Chris, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder later in life, started working with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) as a senior in college, seeking assistance with career exploration. To help him overcome some of the difficulties he faced, Ohio College2Careers (Ohio C2C) Counselor Jennifer Cosgrove helped Chris explore college and career opportunities. With guidance from Jennifer, Chris decided to stay an extra year to minor in business to increase his options as he successfully graduated from Bowling Green State University with a major in actuarial science.
Ohio C2C is available at 17 public colleges and universities in Ohio 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.
After graduation, OOD partnered with Capabilities to provide Chris additional support with job searching, resume improvements, and internship preparation. Ohio C2C Career Development Specialist Dustin Schwab connected Chris with Kroger to obtain an internship through their neurodiversity program where he has continued to work for Kroger remotely. By working in the Research & Development Department at Kroger, Chris uses his education and experience in math and business to help with data-driven decisions.
Jennifer explained, “Chris has been dedicated throughout this process. He finds ways to improve his skills. I am excited to see what is next for Chris!”
OOD Vocational Rehabilitation 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 C2C, visit the webpage, or contact Kristin Garrett at (614) 955-1527 or Kristin.Garrett@ood.ohio.gov.
On April 21, 2022, OOD’s own Ashley Mixson received the Golden Spoke Award from the Wright State University (WSU) Office of Disability Services. The award is given annually to collaborators who have gone above and beyond in making WSU a more inclusive and welcoming environment for students with disabilities.
Ashley, who is the designated Ohio College2Careers (Ohio C2C) Counselor at WSU, is located in the Office of Disability Services, 180 University Hall at Wright State to assist students with disabilities with additional support.
The Office of Disability Services recognized the efforts Ashley has provided to support the educational and career goals of students with disabilities through Ohio College2Careers.
Tom Webb, Director of Disability Services at WSU, explained, “In the short time Ashely has worked with our students, she has been a true asset to our office and instrumental in helping our students with making their career goals a reality. We feel fortunate to collaborate with Ashley, who is always thinking of creative ways that will support our students in their higher education journey.”
Mark Fay, OOD Southwest Area Manager, said “Ashley jumped into her WSU Ohio C2C role with enthusiasm and expertise from day one. She is a consummate team player and has collaborated strongly with her WSU teammates to serve and support students with disabilities through graduation and into the workforce.”
According to Sonya Hill, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor, “Ashley has done an amazing job supporting students with disabilities in their educational endeavors by exploring majors that lead to careers and collaborating with staff in the Office of Disability Services to make sure that students have the accommodations, resources, and technology that they need to be successful. Ashley’s efforts represent the true essence of the partnership.”
Congratulations, Ashley!
From left to right: DODD Director Hauck, Teresa Kobelt, Dr. Sorg, and OOD Director Miller.
In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, OOD Director Kevin Miller participated in a panel discussion with Director Kim Hauck and Dr. Laura Sorg with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and Teresa Kobelt, Director of Policy with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI) on Wednesday, April 20, 2022. The panel shared professional and personal insights on how advocates, family members, and agencies are working each day to create more opportunities for people with autism in Ohio.
Watch the video of the panel discussion on The Ohio Channel.
OOD Director Kevin Miller and Governor Mike DeWine encourage the registration of individuals with communication disabilities.
The Communication Disability Law helps reduce potential confusion and supports the safety of Ohioans who have challenges communicating.
A video explains the Communication Disability Law, which allows individuals with a medically diagnosed communication disability, who drive or who are regular passengers in a vehicle, to voluntarily enroll in a database that connects to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). The law enforcement officer is then aware that the driver or a passenger in the vehicle may have difficulty communicating and can approach the vehicle with awareness to help avoid a situation that could become harmful to either the individual with a communication disability or to the officer.
Thanks to the Courage 2 Communicate public service campaign sponsored by Mount Union's Spectrum Education Center, awareness of the law is increasing. The Canton Repository featured the campaign in a story on April 22, 2022. Learn more about the law on OOD’s website.
The fifth annual In-Demand Jobs Week is May 2-6, 2022! In-Demand Jobs Week is the statewide celebration of the jobs, industries, and skills that are in-demand in Ohio. This year, In-Demand Jobs Week will highlight Ohio’s top jobs that pay more than $50,000 per year and don’t require a degree or years of training – just a credential.
Business, education, and community leaders statewide are encouraged to partner to plan events promoting all opportunities in Ohio, job readiness, and more to inspire excitement and awareness among students and job seekers.
Organizations can add their event to the statewide interactive event map by emailing In-DemandJobs@JFS.Ohio.Gov with the event title, date, time, and a short description of the event.
To learn more about In-Demand Jobs Week and to view the statewide interactive event map, visit TopJobs.Ohio.Gov. With any questions, please email In-DemandJobs@JFS.Ohio.Gov.
The OOD Council’s Vocational Rehabilitation Policy Subcommittee will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and a virtual meeting for the public on Thursday, May 12, 2022, beginning at 10 a.m. Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to OOD.OfficeofCommunication@OOD.Ohio.Gov by the close of business on Friday, May 6, 2022. For more information about the meeting, please visit the OOD Council meetings webpage.
Register now for Ability Summit on May 10, 2022. This free, virtual event brings together people with disabilities, allies, and industry professionals to imagine, build, and include the future of disability inclusion and accessibility.
Keynote speakers, including Microsoft’s Panos Panay and Amanda Silver, along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Liz Plank (CEO and filmmaker), and many more industry and community leaders, will spotlight current and future accessibility technologies and disability inclusion practices.
Registration is required. All sessions will include real-time English captions, transcripts, and American Sign Language. Accommodation requests are available during registration.
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