 Phil DeWitt was totally into astronomy as a kid. “I liked to see all the neat astronomy things happening,” he reminisced. He was fascinated with the solar system and captivated by the stars that looked down on his tiny town of Willshire, Ohio. But by his early twenties, he could barely remember what a star looked like.
Phil was born with Fuchs' dystrophy—a disease of the cornea which first causes cloudy vision and eventually can lead to blindness. Although he had sight early on, the condition progressed quickly. "It was like living in a dense fog. When the sun came out, it was like driving in the fog with your high beams on.”
Vision loss took away a lot of Phil’s independence. He couldn’t pass the driver’s license vision exam or cross the street without sighted guidance. Phil couldn’t see cars driving so he had to walk out of his way to get help crossing the street. He was dependent upon people in the community to keep him safe and take care of his needs. “You don’t realize how much you lose when you can’t see to do things. I couldn’t just go places and look around. I always had to have a game plan. And I always felt like a burden.”
A bright spot in Phil’s life was his job as a cook at Becky's Village Restaurant. The people became like family to him, and he relied on their support. In return, Phil spent 19 years at Becky’s serving up family-style comfort food that kept the regulars coming back for more. Continuing to work was important to Phil, but it was difficult for him to read recipes and orders, as well as stay safe in the kitchen.
Phil learned about a corneal transplant that could restore his sight but couldn’t afford the procedure. He made slightly too much for Medicaid but not enough for health insurance. It seemed the transplant was financially out of reach—until he heard about OOD. The nurse at Dr. Pajka’s ophthalmology practice in Lima mentioned that OOD might be able to help. Then Stacie from Family Care of Northwest Ohio also suggested Phil contact OOD. When a local librarian recommended OOD, too, Phil knew it was worth looking into. “She told me that OOD helped her stay working at her job longer.”
Stacie connected Phil with OOD where he was paired up with Jene Conway, an OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Jene assessed Phil’s situation and worked with him to make a plan that aligned with his goals. Citing significant limitations and workplace safety concerns, Phil was approved to receive financial support for the surgery through OOD’s Vocational Rehabilitation program.
Finally, Dr. Pajka was able to perform the corneal transplants—first on Phil’s right eye and two months later on his left. Phil had to lay on his back for three days following the surgery while he experienced a lot of swelling, but his vision got clearer as the swelling went down.
Regaining sight was overwhelming for Phil. Now he could see people’s faces and enjoy their smiles. He discovered that the “big pink balls” around town were actually colorful flower arrangements. He noticed new things every day. “I got to experience the joys of rediscovering bugs and flowers. And dust.”
Phil still works at Becky’s, and the OOD experience has opened new potential for him to safely advance his skills on the job. He’s relieved to not be as dependent on other people and excited to be getting places on his own. While working to get his driver’s license, he was introduced to online testing, along with 20 years of technology to catch up on. But Phil is adapting. He filed his own tax return online this year and sent his very first email—to Jene.
Phil believes that the stars had to align for this to happen, but Jene points out that it’s all in a day’s work at OOD. After waiting more than 20 years, it’s easy to see why Phil felt like the stars had finally aligned for him. Apparently so did the planets. It turns out that Phil’s vision was restored just in time to see five planets line up near the moon—a rare “planetary parade”, fitting imagery for his spectacular journey. Thinking back, he says, “For anyone who is not sure, I would definitely recommend OOD. Everyone has been so kind. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
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 and OOD Director Kevin L. Miller announced earlier this week that up to $7,000 per person is available to Ohioans with disabilities for college, training, and credentialing programs for the 2023 fall term.
The OOD Education Support Funds help students with disabilities in their pursuit of continued education. OOD will provide all eligible college and non-traditional students with disabilities up to $7,000, while participating in OOD services, to be used for tuition or educational expenses during the upcoming fall term. This includes students with disabilities participating in colleges, apprenticeships, trade schools, and credentialing programs.
“Higher education and a successful future should be available for all students,” said Governor DeWine. “By supporting college and non-traditional students with disabilities through services from OOD and its partners, they are given a greater opportunity of success as they transition from education and training to in-demand careers.”
“OOD is dedicated to empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment and independence,” said OOD Director Miller. “As part of this commitment, the OOD Education Support Funds ease financial barriers while providing individualized career guidance, technology, tools, resources, and connection to a large network of employer partners.”
Students with disabilities (e.g., physical, learning, mental health, sensory, hearing, vision, and more) can qualify for the OOD Education Support Funds through the following steps:
- Apply for OOD services online at OODWorks.com
- OOD staff will call the applicant and schedule an in-person or virtual appointment
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Complete the required paperwork to finalize the application
- OOD staff will determine eligibility and help plan the next steps
Vocational rehabilitation counselors with OOD assist students with disabilities with career exploration and counseling, assistive technology, resume and interview preparation, and job placement. Staff with OOD’s business relations team connect college students with disabilities to internship and permanent employment opportunities.
The OOD Education Support Funds build on a range of services to help students with disabilities 14+ prepare for post-secondary education and employment. From helping younger students explore job interests to supporting students in their first work experiences, providing Ohio College2Careers and more, OOD helps Ohioans with disabilities transition into fulfilling careers.
 Governor DeWine’s operating budget for OOD for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 reinforces his commitment to making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.
The budget allows OOD to maximize federal grant dollars available within two years. It also establishes a new initiative, Accessible Ohio, to support Ohio’s businesses, communities, attractions, and venues to be accessible and inclusive.
This historic investment significantly increases efforts to support Ohioans with disabilities, empowering them to find careers, stability, purpose, meaning, connection, and independence.
In line with the operating budget, OOD has a strategic plan for fiscal years 2024-2025.
Increasing Access to Employment for Ohioans with Disabilities
This historic investment will allow OOD to expand programs and services to an additional 7,000 Ohioans with disabilities annually, for a total of 41,000.
Assisting Ohioans with Disabilities to Earn Credentials Needed for In-Demand Jobs
With these additional funds, more Ohioans will be able to earn credentials, leading to better jobs at higher wages.
Partnering with Ohio Employers to Assist Them in Attracting Qualified Ohioans with Disabilities
OOD’s Business Relations Team will expand partnerships with Ohio businesses to increase the hiring and retention of Ohioans with disabilities and support businesses to meet their workforce goals.
Providing Greater Access to Services and Resources to Ohioans Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to Increase Community Engagement and Independence
Additional financial support for Ohio’s Community Centers for the Deaf increases their capacity to provide quality services for Ohioans who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
Optimizing Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Small Business Owners Who are Blind
Modernized equipment and business practices will support the success of individuals participating in OOD’s Business Enterprise Program.
Transforming How Ohioans with Disabilities Access All Our Great State has to Offer
The Accessible Ohio Initiative will allow OOD to provide individualized consultations, training, and resources to Ohio's businesses, communities, attractions, and venues to be more accessible and inclusive.
 Moments after taking the oath of office, Governor DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-03D, which established Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and a Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. To reinforce his commitment to Ohioans with disabilities, H.B. 110 included presenting the Governor's Inclusive Employer Award each year during October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to employers who meet the criteria for having a workplace inclusive of individuals with disabilities. OOD is responsible for determining the criteria for the award and promoting participation by Ohio employers. OOD will review applications and make recommendations to Governor DeWine for the selection of the Award recipient(s).
Businesses of any size are encouraged to apply for this award. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities invites Ohio employers to complete this application form to be considered for the award. More information, along with a PDF of the application, can be found on the employer awards webpage. The deadline for submission is 11:45 p.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023. Winners will be announced in early October 2023.
In this video, OOD Director Miller explains the award and encourages applications.
 Ohio will have a sales tax holiday from Friday, August 4, 2023, at 12 a.m. to Sunday, August 6, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
During the holiday, the following items are exempt from sales and use tax:
- An item of clothing priced at $75 or less
- An item of school supplies priced at $20 or less
- An item of school instructional material priced at $20 or less
Items used in a trade or business are not exempt under the sales tax holiday.
For more information regarding the sales tax holiday, please refer to the Ohio Department of Taxation’s (ODT) Sales Tax Holiday Frequently Asked Questions on the ODT website.
If you have any additional questions regarding this information, please contact ODT at 1-888-405-4039 or email ODT.
 The 2023 Ohio State Fair, which is taking place now through August 6, 2023, is continuing its unwavering commitment to accessibility and ensuring that Ohioans of all abilities can fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, thrilling attractions, and cherished traditions.
Fairgoers will enjoy free wheelchair/mobility device charging stations, technology to connect people who are blind or have low vision to an agent who can help with navigation, American Sign Language interpretation, a dedicated sensory-friendly morning, and a universal changing table.
“Inclusivity lies at the heart of it all in Ohio,” said Governor DeWine. “The accessibility of our Ohio State Fair allows Ohioans with disabilities to have equal opportunities to participate so that we do not leave anyone behind.”
OOD teamed up with the State Fair to make complimentary wheelchair/mobility device charging stations available. The stations are in marked areas in the Bricker MarketPlace Building, Kasich Hall, Lausche Youth Exploration Space presented by Intel®, Natural Resources Park pavilion, Taste of Ohio Café, and WCOL Celeste Center.
“The Ohio State Fair offers a refreshing escape from work and our daily routine,” said OOD Director Kevin Miller. “Since fairgoers usually spend the entire day on the grounds, it’s important that charging stations are available to keep wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices going strong.”
Also made available with support from OOD and the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, fairgoers who are blind or have low vision can use Aira – which stands for Access to Information Remote Assistance – to connect, for free, to a remote agent via a cell phone or through specially-fashioned glasses. Both the application and the glasses allow the agent to access visual information, which is especially helpful for navigating a large, unfamiliar area. The agent can also locate users through GPS and direct them to places of interest.
For fairgoers whose preferred method of communication is American Sign Language (ASL), interpretation will be offered at these events, with no reservations required: the Fair’s opening ceremony, the Sale of Champions Livestock Auction, daily at the Natural Resources Park Great Lakes Timber (lumberjack) shows and the Marvelous Mutts shows at The Dog House, and for all paid ticketed concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center. For Ohioans who are deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language, please watch this video.
In collaboration with the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Autism Society of Central Ohio, and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio State Fair is turning down the lights and volume in an effort to host a sensory-friendly morning event on Wednesday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fairgoers will have an opportunity to ride the rides with no flashing lights or music, visit the Fair’s educational activities, and explore many activities in the shade of the Natural Resources Park. Find more information and resources on the Ohio State Fair sensory-friendly morning webpage.
New this year, thanks to a partnership with the Montgomery County Board of Development Disabilities, the Ohio State Fair will have a universal adjustable-height changing table available in a large private restroom located in the Ag Pro Companies Taft Coliseum.
“It is important that all Ohioans have the opportunity to enjoy the Ohio State Fair,” explained Ohio State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler. “We recognize that the lack of proper changing facilities could be a barrier to attendance for some, and thanks to this partnership, we are able to continue to improve accessibility at the Ohio State Fair.”
Additional accessibility efforts at the Ohio State Fair include the following:
- Ample accessible parking spaces
- Buildings and many restrooms are accessible
- Motorized scooter and non-motorized wheelchair rentals
- Quiet Room in the Taste of Ohio Café, which is equipped for sensory relief
- Accessible seats for concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center can be purchased at the same cost directly from Ticketmaster (to view accessible seats, click the “filters” button, then toggle on the “accessibility” button to see)
- Free assisted listening devices for use at the WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage, and AARP Ohio Gazebo Stage
- Service animal relief areas with pick-up bags and waste receptacles at the Rhodes Center Lawn, Central Park, and Natural Resources Park
- Accessible play area at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Park
- Accessible picnic tables throughout the Fair
“We’re thankful for partnerships with OOD, OCALI, and others that help us welcome fairgoers from near and far to an unforgettable experience that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusivity, and embraces the spirit of togetherness,” explained Ohio Expo Center & State Fair General Manager Virgil Strickler.
Learn more at the Ohio State Fair’s accessibility webpage. During the Fair, conveniently-located guest information services booths offer daily schedules, maps, accessibility guides, and directions. For additional information, contact info@expo.ohio.gov or call 614-644-3247.
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