 The Advance Auto Parts distribution center in Delaware, Ohio is an Employer Partner with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and a 2020 Employer Partners of Inclusion Platinum Level Award Winner for their commitment to providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The center is the second location of Advance Auto Parts’ Different Abilities Hiring Program in Ohio. In partnership with OOD, the Alpha Group of Delaware, and other community partners, Advance Auto Parts identifies, trains, and hires motivated and qualified job seekers with disabilities. People with Different Abilities Hiring Program is one of the many ways the company supports its “Champion Inclusion Cultural Belief” and welcomes diverse talent into its workforce.
Based on its success in Delaware, the Different Abilities Hiring Program has expanded to Advance Auto Parts retail stores in Cleveland, Ohio. The program is also active in several other states and has a long-term goal of hiring 5,000-7,000 people with disabilities.
Heather Brickley, OOD Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, explained, “This has been a wonderful collaboration that provides jobs that can be a stepping stone into careers. Advance Auto has been very open to having a job coach help individuals learn the job tasks and meet the quota they require. They have also been very willing to let individuals work part-time in the distribution center with the option to move into full-time positions.”
Project SEARCH has also contributed to this partnership. Young people participating with Project SEARCH have been able to take tours of Advanced Auto distribution center to see what the work is like. Some of the individuals hired worked in the supply chain at Grady Memorial Hospital and are now using transferable skills as they work at the distribution center.
Let’s meet a few of the OOD participants who are now employees at the distribution center.
Hailey works in receiving. She explained that she enjoys the team atmosphere. “Everyone is welcoming,” Hailey said. “I have others to rely on if I need help.”
Matthew K., who is responsible for stocking parts that come into the distribution center, said, “I like interacting with others and working as a team.” He also shared that he likes that his paychecks allow him to save money and purchase video games and movies.
Matthew S. enjoys his position as well. “I like being organized and having a job with a routine. Advance Auto is fun, and everyone is really nice,” he said.
After being a welder for many years, Stephen was laid off from his job and was ready for a career change. He connected with OOD and also acquired a job at the distribution center. Stephen, who is deaf, said, “I like working independently, so it’s a good fit. If I need help, I communicate with my supervisor by gesturing or texting. It just depends on the situation.”
If you have a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com.
 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.
 The Deaf Literacy Partnership, a partnership between OOD, the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Ohio School for the Deaf, and the Delaware Area Career Center-Aspire program, offers adult learners who are deaf or hard of hearing, literacy classes in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English. The program focuses on overall communication abilities, workplace communication skills, reading levels, and independent living skills.
Katey, Anna, and Nick are three of the students. The class met last week to hold a meet-and-greet for Deaf Literacy partners during their regularly scheduled class session, which takes place online.
“My children attend the Ohio School for the Deaf, and they inspired me to learn more. I also want to be able to support my children in their learning,” Katey said.
Anna explained that she moved from Mexico to the United States 14 years ago. She said, “This program has allowed me to improve my English and my ability to communicate with others. Work is important to me because it allows me to provide for my family and make sure that my kids are provided for.”
Nick is participating in the class for a second time to continue to build skills. “My employer had requested I improve my English literacy. My writing has improved. This has been a fabulous chance and correlates directly with how I do at work,” Nick explained.
Special thanks to the meet-and-greet guests: OOD Director Kevin Miller, Randy Gardner, Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education; Donna Albanese, State Director of Aspire; Dr. Lou Maynus, Superintendent of the Ohio School for the Deaf (OSD) and the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB); Dr. Al LaBarre, Assistant
Superintendent of OSD and OSSB; Cameron Crane, Statewide Support Services and Evaluation Coordinator for OSD and OSSB; Chad Williams, Director of Adult Operations for the Delaware Area Career Center; Cameron Crane, Statewide Support Services and Evaluation Coordinator for OSD; and Katie Scheetz, OOD Program Specialist.
A new video reminds us how quickly COVID-19 spreads. We can't let this situation continue to domino out of control. We have the power to turn this around. Wear your masks. Wash your hands. Keep your social distance.
For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the team at Assistive Technology of Ohio conducted a three-part interview with OOD Director Kevin Miller. Director Miller discussed the challenges and successes of providing employment services to Ohioans with disabilities in the time of COVID. Watch parts one, two, and three.
 OhioMeansJobs offers two tools to help individuals create a spending plan for things that are needed and important: the Budget Calculator and the Lifestyle Calculator.
The Budget Calculator is ideal for predictable monthly expenses and income. It includes features to take into account income assistance and supplemental income.
The Lifestyle Calculator is helpful when the costs of housing, utilities and other living expenses are unknown. This tool projects costs for all these expenses based on selected regions of the state. The user’s lifestyle budget is then matched to occupations and target salaries that would support his/her selected lifestyle.
For more information or to size-up your budget and lifestyle, visit https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com/FundIt/Home.aspx, or watch a video.
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