In episode 23 of OOD Works Podcast, Angel Colón, Kroger Senior Director of Diversity and Supplier Inclusion, and Kristen Ballinger, Deputy Director of OOD’s Division of Employer and Innovation Services, discuss the partnership between OOD and The Kroger Co.
OOD recognized Kroger as the 2020 Champion of Inclusion Award winner for their commitment to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and for being a leader of diversity and inclusion best practices in Ohio.
“In these days when people are struggling, people need an uplift,” said Angel. “Many of these associates have been critical in uplifting our customers…They bring that uplift that some of our customers need.”
Tune in to episode 23 wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works," or tell your smart speaker to play “OOD Works Podcast.” Transcripts and MP3 files are available at OOD.Ohio.Gov/Podcast.
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 OOD is pleased to offer “Top 10 Accessibility Resolutions,” a free training for employers, on Wednesday, December 16 at 10 a.m.
Learn how to develop a comprehensive approach for creating an accessible workplace through discussion of 10 accessibility components. Questions and answers are facilitated throughout the presentation. Specific topics to be discussed will include:
- Resources and external supports to help determine and provide reasonable accommodations
- Why and how to create a budget for reasonable accommodations
- How training is effective in creating an inclusive and accessible work environment
- The importance of being open to new methods and strategies when an accommodation request is received
- When to use an accessibility statement about reasonable accommodation
The training will be hosted by OOD’s Worksite Accessibility Specialist, Julie Wood, OTR/L, and Business Relations Specialist, Dennis DeYoung.
You will not need to pre-register for this training, but please respond to this survey to let us know you'll be joining us. This will assist us in making sure we are sharing any updates, attachments, and resources before and after the event.
The training will take place as a Microsoft Teams Live Event. You can view the training through your web browser, and you do not need to have Microsoft Teams to participate. Here is the link to join the training.
This program has been approved for 1.25 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™, and SPHRi™recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).
OOD is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, and programs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. To request an accommodation based on a disability, please contact Chris Glover at Chris.Glover@ood.ohio.gov by December 14.
 If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like 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 Business Enterprise (BE) Program, housed within OOD’s Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, held its Statewide Training Conference virtually on October 21, 28, and November 4, 2020.
Licensed BE Operators manage cafeterias, convenience stores, snack bars, and vending in state and federal buildings, highway rest areas, and state colleges and universities, where they have priority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act and Ohio Revised Code.
During the conference, BE Operators, licensees, trainees, and BE Program staff were welcomed by Ohio Vendors Representative Committee (OVRC) Chair Annette Lutz and OOD Director Kevin Miller. Those attending received updates and training, participated in a roundtable, and enjoyed an awards ceremony. The following Operators were recognized with 25 plus years of service:
Paul Comanescu – 40 years
Melvin Arnold – 35 years
Jeffrey Pope – 35 years
Kevin Seyerle – 30 years
Connie Standing Clear – 30 years
Debbie Garrett – 30 years
Judy Cook – 30 years
Lester Cline – 30 years
Julie Russell - 25 years
Kent Parker – 25 years
Patrick Koo – 25 years
The OVRC and BE Manager Christy Hauck thanked BE Operators John Eneix and Judy Cook, along with BE Area Manager Vicki Smith, for their hard work and congratulated them on their retirements.
Seven new licensees were welcomed to the BE Program: Jessica Howerton, Angelo Cook, Augustin Jackson, Kristopher Douglas, Ericka Wolfenbarker, Alfred Smith, and Mark Ulbrich.
For more information about the BE Program, visit the Business Enterprise Program webpage.
 We can all be safety and kindness role models for Ohio's children by wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and limiting the size of gatherings.
For trusted information on COVID-19 in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
Ohio is preparing to distribute safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines statewide to those who choose to be vaccinated. Learn more at the COVID-19 Vaccination Program webpage.
 Gift-giving provides an opportunity to be thoughtful with selections. For people with disabilities, the best gifts could be those that make life more accessible, are sensory-friendly, help ease chronic pain, or promote self-care and mental wellness. For a list of helpful suggestions, check out The Mighty’s Gift Guide for People with Disabilities.
Ability Center – 100 Years of Service
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Does Autism Hold the Key to What Makes Humans Special?
The New York Times, 12-8-20
2 Blind Brothers Launch Clothing Company to Raise Money Toward Finding a Cure for Blindness
People, 12-7-20
Medina Resident Trains Guide Dogs for the Blind
Cleveland.com, 12-6-20
Ali Stroker Says Bringing a Character with a Disability to Christmas Ever After 'Means So Much'
People, 12-6-20
I’m Autistic - I Didn’t Know Until I Was 27
The New York Times, 12-5-20
21-Year-Old Man with Down Syndrome Lands Job at UPS
People, 12-2-20
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