 The Cuyahoga County Transition Collaborative (CCTC) is a partnership between Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CCBDD), and 31 school districts in Cuyahoga County. The CCTC includes counselors, transition coordinators, administrators, community partners, and parent mentors (employed by local education agencies to help families and provide support). Members share information and resources on behalf of students with disabilities and their transition from school to work or post-secondary education.
CCTC started as a working group in 2014 between OOD and CCBDD to support students with developmental disabilities and extended to include all students with disabilities. Camille Ali, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor, explained, "Some of the challenges we face in assisting students transitioning include making sure we connect them to services they will need once they graduate. We look at how we can all work together to ensure that students and families have access to the services they need."
"Timing of referrals, service delivery funding, family involvement, and defining roles are all part of the process," said Traci Conkling, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Northeast Area Manager.
Approximately 650 transition students with disabilities in Cuyahoga County receive OOD vocational rehabilitation services. Collaborative members work together to find ways to improve processes to help students with disabilities transition. "This has created a culture that has steadily improved the coordinated set of services that produce positive student outcomes," said Robert Ross, State Support Team Consultant.
"CCTC meetings allow us to all proactively learn from each other, air concerns, and assess what works for the individual student," said Heidi Ksiezyk- Strada, Manager, Employment Assessment and Planning for CCBDD. "The result is our families feel comfortable about their students graduating and exiting school.”
 Members of the Cuyahoga County Transition Collaborative continue their work during the pandemic through video conferencing.
Efforts have helped increase the number of students acquiring after-school jobs, permanent jobs, and post-secondary education. Michael Bivens, a 2020 graduate of Lincoln High School, received Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), participated in a simulated work lab, and thrived in a Summer Youth Work Experience at a discount drugstore and grocery. Lincoln Transition Coordinator Bob Delgado said, "Michael took ownership of his transition, communicated his wants and needs, tried new things, and found his strengths."
During his senior year, Michael had the opportunity to work at MetroHealth, which increased his confidence and skills. After graduation, he began working at Walmart, stocking shelves and helping out in the garden department. His job coach, Patrick Hatcher from H.O.P.E. Works, helped Michael learn to do his job successfully. Recently, the store needed more help up front, and now Michael also works as a greeter and has earned a raise.
Scott Docktor, Michael's OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, explained, "Pre-ETS, job placement, job coaching, transportation assistance, a dedicated transition coordinator, and family all came together to help Michael reach his full potential as a successful, independent employee."
"Michael has blossomed," said his mom, Sabrina Bivens. "He has worked hard and gets better all the time, and the transition team helped him get there."
When asked what he liked best about his job, Michael said, "I like being a greeter at the door and talking with people.”
To learn more about how OOD can help students with disabilities 14+ prepare for post-secondary education and employment, visit the Students 14+ webpage.
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.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month made a difference right here in Ohio. Watch a video to learn more.
Congratulations to our job seekers, staff, and providers! Employer Partners, we appreciate you!
Recently, Division of Disability Determination (DDD) staff member Deborah Sedwick was recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) with the Regional Commissioner’s Citation for outstanding service to the public.
The Regional Commissioner’s Citation is one of the highest honor awards presented by the SSA to recognize those employees who have made significant contributions throughout the year in assisting the region with delivering outstanding public service.
Nominated by Fredrick Schindler, Information Technology Supervisor, Deborah, a Software Developer Specialist 2, received an individual citation for outstanding leadership and expertise in transitioning DDD toward the successful implementation of the Disability Case Processing System. The single, enterprise-wide case processing system is being adopted by all 54 of SSA’s Disability Determination agencies. Deborah’s technical expertise, understanding of business processes and organizational dynamics, and collaborative approach were outstanding as she mentored sites adopting the new case system.
Congratulations!
 OOD is proud to recognize November as National Family Caregivers Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers, provide them with the tools that they need, and continue to support individuals with disabilities.
The Ohio Department of Health has developed some information and resources for parents/guardians and the general public about COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old.
For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
As the temperatures drop, it’s important eligible Ohioans are aware they can receive assistance to maintain their utility service during the winter months through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Learn more and begin an application at EnergyHelp.Ohio.Gov.
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