How a Stroke Transformed a Firefighter’s Path to Success

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Rising from Adversity: How a Stroke Transformed a Firefighter’s Path to Success

A firefighter's career transition, with photo of a firefighter fighting a fire with water hose

Michael Dalton of Westlake, Ohio was a 20-year firefighter with Fire Station #7 in the City of Cleveland. He thoroughly enjoyed his job helping others and expected to retire from the Division of Fire. However, three years ago, Michael experienced a massive stroke and had to be life-flighted for emergency brain surgery.

As Michael underwent treatment, it was apparent that he would have ongoing mobility disabilities. He could no longer drive or maneuver stairs. Michael had no choice but to retire. He started questioning what was next in his life because he wasn’t ready to give up employment altogether.

A former colleague told Michael about Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Michael decided to give it a try, and he began receiving services from Kenny Crookston, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Kevin Beaver, Job Developer with Matrix Vocational Solutions. “We hit it off so well,” Michael said. “I was willing to give this a shot!”

They worked together to help Michael establish an employment plan, and initially, he set his sights on a remote position. In preparation, Michael knew he would need to gain computer skills and worked with Kevin to receive computer training to become familiar with different programs and improve his typing speed. Michael also took Word and Excel classes at the library. With little previous experience using computers, Michael found the technology frustrating.

However, nothing was more frustrating to Michael than feeling like his life was on hold while he geared up to rejoin the workforce. He explained, “I really needed to do something. I had to get back out in the world. Between COVID and my disability, I wanted to be productive.”

With support from Kenny and Kevin, Michael updated his resume and applied for a variety of positions. Ultimately it was through his friend Donny that Michael was connected to an opportunity with St. Ladislas Catholic Church in Westlake. He was hired part-time to work at the front desk and assist with maintenance. The City of Westlake provides Michael with transportation to and from his job.

Kenny said, “Michael has been so great to work with, and his attitude has always been so honest and hopeful but realistic at the same time.”

“I love waking up in the morning to another day,” Michael said. “OOD got me on the right track. It opened me up to the possibilities and the fact that help was available. Now I’m mentally and physically healthier.”

Michael also knows that OOD is here for him in the future. “I’m not closing any doors. When this job ends, I will go right back to OOD—a great asset and resource.”

If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.

OOD Works e-Newsletter Returns September 8

Happy Labor Day! The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, September 8, 2023. Stay tuned!

All About Accessibility: Communication Card

The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), OOD, and statewide law enforcement partners developed a communication card to help individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing exchange information with law enforcement.

The 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.

Click here to download a PDF of the communication card.

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Programs provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are funded, in whole or in part, with federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), OOD received 78.7% of its funding through the DOE VR grant. In Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022, OOD received $103,630,848 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $28,047,485. Of these federal funds, $15,544,627 is set aside for Pre-ETS.

For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for the Supported Employment for Youth with a Disability Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of regular Supported Employment program costs up to the grant amount. In FFY 2022, OOD received $603,568 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $60,357 of the total costs. In FFY 2022, OOD received $603,568 in regular SE grant funds.

For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2022 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2022, OOD received $1,139,118 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid over the 10% required match, or $126,569 of the total costs incurred under the OIB program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2022. In FFY 2022, OOD received $632,008 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid over the 10% of the match required or $70,223 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.