Val Erwin is in her fourth year pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education at Bowling Green State University. She has an assistantship as a research assistant focusing on college students with disabilities. Motivated by the idea of both advocating for others and educating students, Val has been researching to help find solutions to help sexual assault survivors with disabilities be respected and supported by college campuses.
Val identifies as autistic, dyslexic, and someone with multiple mental illnesses. As a student, these disabilities mean that she is continually working to figure out the best way to learn. Before the pandemic, Val had been in hybrid classes but actively avoided online classes. During the pandemic, she had to improvise because classes and many of the learning tools were impacted.
While working to understand her autism more, Val sought services at the speech and hearing clinic on campus. They suggested Val reach out to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and its Ohio College2Careers program. Val calls the experience “great” and shared, “I have a lot of anxiety around interviewing for jobs because I have had a lot of negative experiences. OOD has helped me gain more confidence in interviews, and it has been nice to think through job accommodations with someone else and strategize how best to approach them.”
When she graduates, Val aims to work in a Disability Cultural Center, which centers on colleges and universities that provide additional support beyond college accommodations for students with disabilities. Val hopes to create community and support for students with disabilities and make systems and organizations more accessible.
Val currently serves on the DREAM Student Advisory Board. She explained, “We work to advocate for disabled college students to both help them with different questions they have and also work to make higher education more accessible and inclusive. We also work to share our experiences of what is helpful to know about higher education and student organizing on college campuses.”
When asked if she would recommend OOD, Val said, “Absolutely, I have really appreciated OOD. They have been very helpful for me and helped me to think through the job search process. There are not many people who really understand disability and job interviewing. This has been an area that I have felt discriminated against and frustrated by in the past. So having support to help me with the tools to help combat these frustrations has been very helpful.”
“Val has such passion for helping people with disabilities in the university setting,” Jennifer shared. “I have enjoyed working with her on mock interviews and always come away impressed with the experiences she already has. I look forward to seeing where her degree and dedication will take her!’
Visit the OOD website to learn more about Ohio College2Careers.
In recognition of the benefits of rehabilitation and the successes of those who have received treatment through all forms rehabilitation, the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation recognizes National Rehabilitation Awareness Week during the third full week in September every year. This year, National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is September 21-27.
OOD is proud to celebrate National Rehabilitation Awareness Week to highlight the positive impact of rehabilitation. During this week, we reflect on the remarkable outcomes that individuals achieve through the power of rehabilitation, and we reaffirm our commitment to transforming lives through Vocational Rehabilitation.
To learn more about OOD’s services for individuals with disabilities, click here.
The OOD Council Annual Report Subcommittee will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and a virtual meeting for the public on September 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to OOD.OfficeofCommunication@OOD.Ohio.Gov by the close of business on Friday, September 24, 2021.
The American Association of People with Disabilities is coordinating the National Disability Voter Registration Week, September 13-20, to make a concerted effort to get people with disabilities registered to vote and prepared to cast a ballot in November. The REV UP campaign encourages individuals to “Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!”
Information from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is available at www.VoteOhio.gov.
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).
September is Recovery Month, the perfect time to check out the RecoveryOhio website. You will find statewide resources in one convenient location to better help individuals looking for substance use disorder and mental health information. Visit RecoveryOhio.gov.
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Helping Disabled Americans Cast Their Votes
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