 Lt. Governor Husted, Andre Green (Central State University student and Ohio College2Careers participant), Lakysha Sager (Wilberforce University student and Ohio College2Careers participant), Mancell Lytle (Wilberforce University student and Ohio College2Careers participant), and Chancellor Randy Gardner.
On September 28, 2021, Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, OOD, Wilberforce University, and Central State University announced the expansion of Ohio College2Careers to ensure students with disabilities have the support they need to complete their degree and/or credential, earn higher wages, and meet the demands of tomorrow’s labor market. As part of Governor Mike DeWine’s Executive Budget for fiscal years 2022-2023, Ohio College2Careers immerses a full-time, dedicated vocational rehabilitation counselor in the disability services offices at Wilberforce and Central State Universities.
“The Ohio College2Careers program provides students with disabilities that extra support to help them prepare for in-demand careers,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Whether it’s providing them with assistive technology, working on their interview skills and resume or connecting them with internships and jobs, the program helps set them up for a better quality of life and future success.”
 Lt. Governor Husted, Andre Green (Central State University student and Ohio College2Careers participant), and Lakysha Sager (Wilberforce University student and Ohio College2Careers participant).
“This initiative not only allows us to offer additional supports to students with disabilities but also connects student participants to our expansive network of employer partners," said Kevin Miller, Director of OOD.
Dr. Elfred Anthony Pinkard, President of Wilberforce University, said, “We are excited about this opportunity to partner with our sister institution, Central State University and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, to develop comprehensive academic and vocational programming for students who are differently-abled, thus giving them the skills, confidence, and ability to craft productive futures for themselves.”
“With today's signing of the partnership with Wilberforce University and Opportunities for Ohioans for Disabilities, Central State University expands its resources to serve students with disabilities to help them gain the confidence and skills needed in their academic and professional careers," said Central State University President, Dr. Jack Thomas. “We are excited to usher in this next-level era of access, independence, and pathways to success.”
 Dr. Thomas, OOD Director Miller, and Dr. Pinkard.
Taleisa Jones is the dedicated Ohio College2Careers Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for Central State and Wilberforce Universities. Three of the students she has supported presented during the announcement: Mancell Lytle, Lakysha Sager, and Andre Green.
Mancell explained that Taleisa helped him get a new wheelchair, laptop, and hand controls for his vehicle.
“I am really excited to represent my school and be part of this organization,” Andre said.
Lakysha shared, “She (Taleisa) heard me. They came through with the things I needed.”
 Taleisa Jones, dedicated Ohio College2Careers Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for Central State and Wilberforce Universities.
With the addition of these two schools, Ohio College2Careers is now available at 17 colleges and universities. Dedicated vocational rehabilitation counselors assist students with disabilities with career exploration and counseling, assistive technology, resume and interview preparation, and job placement. Staff with OOD’s business relations team connect college students with disabilities to internship and permanent employment opportunities. Approximately 1,500 students will be served annually.
OOD liaison counselors also work with students with disabilities at any college and university in Ohio. To get started, students can visit OODWorks.com to explore vocational rehabilitation, take a self-assessment, and apply for services.
For more information about Ohio College2Careers, visit the webpage, or contact Kristin Garrett at (614) 438-1895 or Kristin.Garrett@ood.ohio.gov. To contact Taleisa, please call 937-543-6485 or email Taleisa.Jones@ood.ohio.gov.
A video of the September 28th announcement is available on Lt. Governor Husted’s Facebook page.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a campaign held every October to celebrate the many contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and raise awareness regarding the employment of people with disabilities. OOD is leading the state’s efforts across Ohio to promote the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the agency hosts virtual hiring events to facilitate job interviews for OOD job seekers and employers with available positions.
“In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the theme Ohio’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion, reflects the importance of ensuring that Ohioans with disabilities have full access to employment during our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Inclusive work environments help businesses tap an underutilized talent pool and help us ensure that we leave no one behind.”
 Read a proclamation from Governor DeWine.
“OOD is here for both Ohio businesses and individuals with disabilities,” said Kevin Miller, OOD Director. “We link Ohio’s largest pool of diverse workers to employers. Last year, we assisted nearly 5,000 individuals with disabilities in finding employment.”
During the month of October, OOD will host virtual hiring events for OOD job seekers and employers specifically looking to hire individuals with disabilities. The virtual hiring events are for all regions of the state, providing individuals with disabilities a unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with employers. These events will provide an opportunity for more than 300 interviews for OOD job seekers with more than 50 employers.
Additionally, OOD will host a no-cost webinar for employers, Hiring College Graduates and Students with Disabilities, on October 20 at 10 a.m. Employers will hear about the benefits of partnering with OOD for candidate recruitment and disability etiquette resources, examples of common reasonable accommodations, and firsthand accounts from college students and recent graduates with disabilities. More information, including the link to join, can be found at bit.ly/3Cgfy9m.
 Pictured left to right R.G. Drage Career Technical Center Vocational Special Education (VOSE) Coordinators Tracy Spradling, Nicole Green, and Torie Crockett.
October 5th is World Teachers’ Day, which provides an opportunity to celebrate teachers worldwide and recognize their dedication to leaving no one behind.
Tracy Spradling, Nicole Green, and Victoria Crockett, Vocational Special Education (VOSE) Coordinators at R.G. Drage Career Technical Center in Massillon, Ohio, are examples of this commitment and enthusiasm for students with disabilities. All three women provide special education, tutoring, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development.
"I have been privileged to partner with the R.G. Drage Career Center for the last 20 years,” said OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Tom Lash. “This team of veteran teachers are fully invested in the vocational education of their students and work hand-in-hand with OOD to benefit the students and families they serve.”
All three women are involved in workforce readiness, and their leadership has contributed to a 95% job placement rate of graduating seniors. During the pandemic, they coordinated technology that allowed OOD and the IEP teams to meet with students and families.
Nicole Green said, "We ensure the transition of our students to the world of work is as smooth as possible. We make certain they take the right classes and promote those early work placements with OOD that allow them to be successful and obtain gainful employment."
"Our graduating seniors often need accommodations and support, and we make sure they get it,” said Tracy Spradling. “We rally for them, give them confidence, say 'You can do this,' and teach them to advocate for themselves. Most of our students are not going for a two- or four-year degree, which makes our job even more important."
"We are their last step before they transition," said Torie Crockett. “Sitting where we are, we get to see the end result. It is impactful and rewarding and the reason why we have never chosen to do anything else."
To learn more about how OOD can help students with disabilities 14+ prepare for post-secondary education and employment, visit the Students 14+ webpage.
Governor Mike DeWine announced a new program to encourage vaccination among youth and young adults. Ohioans ages 12 to 25 will be eligible for 50 $10,000 scholarships and five $100,000 scholarships to an Ohio college or university or for career or technical education. More details to come.
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).
 The OOD Business Relations team works throughout the state to raise awareness of OOD and our mission with Employer Partners to promote and support the hiring of individuals with disabilities. Through OOD's network of Employer Partners, OOD Business Relations Specialists (BRSs) identify job opportunities that match our job seekers' skill sets and experience and provide services and resources that promote an inclusive and diverse work environment.
If you are an employer looking to diversify and strengthen your workforce by including people with disabilities, let OOD customize a no-cost Training Program for Your Business. Please get in touch with the OOD BRS in your area to schedule a meeting.
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Importance of Inclusion and Integration for Students with Disabilities
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Wilberforce, Central State Join Program to Support Students with Disabilities
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Historically Black Universities in Greene County Expanding Opportunities to Those with Disabilities
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CSU, WU Helping Students with Disabilities
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Husted Discusses Expansion of College Disability Program
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Wilberforce, Central State Join Program to Support Students with Disabilities
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