 Mariah Craft is a recent graduate of Miami University. As a student, she worked a part-time job as a text editor in the accessibility department for the school, reformatting textbooks and other classroom materials to make them more accessible for other students with disabilities.
While discussing accommodations for her final semester in college with Hope Sweeney, Miami University Access Coordinator, Mariah was asked about her plans following graduation. Since she wasn’t sure what kind of job she would be able to do, Hope recommended Mariah connect with Wendy Taylor, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for Ohio College2Careers, designated to Miami University.
Having Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) limit Mariah’s energy and mobility. Her primary goal was to achieve independence through a stable, full-time job with benefits to be successful despite her limitations.
Wendy and Ruth Sestito, Job Developer and Coach with Butler Behavioral
Health Services, worked with Mariah to find a good job placement. When the first job Mariah found end up being a good match, the team, which also included Dustin Schwab, OOD Career Development Specialist, worked together to find something better.
In February, OOD hosted a work-from-home virtual hiring event. To prepare, Mariah participated in a mock interview with Dustin. During the virtual hiring event, Mariah interviewed with OOD Employer Partner Huntington Bank and was hired as a Credit
Services Specialist, working with customers who are past due on their installment loans. Mariah shared, “I like that it is a work-from-home position that perfectly suits my needs. I also enjoy helping customers navigate difficult situations and offering them solutions that help them get back on their feet.”
Wendy said, “Mariah worked diligently on finding a position that worked for her.”
“After a couple of years of being bed-bound from my illnesses, I find working to be very fulfilling,” Mariah said.
Visit the OOD website to learn more about Ohio College2Careers.
The OOD Annual Report for Federal Fiscal Year 2020 and State Fiscal Year 2021 is now available on the OOD website. Read it to learn more about efforts over the last 12 months to empower Ohioans with disabilities through quality employment, disability determinations, and independence.
 Moments after taking the oath of office, Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-03D, which established Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. To reinforce his commitment to Ohioans with disabilities, his Executive Budget includes presenting an award during October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to employers who meet the criteria for having a workplace inclusive of individuals with disabilities.
Businesses of any size are encouraged to apply for this award. A special recognition will be awarded for the small business category, recognizing that these organizations may not have the same resources as larger organizations and must be creative in meeting the criteria established for the Inclusive Employer Award.
OOD invites Ohio employers to complete an application to be considered for the award. Please download the application from our website and submit to OOD.HiringAbility@ood.ohio.gov by August 13, 2021. Winners will be announced in early October 2021.
In this video, Governor DeWine, JobsOhio President Nauseef, and OOD Director Miller explain the award and encourage applications.
 The OOD Council will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and a virtual meeting for the public on August 18, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to Shirley Marchi at shirley.marchi@ood.ohio.gov by the close of business on Friday, August 13, 2021.
For more information about the meeting, please contact Shirley Marchi at 614-438-1477 or visit the OOD Council meetings webpage.
All Ohioans 12+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Schedule your vaccination today: GetTheShot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
 OOD and the Community Centers for the Deaf partnered to create a searchable database of resources for this low-incidence disability group. With 34 categories of information (e.g., Deaf Culture, Domestic Violence, Employment, Housing, Sign Language, Substance Use, and Youth Services), the public can search for resources based on their location, resource type, or name of an organization. Families and professionals can go to one place to find the resources and information they need at the OOD website.
Resources are updated monthly. If you would like to add a resource, please email OOD.OfficeofCommunication@OOD.Ohio.Gov.
Funds Still Available for Ramps, Home Modifications for People with Disabilities
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Treasurer Sprague Recognizes August as ABLE to Save Month
WKTN, 8-3-21
Fraternity Cyclists Stop in Lucas County on National Tour for People with Disabilities
NBC 24, 8-3-21
Legally Blind College Student Pushes to Make Streets Safe
WCMH, 8-2-21
ProMedica Implements Assistive Technology for Deaf
Sentinel-Tribune, 8-2-21
MacArthur Grant Aims to Help People With Disabilities Find Work in Philanthropy
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, 8-2-21
David Brown: The World’s Fastest Blind Athlete and the Man who Runs Alongside Him
The Guardian, 8-2-21
Perrysburg's Inclusive Playground Opens to the Public
WTOL, 7-31-21
Miracle League of Northeast Ohio Hits Homer-Run with New Mascot
Cleveland.com, 7-31-21
How Disabled Americans are Pushing to Overhaul a Key Benefits Program
The New York Times, 7-31-21
Highland County Students with Disabilities Benefit from Summer Work Experiences
The Highland County Press, 7-30-21
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