Professor Michael Schor Found Help from OOD

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 08/13/2021 12:01 PM EDT

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Professor Michael Schor Found Help from OOD

Michael Schor is the Associate Professor of Instruction at Ohio University (OU) where he teaches finance courses and is the president of the OU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors. He was a participant with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) about fifteen years ago. Recently, Michael reached out to his former OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Melinda Wingard, to share how he is doing.

“I think people all have special parts of their past and things in which they’re interested in that could be aborted or blocked by a disability or change in circumstances,” Michael reflected. “Whatever kinds of things people are going through, it’s important not to lose valuable parts of themselves and to have that full richness in life by removing barriers.”

Tune in to episode 31 wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works." Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Empowerment, Independence, and Stability through STABLE Account

Photo of Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague in suit and tie with flag in background

By Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague

August is ABLE to Save Month, and I can think of no better time to raise awareness about the life-changing impact ABLE accounts are making nationwide.

It goes without saying, people living with disabilities often face many barriers when it comes to employment, and disability-related expenses can pose a real financial strain on individuals and their families. However, we have a powerful tool to break down those barriers, unlock each person’s potential, and make our communities and economy stronger.

Through STABLE Account – Ohio's ABLE program – the Treasurer’s office plays a key role in the effort to enhance financial independence for people living with disabilities.

Before STABLE accounts, people living with disabilities could only save $2,000 before losing means-tested benefits such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These old rules discouraged saving and investing, and asset limits made it very difficult for an individual to join the workforce.

STABLE accounts help remove those barriers to saving and employment, empowering people to have more control over their finances, and allowing accountholders to more fully participate in their communities and the labor force.

People are living more independently - buying cars, paying rent, and even putting down payments on their first homes. This financial stability is powerful and gives individuals and their families the peace of mind that comes with a plan for the future. Impactful stories like these are why we're reaching out to more Ohioans to get them enrolled.

Since taking office in January 2019, we have more than doubled STABLE Account enrollment. Today, there are more than 24,000 active accounts, and $250 million in account contributions have been made. Partnerships with the State of Ohio, as well as several local governments and private employers, now allow qualifying employees to make recurring direct deposits into STABLE accounts.

Accountholders can save up to $15,000 each year without jeopardizing federal assistance programs. If the accountholder is employed, they can save an additional $12,760 each year. Earnings on STABLE accounts grow tax-free, as long as funds are spent on qualified expenses, such as housing, transportation, healthcare, assistive technology, living expenses, and many others.

In the Buckeye State, we’ve seen how STABLE accounts improve financial stability, promote independence, encourage employment, and improve quality of life. There’s always more work to be done, but during ABLE to Save Month, we have plenty to celebrate.

Signing up for a STABLE account is easy – it only takes about 20 minutes and can be done from the safety and comfort of home. For more information about STABLE accounts and to sign up, visit StableAccount.com.

Trusted Coronavirus Information

graphic of test tube with word coronavirus on it with illustrated cells in backgrounded

For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Recent updates include the Updated K-12 School Guidance from the Ohio Department of Health.

All About Accessibility: Finding the Best Hotels for Wheelchair Users

photo of desk bell with out of focus wheelchair in the background

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) published an article called “How to Find the Best Hotels for Wheelchair Users,” offering expert tips for determining if a property is accessible. It covers planning considerations, questions to ask, and actions to take following a trip. Read the article.

In the News

Remote Work Made Life Easier for Many People with Disabilities

CNN, 8-10-21

Major Blind Charity Brings Its Full Talking Books Library to Amazon Alexa

Forbes, 8-10-21

Ross County Fair Improves 4-H Accessibility Through New Fair 4 All

Chillicothe Gazette, 8-10-21

Ohio State Duo Teams Up to Tackle Limb Differences, Ride in Pelotonia

WCMH, 8-9-21

Undefeated: Champion Wheelchair Basketball Player Turned Coach Gives Kids Opportunities He Wished He Had

Spectrum News, 8-9-21

Local Sheriff’s Office Prioritizes Helping People with Disabilities

WKBN, 8-8-21

All-Inclusive Playground, Pickleball Courts, Pavilion Planned for Sterkel Park

Mansfield News Journal, 8-7-21

Prevent Blindness Offers Back-to-School Resources to Help Keep Children’s Eyes and Vision Healthy

The Highland County Press, 8-6-21

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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.