and Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health. Also included on this page are a selection of curated news stories about COVID-19.
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