 Brian Whitacre with his wife Vonetta.
Brian Whitacre has a mental health condition. After more than five years of not working, Brian wanted to return to work to have extra income to help pay his bills.
In 2020, a friend told Brian about Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Brian applied for services and met with Robert Wendling, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Initially, Brian wanted to utilize his associate degree in accounting. After trying a job in accounting, Brian decided that the field was too stressful and reset his sights on retail.
Robert referred Brian to Carol Buckner, a Job Developer with Buckner Employment Services & Training in Butler County, to assist with resume writing, interviewing skills, and searching for a position based on his skills and interests.
In June 2021, Brian married Vonetta. Later that same year, Brian was hired as a part-time cashier and stocker at the Dollar Tree in Wilmington.
“Brian understands his skills and wants to contribute to the community to better his life and others,” Carol explained. “His job at the Dollar Tree allows him to do this as he adjusts to learning job expectations and builds skills to focus on full-time employment.”
Robert said, “Brian has been motivated to get into the community and rebuild his life. He has spent a significant amount of his adult life managing his own health. This job gives Brian independence in his daily tasks while working at his own pace.”
“Work gives me a sense of purpose and enables me to contribute to my family,” Brian said.
If you or someone you know would like to work, reach out to OOD to learn about your options. Visit OODWorks.com to apply for services or call 800-282-4536.
 Top left: Disability Awareness Training at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. Top right: Employer Spotlight - UC Health. Bottom left: Inclusive Employer Roundtables Session. Bottom right: OOD staff at Pro Football Hall of Fame Village.
OOD staff were active during Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Week, May 2-6, 2022. Events included a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village to hear about current and upcoming job opportunities with the Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company in Canton.
Staff also learned about additional opportunities for participants during an Employer Partner Spotlight with representatives from UC Health. Towards Employment presented information to staff on the Access to Manufacturing Careers On-Ramp Program.
OOD kicked off a new service for fostering a workplace that is inclusive of individuals with disabilities. A group of more than 25 Employer Partners representing various industries throughout Ohio has committed to participating in a five-part Roundtables series to network with peers, share resources, participate in thoughtful discussions, and formulate strategies to achieve their organization’s disability inclusion goals. Each session of the Roundtables will correspond with the topical areas of OOD’s Inclusive Employer Handbook and Toolkit.
Staff with the OOD Division of Employer and Innovation Services presented on Job Developers and Job Coaches in the Workplace for job training coordinators and other transition staff at the Ohio Association of Job Training Coordinators Conference. They also provided Disability Awareness Training for employees with Amazon and Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.
Let OOD Customize a no-cost training program for your business. Please contact the OOD Business Relations Specialist in your area to schedule a meeting.
 Top row, left to right: Kristen Caldwell, Kim Bavis, Lisa Johnstone, Katy Robson, and James Minutilli. Bottom row, left to right: Randy Lewis, Carolyn Rhodes, Tammy Havener, Bob Hanson, Grace Alex, and Jesse Kessler.
At OOD’s Excellence in Service Award Ceremony last week, staff members from across the state were honored for performing “above and beyond” in their efforts to improve customer satisfaction and job performance and encourage creativity, innovation, and initiative.
Lisa Johnstone and James Minutilli were named the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation/Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired award winners.
Lisa Johnstone, Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor, said, “The ability to be of service in the Dayton and surrounding communities is a value that I hold dearly.”
James Minutilli, Vocational Rehabilitation Caseload Assistant, said, “All qualified individuals, regardless of disability, deserve the right to a level playing field when seeking meaningful employment, and I am bound and determined to do everything I possibly can to make sure they get that chance!”
Kim Bavis and Kristen Caldwell were named the Division of Disability Determination winners.
Kim Bavis, Disability Claims Specialist, said, “I want to give a voice to people with disabilities who do not feel heard.”
Kristen Caldwell, Disability Claims Specialist, said, “Small actions, when multiplied, can change the world.”
Katy Robson, Human Capital Management Senior Analyst/Human Resources Labor Relations, was a Support Division award winner. She said, “I like to make a difference and help people. ‘Leadership is service, not position.’”
The Facilities Team within the Division of Fiscal Management, including Tammy Havener, Facilities Manager; Grace Alex, Program Administrator 2; Bob Hanson, Space Planner; Jesse Kessler, Inventory Control Specialist 2; Randy Lewis, Space Planner; and Carolyn Rhodes, Program Administrator 2, was also a Support Division award winner. According to colleagues, this team proved itself “exceptionally reliable, dependable, and customer-focused” in handling “difficult requests, timelines, and ever-changing plans with the utmost professionalism.”
Years-of-service milestones were also presented. Congratulations to Shelly Burleson, Administrative Professional 2; Loren “Scott” Jolly, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; and Kerri Stickney, Vocational Rehabilitation Caseload Assistant for 35 years of service.
Congratulations to the following individuals for 30 years of service: Barbara Bolger, Disability Claims Specialist; Deborah Bramlish, Disability Claims Development Analyst; Rebecca Briggs, Disability Claims Supervisor; Shellie Calle, Disability Claims Supervisor; Leslie Crockett, Disability Claims Supervisor; Mark Fay, Southwest Area Manager; Matthew Gibson, Disability Claims Specialist; Kerri Hinton, Accountant/Examiner 2; Stephanie Hupp-Miller, Disability Claims Specialist; Renee Kimbell, Vocational Rehabilitation Manager of MCU; James Kneessi, Database Administration Specialist 2; Jeff Miller, Disability Claims Specialist; Deborah Parker-Shaheed, Disability Claims Supervisor; Susan Pugh, Deputy Director of BVR; Kenneth Vendley, Information Technologist 3; and Jennifer Wittenmeier Whaley, Senior Disability Claims Adjudicator.
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Older Americans Month honors the countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. This year’s theme, “Age My Way,” recognizes the many ways older adults contribute to, support, and benefit from their communities, as well as the many programs, advocates, and providers who help them do so.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted officially proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in Ohio. Learn more at the Ohio Department of Aging’s website.
During May, OOD recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month.
Did you know that mental health and substance use disorders are disabilities that could qualify individuals for services with OOD? Watch a video to hear from Dana Young, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, about her work to support individuals with mental illness.
A Nonspeaking Valedictorian with Autism Gives Her College's Commencement Speech
National Public Radio, 5-12-22
Self-Advocates with Disabilities Tell Stories About Their Lives
The Toledo Blade, 5-11-22
Lakewood Asking Residents to Fill Out Survey Related to ADA Self-Evaluation Effort
Cleveland.com, 5-11-22
Dating Coaches, Who Specialize in Working with People with Autism, are in Demand
National Public Radio, 5-11-22
Microsoft Announces Heaps of Specially Designed Accessibility Accessories
PC Gamer, 5-11-22
Colorado Set to Become First State with Right-to-Repair Wheelchair Law
The Colorado Sun, 5-10-22
Special Education Program Prepares Students for Life After School
WTRF, 5-9-22
Blind Man Climbs Mount Shasta and Has Greater Heights Planned
KCRA, 5-9-22
MVMC to Focus on Inclusion
Tribune Chronicle, 5-8-22
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