Since the beginning of the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Jobs for Recovery Program in October 2019, a total of 55 people have completed the program by becoming employed successfully in the community and participating in treatment and other court requirements. Sara Carpenter was one of those Ohioans.
OOD Jobs for Recovery provides employment assistance to individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental health disabilities. Watch Sara’s video to hear about her experience.
 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.
 On February 24, 2021, during the meeting of the Ohio House of Representatives Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, OOD Director Kevin Miller provided testimony on OOD’s fiscal year 2022-2023 budget requests for empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence.
A video of his testimony is available on the Ohio Channel, and his written testimony is available at OOD.Ohio.Gov.
 Lewis Latimer was born on September 4, 1848 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. In 1864, at the age of 16, Latimer lied about his age to enlist in the United States Navy during the Civil War. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Boston where he accepted a position at the Crosby and Gould patent law office. He taught himself mechanical drawing and drafting by observing the work of draftsmen at the firm. Recognizing Latimer’s talent, the firm partners promoted him from office boy to draftsman. In addition to assisting others, Latimer designed his own inventions, including an improved railroad car bathroom and an early air conditioning unit.
During the post-Civil War era, Latimer worked with Alexander Graham Bell to draft the patent for Bell’s design of the telephone. Latimer was also involved in the field of incandescent lighting, working for Hiram Maxim and Thomas Edison.
Latimer’s deep knowledge of both patents and electrical engineering made him an indispensable partner to Edison as he promoted and defended his light bulb design. In 1890, Latimer published a book, “Incandescent Electric Lighting: A Practical Description of the Edison System.” He continued to work as a patent consultant until 1922.
Latimer died on December 11,1928 in Queens, New York.
 OOD is pleased to launch a statewide survey to give Ohioans with disabilities a chance to provide feedback about their employment experiences. Survey responses will help OOD evaluate its effectiveness, make improvements, and enhance outreach efforts. The survey is brief (10-15 minutes) and completely anonymous.
Responses to this survey will ultimately help OOD bring positive, lasting change for other individuals with disabilities. Take the survey.
A survey with embedded videos in American Sign Language (ASL) is now available. If you have already responded to the survey, there is no need to respond again.
 Sign up to receive free email notifications when new information is available from OOD. With a subscription profile, you automatically receive updates without returning to the OOD website and checking for changes.
In addition to the OOD Works e-Newsletter, here are some of the available lists:
- Vocational Rehabilitation Providers
- Project SEARCH News & Information
- Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) Bulletin
- News Related to Individuals Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- Employer Partner News & Information
- Administrative Rule and Policy Notifications *New!
Get started with email lists.
 Rare Disease Day, which takes place on the last day of February each year, seeks to raise awareness about rare diseases and their impact on individuals' lives.
The campaign calls for people living with a rare disease to have equal opportunities to realize their full participation in family, work, and social life. Learn more at RareDiseaseDay.org.
 First launched by a British blogger in 2008, International Wheelchair Day takes place annually on March 1 for wheelchair users to celebrate the impact their wheelchair has had on their lives. Learn more at the International Wheelchair Day Facebook page.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and rigorously tested. Encourage your family and friends to get the vaccine when it is their turn. Watch a video from the Ohio Department of Health.
For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
 Nike has released a laceless shoe, the Nike GO FlyEase, which allows wearers to slip on and off without the need to use their hands. Learn more at Nike News.
Mayor Kapszukiewicz Will Create New Office on Disabilities
Toledo Blade, 2-24-21
Akron Zoo Inclusion Days
Akron Beacon Journal, 2-24-21
Baseball League for Athletes with Autism, Disabilities Seeks to Expand to Elyria
The Chronicle, 2-22-21
Four Reasons Why Hiring Disabled Workers is Good for Business
Fast Company, 2-16-21
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