Reba's Self-Determination Leads to Happiness at Work

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Reba’s Self-Determination Leads to Happiness at Work

Young woman with mask in front of her cash register at work

Reba Skipper on the job at Dollar Tree in Celina, ready to serve her customers.

Reba Skipper began working with Traci Richard, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, during her junior year at Celina High School. Reba was in the Vocational Skills Training Program and referred to OOD through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Steve Stewart, Reba’s teacher, helped with the paperwork, and Reba began receiving OOD services in 2019.

Reba has learning and mental health disabilities and also experiences seizures. She is also an ovarian cancer survivor. “Reba has overcome so much in her young years. We are so proud of her,” said Traci.

Last fall, Reba started to work on career exploration with Madison Cline, a job developer with the CA Group, Inc. She also starting working at the school’s coffee shop, learning to handle orders and run the register.

This spring, Reba continued working with Madison on Job Seeking Skills Training, which included where to look for and find job opportunities, resume preparation, how to follow up with potential employers, and mock interview training. “Reba and I worked on how to fill out an application, where to look for job openings, how to reply to questions in an interview, etc.,” said Madison.

During skills training, Reba got busy looking for a job. She applied for a job at Dollar Tree, interviewed, and accepted the offer, all on her own. Today, Reba is working as both a stocker and a cashier at the Dollar Tree.

“Reba enjoys her job and the friends she has made at Celina Dollar Tree,” said Becky King, Manager of Dollar Tree. “We have appreciated having her on the team, and she is doing a great job.”

“My goal was to graduate and find a job that makes me happy,” said Reba. “I can contribute to the financial support of my family. I am learning a lot at Dollar Tree, and I like it.”

“Collaboration between the Vocational Skills Training Program, held at the Celina City Schools, OOD, and CA Group, Inc. helped to guide, support, and build Reba’s self-determination,” Traci said. “Reba found a job and successfully graduated. We are so glad to see her reach her goals.”

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

OOD Works Podcast: William Clark, Poet

Photo of William Clark outside with woods in the background

William Clark III, a recent Youngstown State University graduate, published a book last month titled The Ever So Accurate Tales of a Not So Average Man: The Testament of a Disabled Man, a collection of poems describing the challenges of growing up and living with cerebral palsy. He joins the podcast to discuss his earlier years, experience with OOD, professors who spurred him on, and commitment to advocating for others with disabilities.

William explains his philosophy: “Don’t let the disability be who you are. Use it as a tool, as a weapon, to define your character, to carve out who you want to be, to carve out your future.”

Tune in to episode 19 wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works." Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast. If you would like to reach William, please email him.

OOD Continues to Assist Job Seekers

Photo graphic African -American woman in mask with Job placement number 1,327

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.

Governor Announces On-Demand Disability Etiquette Training

Governor DeWine at podium, screen shot from video on ADA

On Sunday, July 26, 2020, the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine shared a video to honor the milestone and announce that OOD is offering on-demand Disability Etiquette Training. The free training includes firsthand accounts from Ohioans with disabilities and tips for respectful interactions. Check it out: https://youtu.be/2pAOuRW6PVA.

Trusted Coronavirus Information

Graphic image of test tube with word Coronavirus on it and red illustrated cells in the background

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

All About Accessibility: Prevent Heat-Related Illness

photo of thermometer with bright sun in the sky

This time of year, it’s important to stay cool, hydrated, and informed. Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s tips for preventing heat-related illness, available in English and Spanish.

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30 Years After ADA's Passage, Cleveland's Disability Community Celebrates

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The Americans with Disabilities Act, at 30 years Old, has Helped Bring Accessibility, Meaning to the Lives of the Disabled

Cleveland.com, 7-25-20

Goodwill Serves 53 Area Teens in Annual Summer Youth Work Program

The Pike County News Watchman, 7-24-20

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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.