 Ian Lucke of Cincinnati enjoys online research, especially on the topics of geology, fossils, and politics. He likes keeping busy, and employment is important to him. In the past, he struggled to find the right job fit.
“I braced myself for negative feedback from employers,” Ian explained. “I used those lessons to move forward.”
Ian was referred to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center through their Disability Services Office. Jennifer Benhase-Bonenfant, Ian’s OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, serves as a liaison with the medical center. She explained, “It was a joy to work with and get to know Ian. His grandfather and I encouraged Ian to pursue employment.”
Ian selected Ohio Valley Goodwill as his provider, and he worked with Lisa Martin, Employment Specialist, and Terry Wilson, Community Support Supervisor of Coaching Services. Lisa and Terry helped Ian try out different positions until he found the right fit as a Guest Assist at Sam’s Club in Eastgate. He’s been at the job for more than a year and enjoys independence from it.
Jennifer explained, “Ian was nervous about looking for work again, but he received the support he needed to go for it. Ian is a very hardworking person, and it has been wonderful to see him be successful in maintaining employment with a supportive employer.”
“I need to sustain myself financially, and I like that my job helps me to be productive,” Ian said.
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 We’re celebrating an exciting milestone: during the pandemic, more than 5,000 OOD participants have been placed into jobs! 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.
 OOD offers a range of services to help students with disabilities 14+ prepare for post-secondary education and employment. OOD works together with students, families, schools, and community partners to provide services that promote successful transitions to careers and adult life. During the month of March, OOD partnered with two career centers and a Project SEARCH program to host five transition youth expos and workshops on networking, job applications, virtual interviews, interview etiquette, and more for 185 students.
On March 19 and 23, 2021, in partnership with Pioneer Career and Technology Center in Richland County and a Project SEARCH program at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, OOD’s East-Central Area hosted three virtual Transition-to-Work Workshops for more than 125 students.
On March 23 and 25, 2021, OOD’s Northwest Area partnered with EHOVE Career Center, which serves students from Erie, Huron, and Ottawa Counties, to host two virtual Transition Youth Expos for 60 students.
OOD would like to thank our partners: Jennifer Magers, Special Education Coordinator and Resident Educator Coordinator with Pioneer Career and Technology Center; the Project SEARCH program with OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital; and Terri Jones, Special Education Supervisor, and Sam Collier, Transition Coordinator, with EHOVE.
Also, a special thanks to the following OOD staff: Darlene Tommelleo, OOD Job Developer, Michelle Hindel, OOD Talent Sourcing Coordinator, and Shannon Fletcher, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with OOD’s East-Central Region; and Katie Perry, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor, Alanna Barnes, OOD Job Developer, and Hattie Lykowski, OOD Job Developer with OOD’s Northwest Area.
For more information about OOD’s services for students, visit the OOD Students 14+ webpage.
 The OOD Council will conduct a virtual meeting on April 21, 2021. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to Shirley Marchi at shirley.marchi@ood.ohio.gov by close of business on Friday, April 16, 2021. For more information about the meeting, please visit the OOD Council meetings webpage.
 The General Assembly of the State of Ohio passed legislation in 2017 designating March 13 through April 15 as Ohio Deaf History Month. OOD recognizes and celebrates deaf history and the contributions of the Deaf community!
If you or someone you know is deaf or hard of hearing and would like assistance seeking a job, please visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 April is Autism Acceptance Month, and OOD honors all people with autism spectrum disorder, their families, advocates, healthcare workers, service providers, researchers, and other community members who provide support. April 2 was Autism Acceptance Day, and OOD staff wore blue in support of understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder.
 The Ohio State University Nisonger Center and the Ohio Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council are excited to bring you the award-winning “Hearts of Glass” documentary. This film showcases the employment of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and highlights the importance of competitive wages and inclusive employment in a high-tech vertical greenhouse, Vertical Harvest. Watch the film at your convenience between April 9-17, 2021 here. Participate in a virtual discussion with the filmmaker, Vertical Harvest employees, OOD Director Kevin Miller, Ohio DD Council, and The Ohio State University Nisonger Center on April 15, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
 The Ability Center's Advocacy Program is gathering responses for a Disability Needs Survey regarding barriers to independent living for people with disabilities in Ohio. Their continued goal is to reach a wide and diverse group of respondents across the state. Complete the survey online, or call 419-885-5733 to receive a paper survey.
In this video, older Ohioans share why they chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
 Ohio’s Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders was developed and written by Ohio parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorders who describe their experiences. The information included in the manual is a result of their answer to the question, “What do you wish you had known the first year your child was diagnosed?” The free download is available from OCALI’s Family and Community Outreach Center.
Student-Operated Business Aims to Teach Life Skills
Spectrum News, 4-8-21
A Voice for the Voiceless, Dr. Carolyn Peters, Chair, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council
ReachOut e-Diversity News, April 2021
Clevelander Charles “Chuck” Williams has Been Fighting for Black Deaf Lives for More Than 70 Years
Cleveland Scene, 4-7-21
Hollywood Studios Urged to Hire Disability Officers in Letter Signed by Naomie Harris, Amy Poehler, and More
Variety, 4-7-21
Treasurer Sprague Announces April Compass Award Honorees
The Highland County Press, 4-6-21
People with Disabilities Battle Through Isolation
Tribune Chronicle, 4-6-21
Devoted to the Deaf, Did Alexander Graham Bell Do More Harm Than Good?
The New York Times (Book Review), 4-6-21
Pandemic Brings Changes to Mental Health Therapy
The Vindicator, 4-4-21
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