 Michael Moxley is 64 and lives in Cincinnati. While taking a class to improve his computer literacy skills in 2021, his instructor encouraged him to apply to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for services. Michael’s employment had been impacted by the pandemic, and he was recovering from double hip surgery. Amy Stullenberger, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, connected him with Employment Services Specialist Beth Maltry from IKRON, who helped him with job development.
Beth helped Michael put together his work history and resume which included a long career in customer service, including positions with Hamilton County Job & Family Services, Convergys, and the Global Data Collection Company (GDCC). Beth also assisted him with online applications and helped prepare him for virtual interviews, something he had never experienced before.
Last September, Michael took part in an OOD Virtual Hiring Event, where he interviewed with the Hyatt Regency in Cincinnati. Michael was offered a job in October as an Internal Hotel Operator. He now works 20-30 hours a week at a desk and is the first point of contact customers have with the hotel. The job utilizes his customer service and computer skills, and he enjoys talking with customers, every day.
“I am the concierge of the Hyatt phone system,” said Michael. “I find out what the caller needs and provide exemplary customer service.”
“This job is a natural fit for his abilities and meets Michael’s need for a sedentary job to accommodate his physical disability brought on by degenerative joint disease,” Amy explained.
Michael has received great feedback from his supervisor and customers and was recently recognized by management for taking initiative. “I am always willing to do whatever is required to serve my customers. I never say ‘that’s not my job,’” said Michael.
When asked about the idea of retiring, Michael said, “I’m not retiring, yet. I need to work, but I also love to work. This job has boosted my self-esteem and confidence. This is my second act.”
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 June 20-24, 2022 is National Disability Professionals Week, recognized by the National Association of Disability Examiners (NADE). This professional organization represents and supports professionals in the field of disability adjudication, including examiners, administrators, physicians, support staff, and others.
The OOD Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security Disability benefits (Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income).
In honor of this special week, OOD is highlighting some of our DDD staff who explain how their efforts make a difference. Watch the video.
OOD is pleased to offer a free, on-demand training for employers. Learn about disability etiquette, proper language usage, and how to have respectful interactions with people with disabilities.
Join presenter Dustin Schwab, Career Development Specialist at OOD, for this 30-minute training. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from Ohioans with disabilities and gain practical tips.
Shared publicly as a 60-minute training two years ago, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the training has been viewed more than 11,000 times.
The OOD Business Relations Team can help your business increase productivity, morale, and your bottom line. Learn more on the Information for Employers webpage.
 Juneteenth (a combination of "June" and "nineteenth") is a national holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States. Although the emancipation proclamation was signed almost two and a half years earlier, the news of this important decision reached Texas two years later on June 19, 1865.
Americans may honor Juneteenth in many ways including parties, parades, memorials, and lessons. Regardless of how Juneteenth is celebrated, it’s a time to share stories of struggle, resilience, and liberation.
For a suggested Juneteenth reading list, please visit this webpage from the State Library of Ohio.
OOD offices will be closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of the holiday.
 Happy Father's Day to all dads, everywhere, for all that you do!
 A collection of resources called “Our Family, Our Way” was developed by Miami University’s Scripps Gerontology Center was developed to help families navigate the difficult process of establishing and coordinating care for a loved one.
The resources walk families through the process of holding a family meeting to talk about what kinds of care and support are needed and wanted and how to work together to make it happen. Other resources like videos and tip sheets are also available. Learn more at the “Our Family, Our Way” webpage.
New Cards Help Improve Communication Between Law Enforcement and Deaf People
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DeWine Unveils Card to Help Individuals Communicate with Law Enforcement
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MVMC Launches Roundtable Series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Business Journal, 6-15-22
New Technology Helping Toddlers with Mobility Impairments
WKRC, 6-15-22
Normalizing Neurodiversity: How Self-Advocates are Speaking Out and Breaking the Stigma
WKYC, 6-14-22
Can Virtual Reality Help Autistic Children Navigate the Real World?
The New York Times, 6-14-22
Battle of the Businesses Raises Over $42,000 for Special Olympics
Dayton 24/7 Now, 6-11-22
Local Golf Outing Supports Adults with Disabilities
WKBN, 6-10-22
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