Cindy Shunk of Sylvania, Ohio is a strong self-advocate. Knowing her rights, she asks for what she needs and wants. She is clear that she prefers to be treated like everyone else. Over the years, she has received support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) because she is blind.
After she graduated with a bachelor’s degree, Cindy tried applying for jobs in radio but eventually went in a different direction. When she learned of an opportunity to participate in a master’s degree program, she took it.
Even with a master’s degree, finding a job did not come easily. Through hard work and determination, Cindy landed a job that she enjoyed, but then she lost the position because of the pandemic.
Cindy persisted again and found a new job, but it wasn’t a good fit. With help from OOD, Cindy, who refused to give up, found a position where she enjoys helping others.
A guest on the OOD Works podcast, Cindy explains her philosophy on persistence and shares about the rewarding job she has today. She is joined by Dawn Coleman, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor, who served as Cindy’s counselor through the Bureau of Services for Visually Impaired.
Tune in to episode 46 wherever you listen to podcasts by searching “OOD Works.” Transcripts and MP3 files are available on the OOD website.
 A variety of OOD staff were present at the budget testimony to show their support. From left to right: Michael Graham, Legislative Liaison; Susan Pugh, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation; Tanika Lawrence, Senior Disability Claims Adjudicator; Shannon Hopp, Senior Disability Claims Adjudicator; Director Kevin Miller; Sahar Kahn, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Orville Sharp, Business Enterprise Specialist; Chesney Barnett, Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor; Maria Seaman, Chief Fiscal Officer/Deputy Director of the Division of Fiscal Management; Pam Laing, Finance Manager; and Roya Hood, Vocational Rehabilitation Program Administrator.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted’s biennial Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 reinforces his dedication to making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. The proposed budget will allow OOD to secure the largest investment in its history to positively impact the lives of Ohioans with disabilities.
On April 25, 2023, OOD Director Kevin L. Miller provided budget testimony to the Senate Health Committee.
Director Miller said, “Through Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted’s budget, OOD will strategically expand programs and services to ensure that the employment needs of all Ohioans with disabilities are met.”
To learn more, watch Director Miller’s on-demand testimony on The Ohio Channel, beginning at 43:55.
 The Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) and OOD’s Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) are teaming up this June to present information about inherited retinal disease (IRD) research, testing, and resources on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Presenting on behalf of Foundation Fighting Blindness are Ben Shaberman, Vice President of Science Communications, and Michelle Glaze, Director of Professional Outreach. Rehabilitation Program Specialist Lindsay Thomas will present for BSVI.
Individuals with an IRD, loved ones, and professionals who provide IRD support or care are welcome to attend. Join the webinar via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on June 1, 2023.
The sixth annual In-Demand Jobs Week is May 1-5, 2023! 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 stem from career-focused education and the various paths available to Ohioans as they look for their next opportunity.
Example Career Pathways available in Ohio include:
Career Technical Education - provides students of all ages with the academic and technical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to succeed in future careers and to become lifelong learners.
Pre-Apprenticeships - teaches entry-level technical and job-readiness skills for an apprentice occupation to prepare students for a formal Registered Apprenticeship training program upon graduation.
College Credit Plus - helps students earn college and high school credits simultaneously by taking college courses from local colleges or universities while in high school.
Industry-Recognized Credentials - demonstrates the knowledge and skills students gain through hands-on learning in a specific job or industry.
Business, education, and community leaders statewide are encouraged to partner to plan events promoting all of Ohio’s opportunities, 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 questions, please email In-DemandJobs@JFS.Ohio.Gov.
 Marlena Schmitz and Daniel Little Digenova, OOD Program Administrators - ASL Interpreters.
May 3, 2023 is National Interpreter Appreciation Day. OOD celebrates American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and the service they provide.
Interpreters help break down language barriers and establish clear communication. Their combination of skill and care for others helps ensure equal access to information.
Thank you, interpreters, for all that you do!
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers facilities that allow visitors of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors. Watch a video to learn more.
DNR’s accessible activities and facilities webpage can help you find a public area that offers your favorite outdoor activity. You can also contact the nearest Wildlife District Office or State Park Office for more information.
Central Ohio Advocates Working to Connect People with Autism to Jobs
WBNS, 4-26-23
Is Disability Part of Your Identity? Ask Yourself These Questions
Forbes, 4-26-23
Can You Work While on Disability?
Forbes, 4-26-23
How Airports Help Travelers with Disabilities
Axios Columbus, 4-26-23
“I Have an Invisible Disability Myself”: Edward Enninful and Sinéad Burke on Their Fashion Revolution
The Guardian, 4-25-23
Inclusion Grant Can Help with Local Businesses Development
Coshocton Tribune, 4-23-23
Ohio Election Law Changes Impact Residents with Disabilities
WDTN, 4-23-23
How Having a Daughter with a Disability Changed One Woman's Relationship with Her Body
National Public Radio, 4-22-23
Artists with Developmental Disabilities Show Their Work at Art and Soul Awards Gala
WKEF, 4-22-23
School Hosts Sports Clinic for Those with Disabilities
WKBN, 4-22-23
How to Exercise When You Have a Chronic Condition or a Disability
CNN, 4-22-23
Metallica to Be First Rock Band to Make ASL Videos for a Full Album
WBNS, 4-19-23
|
