James Finds His Purpose Working at a Hospital

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James Finds His Purpose Working at a Hospital

Photo of young African-American gentleman in a mask and scrubs in front of a truck

James Thomas prepares to leave for his job at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.

James Thomas was 16 years old when he was in a car accident that resulted in a head injury. His mom Shirley Kelso brought him to OOD in 2013, and they worked with Pamela Schneider, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Shirley advocated for her son with teachers, counselors, and OOD to ensure they knew James’ strengths and needs. James expressed he wasn’t yet ready for work, and the family decided to postpone OOD services.

In 2018, James was ready to explore employment and contacted Pamela. James participated in a job readiness training program at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Environmental Services. Working with Jennifer Bechtel, Director of Community Services, Functional Training Services, Inc. (FTS), Cindy Kazalia, Job Developer with FTS, and Tony Jacobs, Job Coach with FTS, the program helped James learn a variety of job tasks and gain soft skills. After he neared completion of the program, he applied for a permanent Environmental Services position at the hospital. Cindy helped James prepare for the interview, and he was hired.

Tony provided job coaching to James throughout orientation and training. “I provided James with step-by-step instructions through verbal and visual modeling and the use of training aids. We helped to build his confidence through every phase of training,” said Tony. “James caught the attention of the manager and the hospital staff with his polite personality, attention to detail, and work ethic.”

James works 16 hours a week and is responsible for collecting waste and maintaining the cleanliness of 16 patient rooms, nurse stations, and utility areas. In May, James celebrated his first anniversary at the hospital.

“James is passionate about his job. It allows him to interact with others who value him,” said Shirley. “The job has given James a sense of purpose and a way to make a difference. I am so grateful to everyone who helped him achieve employment.”

“I love my co-workers and feel like I’ve always known them,” James said. “Everyone works together on behalf of the patients.”

Pamela said, “This case brought together resources to help James in a way he needed to be supported, that included respect, active listening, and building a relationship. I was glad James came back for services when he was ready. Our goal was to get him successfully employed in the community, and we reached it.”

If you have a disability and would like to work, visit oodworks.com.

OOD Shares New Video for 50th Anniversary

image of woman working on laptop computer with text More than 1.6 million Ohioans have a disability

To mark the 50^th anniversary of OOD, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine debuted a video about OOD at his press briefing on June 9, 2020. His remarks are available on the OOD YouTube channel. Also, please consider sharing the video about OOD to help us serve more individuals with disabilities:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/VAyNLLkd5MU

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/status/1270679603355533313

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6676445950736637952

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD/videos/264915251517501/

Instagram TV: @OhioOOD

OOD Works Podcast: Jennifer Strank, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Image of Jennifer Strank working at her computer

Jennifer Strank is an OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Columbiana County. “To help people work, no matter what it is – whether it’s getting back into the workforce, getting their first job, or doing whatever – it’s just a great feeling,” Jennifer explained. “Seeing the growth and self-esteem is amazing.”

Tune in to episode 17 wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works." Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

OOD Continues to Assist Job Seekers

image of hand holding a brief case with a mask , text graphic of 717 jobseeker placements

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.

Trusted Coronavirus Information

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For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

Films By and About People with Disabilities

Text Graphic Reel Abilities Film Festival Columbus

Art Possible Ohio announced the ReelAbilities Columbus Virtual Film Festival, June 17- July 1, 2020.

Founded in New York in 2007, the festival presents award-winning films by and about people with disabilities. Columbus is one of 17 host cities around the world. All films will feature visual descriptions and closed captioning. Through the virtual format, films will be free to screen and available to view for up to 24 hours with registration. Visit the ReelAbilities Columbus website for more information.

All About Accessibility: One-Tap Action Blocks

graphic image: cube with a smiley face on front

Action Blocks by Google simplifies routine actions through customizable buttons on Android home screens.

Powered by Google Assistant, Action Blocks can be configured to complete an action in just one tap: call a friend, retrieve a favorite show, control lights, and more.

Action Blocks may be useful for anyone who could benefit from the simplicity of one-tap device navigation, including people with intellectual, developmental, and mobility disabilities. Individuals who use adaptive switches, Switch Access, or Voice Access may also benefit.

Learn more about Action Blocks in the Google Help Center.

In the News

Americans with Disabilities Need More Support During Pandemic, Say Advocates

PBS News Hour, 6-10-20

COVID-19 Infections and Deaths are Higher Among Those with Intellectual Disabilities

National Public Radio, 6-9-20

How Do You Sign “Black Lives Matter” in ASL? For Black Deaf Angelenos, It’s Complicated

Los Angeles Times, 6-8-20

Lake County Commissioners, Ohio Treasurer, Establish STABLE Account Partnership

The News-Herald, 6-5-20

Free Webinar on June 16: Transition-Age Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities

Youth IMPACT Center and Council of State Governments, 6-5-20

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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.