 Meet Jennifer Sehm from Akron. In her fifties, Jennifer, who is Deaf, decided it was time to put herself out there for a job opportunity. However, she knew she would need support along the way. “I did not have much help back in my younger days about how to live as a Deaf individual,” said Jennifer.
In 2016, Jennifer connected with Catherine Vickery, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Catherine knew that despite having a short work history, Jennifer had a lot to offer the right job.
Working with Casey Ring, Adult and Youth Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist with the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center, Jennifer received the help she needed to prepare and search for employment. Services included job-seeking skills training, job development, interpreting, and job coaching.
In the summer of 2020, Jennifer started at Lowe’s as a cash tiller, but this position was not a good fit. With support from the Lowe’s team, Jennifer was able to try different positions until she found the one that was right for her: stocking.
Catherine said, “It means the whole world to me to see Jennifer happy on the job and successful in being more independent. It is wonderful to see her interact with others, learn new skills, and earn her own money.”
“Work is important because it keeps me busy instead of staying at home doing nothing,” Jennifer said. “I thank Catherine, Casey, the staff at Lowe's, and my brother Neal for helping me.”
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 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.
 National Deaf History Month is celebrated from March 13 through April 15 to honor the achievements of people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Three key advancements include the 1817 establishment of the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut as the first permanent public school for the Deaf, the 1864 signing of the Gallaudet University charter by President Lincoln, and the 1988 Deaf President Now protest.
Here in Ohio, the team of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for Governor DeWine’s COVID briefings, provided by OOD, has communicated critical and timely information to ensure that 303,000 Ohioans who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing are not left behind.
Marla Berkowitz is the only Certified Deaf Interpreter in Ohio, and she is making Ohio history. She explained the significance of the past year: “Local officials have had ASL interpreters in the past, yet for the first time in our Deaf history, Deaf Interpreters like myself are being used instead of hearing interpreters to ensure public health information is accessible throughout the state of Ohio to individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Late Deafened, and Hard of Hearing.”
The use of Certified Deaf Interpreters on live streams, television broadcasts, and social media platforms ensures that individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing have critical public health information in ASL to inform their health and safety decisions. While closed captioning is often available, it does not benefit people who are not fluent in English and communicate using ASL only.
Marla said, “This is an opportunity for local officials, not the Deaf community, to reach out to the marginalized Deaf and Hard of Hearing community who use ASL to have the same rights for access to public health information as their hearing counterparts.”
 On March 9, 2021, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education Region 14 Transition Council, local OhioMeansJobs offices, and local county boards of developmental disabilities, OOD hosted the virtual “Deb Hall 5-County Transition Expo.”
During the 5th annual event, more than 300 high school students from 16 school districts in Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, and Highland Counties learned about jobs in local industries and participated in a virtual job interviewing skills workshop. They also had the chance to network with six local area employers: Good Dog Groomery, Harmony Salon, M&A Small Engine Repair, Jerrad Luschek Welding, W&W Dry Cleaners, and Highland House Banquet Center.
Special thanks to a variety of OOD staff who contributed to the success of the expo: Kim Colyer, Cynthia Crews, Amy Bradford, Tami Fultz, Paetra Flaspohler, Kerri Stickney, Vicki Grozier, Sonya Hill, Jennifer Pitman, Abbie Wallace, Jennifer St. Clair, Jennifer Ezell, and Eric Muller.
 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.
 Earlier this week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that Ohio's centralized scheduling website is now available at GetTheShot.Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov. The website serves as a singular location for Ohioans to confirm that they are eligible to be vaccinated, identify nearby providers, and schedule their vaccine appointments.
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 partnership with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and the Ohio School for the Deaf, OOD is offering a six-week online course to help students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafblind prepare to take the American College Test (ACT). Learn more and find required electronic forms on the OOD website. The deadline to apply and submit all completed forms is March 21, 2021.
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New Lebanon Coffee Shop Promises Caffeine Kick, Job Opportunities for People with Special Needs
WLWT, 3-9-21
Fairfield Skyline Celebrates Employee with Disabilities for 35-Year Career
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As Remote Work Becomes the Norm, Vast New Possibilities Open for Autistic People
The Wall Street Journal, 3-8-21
Olentangy High School Senior Overcomes Disabilities and Joins Wrestling Team
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Commission Proclaims March DD Awareness Month
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Man with Developmental Disabilities Inspires City Revamp, Connects with Mayor
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