 Justin Durkel about to start his early morning shift at The Ohio State University.
Justin Durkel is 24-years-old and from Columbus, Ohio. His former supervisor recommended Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) as a way to get some extra job support and training in self-advocacy, as he has autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a learning disability. Justin came to OOD for services in June 2019 after he lost his job as a custodian at a local church.
He began working with Alicia Kingery, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Alicia paired Justin with Gabriella Aziz, a job developer with Functional Training Services (FTS), to help Justin explore work options, learn about commuting, and receive on-the-job supports. Justin explained that he liked the predictable pace and order of custodial work. His goal was to get a full-time custodial position with benefits.
OOD partners with The Ohio State University (OSU), Ohio’s fourth largest employer, to source candidates for available openings at the university and medical center. Since the partnership began, OSU has experienced a 65 percent increase in hiring people with disabilities, a success the university largely attributes to the partnership with OOD.
Gabriella found an open custodial position at OSU and set up an interview for Justin, who got the job in October of 2019. She explained, “Justin was very motivated, although he was very nervous about new situations and daunting routines. We knew a job coach could help him succeed on the job.”
Charles Watkins, a Job Coach with FTS, worked with Justin to familiarize him with his new schedule and to help with uncertainty and worries. “Justin is a great guy, and it was a pleasure to work with him,” said Charles. “When Justin started employment, he was nervous. Within a short time, he adjusted and was following his routine smoothly.”
In March, COVID-19 brought changes to Justin’s job at OSU. He had to adjust to getting his temperature taken every day before work and wearing a mask during his entire shift. Justin had to work split shifts and alternate schedules, and the university also moved him to new buildings to assist with increased sanitizing. He has successfully adapted to his new surroundings and responsibilities.
"I am so happy Justin has this job,” said his mother, Gail Durkel. “When he received the job offer, I knew he got a job that would provide a safety net for his future.”
“We are so glad he found the work he loves and that it gives him full-time hours and benefits,” said Alicia.
When asked how he felt about his job, Justin said, “My job is a little tricky due to COVID-19, but it is still good. I like my co-workers and know they want the best for me.”
If you have a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com.
 Jason Yoder, an Operations Manager at Whitehall FedEx Ground, wears a clear facemask to facilitate better communication with an employee who lipreads.
The Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS) works to raise awareness of OOD’s mission with the business community to promote a talent pool of job-ready candidates and to support businesses in the hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities.
As the COVID-19 pandemic escalated, EIS had its five regional business relations specialists reach out to more than 500 employer partners to identify urgent staffing needs. This allowed OOD to quickly develop an “Urgent Jobs List,” a centralized resource focusing on job opportunities with essential businesses. Job examples range from patient transporters at hospitals to forklift operators at warehouses to production assistants at a large hand sanitizer manufacturer based in the state. The list includes direct links to each company’s application portal and is now updated weekly and sent to job developers throughout the state, who provide one-on-one assistance to job seekers with disabilities.
“These are actual companies and actual jobs,” said Kristen Ballinger, EIS Deputy Director. “We created a new list with new opportunities and a new focus on essential businesses, but fortunately, we had the talent sourcing process already in place to facilitate its use.”
Recognized as a two-time OOD Employer Partner of Inclusion Award Winner, FedEx Ground is among the Urgent Jobs List employer partners. Since October 2019, FedEx Ground has hired 35 OOD participants statewide.
“We appreciate diversity and inclusion – it makes the team stronger,” said Jennifer Pagnanelli, FedEx Ground Senior Human Resources Business Partner. “We can’t all be the same. We have to have diversity, and disabilities are part of that.”
Employers interested in partnering can visit the OOD Business Relations Team webpage to get started.
 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.
Jeff Davis, Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), and OOD Director Kevin Miller discuss how the agencies partner to serve Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
Director Miller explains how the agencies work together to implement the Employment First Partnership, which helps adults with developmental disabilities start careers. “Employment First is a partnership between OOD and DODD, but it’s bigger than that. It’s the philosophy that for individuals with developmental disabilities, employment should be the first option we talk about.”
Tune in to episode 20 wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works." Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.
Working in the community can allow you to earn your own money and increase independence and opportunities. Considering employment can also be a significant change and lead to questions about changes to disability benefits. A popular question is, “Will I lose my benefits if I work?” Maybe you are concerned about how to get your benefits back if you stop working or need to work fewer hours because of your disability. Another common concern is maintaining health benefits.
OOD has five certified work incentive consultants who are dedicated to providing work incentives planning and counseling services to people served through the Employment First Partnership receiving federal, state, and local benefits, including SSI and SSDI. OOD also purchases work incentive consultation services from providers across the state.
Let us help you understand the impact of employment on your benefits and your choices. Talk to your OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and ask to be referred for a work incentives consultation.
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.
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.
For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Recent additions include Mandatory Requirements for Entertainment Venues and Mandatory Requirements for Youth, Collegiate, Amateur, Club, and Professional Sports.
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