 Caption: Kitty Kromer (left) and Kaitlin Windt (right) pause for a photo outside of Kaitlin’s workplace.
Driven by unwavering determination, Kaitlin Windt sets her sights on excelling in college and launching her career. After graduating with an honors diploma from Boardman High School, Kaitlin graduated from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in four years with a bachelor’s degree in integrated studies with a concentration in education, an associate in early childhood education, and minors in psychology and special education.
While still in college, Kaitlin connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). She and her family were delighted to find out that OOD could provide financial support toward college tuition. OOD also helped Kaitlin team up with Kitty Kromer, Transition and Employment Services Coordinator at ESC Work Solutions. Kaitlin explained, “It was super nice to work with someone who also never gave up. I can’t tell you how many jobs we looked at, and applied for, and when I wouldn’t hear anything back, we would go on to even more.”
Kaitlin, who has Freidrich’s Ataxia and uses a wheelchair, eventually landed the position of administrative assistant at the Youngstown Business Incubator. Now she’s the operations assistant, serving as the point of contact for tenants and leading a project to help small businesses work with college interns on technology. Kaitlin herself uses assistive technology to complete tasks at work.
Sarah Trout, Senior OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, said, “Kaitlin has truly overcome many barriers and been very successful due to her strong determination.”
Recently, Kaitlin’s employer acted on resources shared through OOD’s no-cost workplace accessibility services to enhance accessibility by installing automatic door openers at the building's entrance. Her journey showcases not only her determination but also her impactful contribution to making the Youngstown Business Incubator more accessible.
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536. If you are a business seeking resources to improve accessibility, please visit the OOD Accessible Ohio webpage and connect with a regional Accessible Ohio Specialist.
Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition Week is September 10-16, 2023. These professionals tirelessly dedicate themselves to empowering individuals with disabilities on their journey toward independence and success. Watch a video from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in which he expresses appreciation for direct support professionals.
“We partner with around 300 providers across the state to help individuals with disabilities get and keep a job. These providers offer vocational rehabilitation services such as training, job development, and job coaching for individuals with disabilities,” explained Kevin L. Miller, Director of OOD. “Through their patient guidance, DSPs provide the essential foundation upon which individuals with disabilities can confidently stride toward their career aspirations.”
DSPs provide individualized services and navigate challenges with grace and innovation, adapting strategies as needed. Professionals like Kitty Kromer, who supported Kaitlin as described in the preceding article, provide tireless efforts and guidance to the unique needs of those they serve, allowing individuals to flourish in their jobs and contribute meaningfully to their workplaces.
Follow along with us on social media (@OhioOOD) as we honor DSPs during this special week. Express your feedback to DSPs using the hashtag #DSPRW2023.
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, reach out to OOD today. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can help you explore your options. Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
OOD is pleased to host a webinar titled, "Creating a Workplace Culture that Supports Disability Disclosure." This webinar shares best practices for creating a workplace culture that encourages disability disclosure, and action steps an employer can take to implement successful self-identification campaigns. Business Relations Specialists Jacob Karnes and Ron Klonowski are joined by guest speaker, Julie Oakley from Walgreens.
This event is hosted through Microsoft Teams Webinar. Pre-registration is required to attend. Please visit the webinar registration site and complete a brief form. Once you have completed the registration form, you will receive an email that includes the link to join the event and add it to your calendar.
OOD is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, and programs in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. To request an accommodation based on a disability, please email Chris Glover by September 14, 2023.
The webinar has been approved for 1.00 HR (General) re-certification credit hour toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™, and SPHRi™ re-certification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) and 1.00 SHRM Professional Development Credit (PDC) hour toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®. While this training is not pre-approved for CESP Continuing Education (CE) credit, it aligns with CESP content, and verification of attendance will be provided upon request. These credits are available for attendees of the live broadcast.
OOD Jobs for Recovery is a partnership that assists Ohioans with disabilities, who are participating in a specialized drug court docket, to find and keep a job. Consistent employment helps Ohioans in recovery stay on a positive path, increase their independence and income, and engage meaningfully in the community.
OOD staff are active members of drug court teams and help individuals with substance use disorders and/or mental health diagnoses with work. These staff attend court proceedings and ensure the rapid engagement of each participant in career counseling, job placement, and retention services. They also can help address employment barriers, such as transportation and interview/work clothing. OOD Jobs for Recovery provides employment support for individuals served through certified specialized dockets in the following counties: Allen, Ashtabula, Butler, Clinton, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Highland, Hocking, Lucas, Mahoning, Scioto, Summit, Tuscarawas, and Warren.
In FFY 2022, a total of 100 Ohioans successfully completed the OOD Jobs for Recovery Program, working through their recovery and finding employment.
To learn more, visit the OOD Jobs for Recovery webpage, or contact Mallory Fisher, Program Administrator, at Mallory.Fisher@ood.ohio.gov or 330-812-7486.
 The OOD Council recognized two outgoing members with a proclamation from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on August 16, 2023. Pictured from left to right: Matthew Sauer, Ph.D., OOD Council Chair; outgoing OOD Council member Taniya George-Olds, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; outgoing OOD Council member Carlo LoParo; and OOD Assistant Director Erik Williamson.
The OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Annual Report Subcommittee will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and the public on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
The meeting will occur at OOD’s Central office at 150 E. Campus View Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43235, Conference Room 0308. For members of the public who cannot attend the in-person meeting, a call-in number will be available on the OOD website.
Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to OOD.OfficeOfCommunication@OOD.Ohio.Gov by the close of business on Friday, September 15, 2023.
For more information about the meeting, please visit the OOD Council meetings webpage.
 Kenny Henning with the Office of the Ohio Secretary of State (left) with OOD Director Kevin Miller (right) at the Ohio Secretary of State’s booth at the 2023 Ohio State Fair.
The American Association of People with Disabilities is coordinating Disability Voting Rights Week, September 11-15, 2023, to make a concerted effort to get people with disabilities registered to vote and prepared to cast a ballot in November. The REV UP campaign encourages individuals to “Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!”
Visit the Voters with Disabilities webpage on Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s site to learn how Ohio ensures voting is accessible in Ohio.
Federal Funds for Higher Education are Now Available to Ohioans with Disabilities
Cincinnati Edition, 9-6-23
Tour Goodwill Columbus' Newest--and Largest--Job Training Center on the East Side
Columbus Dispatch, 9-7-23
National Service Dog Month
WCPO, 9-7-23
Visually Impaired Westlake Senior Does Color Commentary for Lake County Captains Game
WEWS, 9-6-23
13% of Americans Have a Disability—What This Means During the Job Application Process
CNBC, 9-6-23
How an Elite Music School is Increasing Access for Students with Disabilities
PBS News Hour, 9-6-23
Eye-Tracking Tool May Help Diagnose Autism More Quickly and Accurately, New Studies Suggest
CNN, 9-5-23
Therapeutic Riding Institute Helps the Disabled
Dayton Daily News, 9-3-23
Lucas Co. Special Olympics Expands to Include Young People
WTVG, 9-1-23
|
