Transitioning Into Adulthood

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 12/18/2020 09:24 AM EST

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A Team Supports Nakia’s Transition into Adulthood

Nakia photo of young black woman with quote

Nakia Woods has been in and out of foster care since she was three years old, and a team has been helping her prepare to transition into adulthood. With multiple disabilities, including bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and an intellectual disability, Nakia received transition services before graduating from Lakota East High School in 2019. Supported by Donna Haury, Transition to Work Coordinator, and Amanda Divito, Intervention Specialist, Nakia was referred to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) in 2016. While in school, Nakia participated in work-study, stocking food, and helping out in a kitchen. She also participated in a part-time employment collaboration between Lakota Schools and Procter & Gamble, working part-time doing light clerical and marketing work.

In March 2019, Nakia began working with OOD Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Erin Immell. Nakia’s goal was to get a full-time job to be independent by the time she aged out of foster care. Erin referred Nakia to Buckner Employment Services, where she completed a two-week community-based assessment at Walgreens and was offered a part-time permanent position as a stock person. She learned quickly, enjoyed the job, and cross-trained as a cashier and photo lab attendant.

Another goal Nakia had was to live on her own. Working with Lori Woodrum with Butler County Department of Job and Family Services and Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities staff Amy Wolf, Kelly Anderson, and Alyssa White-Butler, Nakia found an apartment that fit her budget. They also helped with transportation to and from work.

Due to COVID-19, Nakia’s work hours were reduced. Nakia and her team decided she needed to look for full-time employment so she could afford to stay in her apartment. She met with Jessica Davis with Buckner Employment Services, and they found a full-time position at Walmart. Nakia was hired as a full-time cashier at Walmart in Hamilton, Ohio.

Now that she is working full-time and living independently, Nakia’s next goal is to get her driver’s license. Erin arranged for Nakia to receive driver’s training from Capabilities, Inc. Currently, Nakia is completing the training, saving for a car, and planning to take the driver’s test in January.

“I have been through it all. Trust your heart and soul because you are great,” said Nakia.

“Nakia is such a strong, hard-working, smart young woman,” said Erin. “She advocates for herself, has a very positive attitude, and will continue to be successful in life.”

If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.

OOD Continues to Assist Job Seekers

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.

Slow the Spread

Stay Safe Ohio picture of plate with fork and knife Don't Eat or Drink with Anyone Outside of Your Household

You can slow the spread of COVID-19 by practicing simple safety protocols this holiday season. Although eating and drinking with those outside of your household is risky right now, you can still support local businesses by ordering delivery, take-out, curbside pick-up, or drive-thru.

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: Zoom Holiday Gatherings

Because of the importance of social distancing, many families are planning to host virtual holiday gatherings. Read tips for hosting a virtual holiday party from CNN, and learn about Zoom accessibility features.

OOD Works Newsletter Returns January 8

Happy holidays! The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, January 8. Stay tuned!

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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) 2020, OOD received $103,332,949 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $27,966,859. Of these federal funds, $15,499,942 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 2020, OOD received $369,584 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $41,065 of the total costs. In FFY 2020, OOD received $369,584 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 2020 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2020, OOD received $1,148,413 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid over the 10% required match, or $127,601 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 2020. In FFY 2020, OOD received $641,721 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid over the 10% of the match required or $71,302 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.