 Zack Kinney, a resident of Kenton, Ohio, is very mechanical, likes to fix things, and is known as a “man of few words.”
In Zack’s senior year at Benjamin Logan High School, he had difficulty passing the written portion of his driver’s permit test. Robert Painter, a Special Education Intervention Specialist at the school, referred Zack to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).
In February 2021, Zack met with OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Sarrah Irvin, who quickly connected him with Joe Scheidler at Capabilities, a Vocational Rehabilitation provider. Joe tutored Zack for three months. In April 2021, Zack passed the written test and went on to get his driver’s license in May.
During his final year of high school, Zack, who has a developmental disability, spent half of his school day at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center’s Ohio Certified Nursery Technician (Horticulture) program. He completed the program and graduated in May 2021.
Following graduation, Zack’s team learned about a third shift stocking job at Walmart. Zack’s team turned to RTC Services, another Vocational Rehabilitation provider, to help with training.
“Zack worked with several of our job coaches during that third shift,” said Codi Carter, a Job Developer with RTC Services. “Job coach Mary Deskins trained him to use a handheld scanner. After a few weeks, Zack’s confidence increased, and he could use the scanner on his own to find the correct location for the merchandise.”
In August, Zack moved to a position in the maintenance department at Walmart and is responsible for maintaining the floors, cleaning bathrooms, breaking down boxes, and more. He works 40 hours a week and does some landscaping work with his brother.
“Zack was very quiet but started warming up to coworkers and would go to them when he needed help,” said Codi. “Zack is a hard worker and will do what it takes to complete his tasks.”
“It was so rewarding to see all these people work together on Zack’s behalf,” said Kathy Kinney, Zack’s mom. “To see him achieve employment is a feeling I can’t explain, and it wouldn’t have happened without OOD. I am now encouraged about the assistance available for Zack’s brother, Mick, who will participate in a work exploration program this year.”
“Zack is excited to work,” said Sarrah. He is now saving money to build a house on his parent’s property for even more independence as a young adult.”
Zack said, “I like to work because it makes me like everyone else. I made enough money to buy my truck and pay for my phone and insurance. I hope to one day be the boss of maintenance.”
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced on May 20, 2022 that the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), OOD, and statewide law enforcement partners have developed a new communication card to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing exchange information with law enforcement.
The new card, which can be downloaded onto a phone or printed and stored inside a vehicle, wallet, or purse, includes various pictures that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can point to in order to help them more easily communicate during interactions with law enforcement.
“Removing barriers for Ohioans with disabilities is crucial for helping them live self-determined, independent lives,” said Governor DeWine. “This new communication tool will improve safety for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community as well as law enforcement officers across the state.”
The communication card also displays icons of common violations and provides tips for law enforcement to help officers effectively communicate with those who are hard of hearing or deaf.
“Approximately 303,000 Ohioans are deaf or hard of hearing,” said Kevin Miller, OOD Director. “We appreciate our partners from the Community Centers for the Deaf, Deaf World Against Violence Everywhere, and the Coalition for Deaf Access and Equity for collaborating with us on this practical solution to help bridge communication gaps and improve understanding.”
The Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, and Ohio State Highway Patrol also participated in the development of the card.
“We believe that communication between law enforcement and all citizens is important,” said Tom Stickrath, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. “OTSO will also print and distribute copies of the card to Ohio law enforcement agencies across the state so that they can have a copy to carry with them.”
In 2019, Governor DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-03D, which established Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.
Click here to download a PDF of the communication card.
Related information: Communication Disability Law.
The OOD Business Relations Team can help your business increase productivity, morale, and your bottom line. Learn about the value workers with disabilities can bring to your workplace. Watch a video and learn more on the Information for Employers webpage.
The OOD Business Enterprise (BE) Program provides entrepreneurial careers in vending services by licensed operators who are legally blind. The program currently has 77 licensed operators managing businesses in food service and vending throughout Ohio. These opportunities include cafeterias, convenience stores, snack bars, and vending machines in state and federal buildings and highway rest areas, where licensed operators have priority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act and Ohio Revised Code. The program also operates at state universities, colleges, and county buildings. Learn more at the BE Program webpage.
“Seek the World” is a video platform started by two individuals who are deaf. Follow along with one of the co-founders as he travels worldwide, sharing videos about different cultures, experiences, adventures, and more in bilingual languages (English and American Sign Language).
Visit SeekTheWorld.com for more information and to access the videos.
Youth Leadership Forums Transform the Lives of Young People with Disabilities: Priya Goddard
Cleveland.com, 5-29-22
Graduating Piketon Senior Overcomes Visual Impairment to Study Animation
Chillicothe Gazette, 5-27-22
Exploring Ohio: Inclusive Outdoor Recreation
Spectrum News, 6-2-22
Run to Support Children and Adults with Disabilities: Strong Points
Cleveland.com, 6-2-22
Blind N.Y. Marathoner Thomas Panek Among the Runners Celebrating Global Running Day
New York Daily News, 6-1-22
Meet Your Neighbor: Two Locals Heading to Special Olympics
Fremont News Messenger, 5-30-22
Major Donor Needed for Rocky River’s Elle’s Enchanted Forest Inclusive Playground
Cleveland.com, 5-30-22
Play at the Lake Playground Accessible to All
Bellefontaine Examiner, 5-30-22
Former Ms. Wheelchair America Leader Advocates for Inclusion
Second Wave Media, 5-29-22
How a Bike Accident Led a Lexington Girl to Advocate for Accessibility in Her Neighborhood
WKYT, 5-29-22
Deaf Sprinter Gives Division III Gallaudet First Title
The Associated Press, 5-29-22
Adult-Sized Changing Table Breaks Down Invisible Barrier for Caregivers of Teens, Adults Living with Disabilities
WBNS, 5-27-22
|
