Michael’s Can-Do Attitude Helps Him Succeed

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Michael’s Can-Do Attitude Helps Him Succeed

photo of young man in cap and gown and in a red shirt with a name tag text: "I feel proud of myself." Michael DeVincentis

While a high school student, Michael DeVincentis and his parents began considering his future in the world of work.Their focus centered on his abilities, strengths, and barriers to succeeding with autism. He participated in the Cuyahoga East Vocational Education Consortium (CEVEC) job training program during his final three years at Mayfield High School. While attending CEVEC, he connected with Jane Morana, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

After he graduated in the spring of 2021, Jane arranged for Michael to participate in a five-week summer training program at CVS Pharmacy in partnership with Vocational Services Unlimited. He learned the ins and outs of the job with the help of Carmen Harnett, Job Coach.

CVS hired Michael on as a permanent employee after he finished the training program. Michael works two days a week stocking the shelves, directing customers to what they’re looking for, and assisting with store signage.

“Michael feels more confident in himself. He comes out of the store with his head held high, and when he takes his face mask off, he’s smiling. You can see the confidence,” shared Joanne DeVincentis, Michael’s mom. “My husband and I are so proud of him and grateful for everyone on his team.”

Michael is a very friendly young man with a great work ethic and a positive, can-do attitude. It was a pleasure to work with Michael, his parents, and his CEVEC team,” Jane said. “Participating in his success at CVS has been both a joy and a privilege.”

“I like the manager, assistant manager, and everyone I work with. I like changing the sales tags,” Michael explained. “I feel proud of myself.”

If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.

Autism Acceptance Month

Photo of Director Miller with super imposed play button

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and OOD honors all people with autism spectrum disorder, their families, advocates, healthcare workers, service providers, researchers, and other community members who provide support. Watch a video of OOD Director Kevin Miller sharing his thoughts on this special month.

Ohio College2Careers Career & Internship Spotlight

Thursday, April 14, 2022 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

OOD’s Ohio College2Careers is pleased to offer “Career & Internship Spotlight” for college students and recent graduates. Four OOD Employer Partners will provide information about their company and internship and career opportunities. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in a live Q&A with employers.

Featured presenters include Cardinal Health, LabCorp, PNC Bank, and TeamOhio. Learn more about the event and employers here.

The event will take place as a Microsoft Teams Live Event. You can view the training through your web browser, and you do not need to have Microsoft Teams to participate. Here is a link to join the Spotlight event on April 14.

Please click here to let us know you'll be joining us.

OOD is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, and programs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. To request an accommodation based on a disability, please contact Chris Glover at Chris.Glover@ood.ohio.gov by April 7, 2022.

Ohio Youth Leadership Forum 2022

Do you know a student interested in learning leadership and advocacy skills? The Ohio Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) can help. Student delegates learn about career choices, work in groups to develop personal leadership plans, and have opportunities to interact with professionals with disabilities. During YLF, delegates learn valuable skills that help them become work-ready or better prepared to enter postsecondary education.

OOD contracts with the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council to implement YLF. Together with the local Centers for Independent Living, they will be offering five in-person sessions and one virtual session this summer for high school juniors and seniors with disabilities.

Students may participate in one of the following in-person regional events (preferably in the same region as their home): Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo. One virtual session will be offered for students (from all areas of Ohio) who prefer the virtual format. Students will need to complete a YLF application and be eligible for OOD services to participate in this program.

For more information, please visit the OOD Students 14+ webpage and scroll down to “Youth Leadership Forum,” or contact Donna Foster at 614-506-2739 or Donna.Foster@ood.ohio.gov.

OOD Council Meets April 20

Photo of recent OOD council meeting of individuals sitting at tables listening to speaker

The OOD Council meeting on January 12, 2022.

The OOD Council will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and a virtual meeting for the public on April 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Find the link to join at the OOD Council meetings webpage.

Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to OOD.OfficeofCommunication@OOD.Ohio.Gov by the close of business on Friday, April 15, 2022.

All About Accessibility: Smart Home Discovery Place

The Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University is offering tours of the Smart Home Discovery Place, showcasing how technology solutions might support people with developmental disabilities. As explained in this video, the Smart Home Discovery Place is a home-like environment on The Ohio State University’s campus where visitors can try technology before buying, discover ways technology might expand independence, and participate in tours. Visit the Smart Home Discovery Place webpage to learn more and schedule a tour.

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Ohio Valley Encouraged To Observe World Autism Day by “Going Blue”

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Hired for Ability, Not Disability

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Man Finds Dream Job at Ross County Recorder’s Office with Help from Goodwill

Chillicothe Gazette, 3-26-22

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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) 2021, OOD received $105,851,903 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $28,648,609. Of these federal funds, $15,877,785 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 2021, OOD received $299,041 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $32,933 of the total costs. In FFY 2021, OOD received $335,518 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 2021 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2021, OOD received $1,139,118 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid over the 10% required match, or $126,568 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 2021. In FFY 2021, OOD received $638,013 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid over the 10% of the match required or $70,268 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.