 Meet Olivia, a resilient and determined woman whose unwavering spirit and strength inspire those around her. In the face of significant health challenges and the devasting loss of her beloved mother, Olivia refused to let adversity define her. Instead, she embraced her grief and health struggles as catalysts for growth, propelling her to reclaim her life and career.
After getting treatment for her depression, Olivia was eager to get back to work and sought out assistance from CommQuest Services, Inc. in 2010. She met with Phillip Paschal, an Employment Specialist at CommQuest Services, Inc. Together they worked on preparing to get Olivia back to work.
Throughout the years, Olivia worked at various jobs despite blindness in one eye, diabetes, and throat cancer. Her jobs included cleaning, working in fast food, and holding a position at a retirement village. When her mother passed away, Olivia became depressed and was temporarily unable to work.
In 2017, Olivia had quadruple bypass surgery and was unable to work. However, throughout her recovery, she continued to work with Phillip. Eventually, Phillip connected Olivia with Christine Crine, who was a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Christine helped Olivia find a job at Coastal Pets Products in January 2020. However, Olivia became ill with COVID and was hospitalized for five weeks. Costal Pets Products held her job for her, but Olivia decided to resign due to a long recovery period, including a stay in a nursing home and outpatient physical therapy.
Through all her struggles, Olivia was determined to go back to work. “Olivia never gave up,” said Phillip. “She is a great client and great to work with. She has a great sense of humor that makes time pass quickly on the job,” he added.
In October 2022, Olivia began working with Erika Salewsky, OOD Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Olivia was hired as a pizza prep at Little Caesars Pizza in North Canton, Ohio a few months later, working three days a week. Phillip helped Olivia become acclimated to the job. Erika provided bus passes to help Olivia get back and forth to work.
“Olivia is very reliable,” said Jermain Davenport, Manager at Little Caesars Pizza. “She outworks the younger people.”
Olivia said, “Work is recovery. You get to meet different people and learn new things.” “I’m still learning at the age of 72,” she added.
“It has been my pleasure to work with Olivia,” said Erika. “She is a very motivated woman, and her outlook on life is nothing short of inspiring. While she has had her past struggles, we can all learn from her sense of humor and optimism toward the future.”
If you or someone you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 In recognition of the benefits of rehabilitation and the successes of those who have received treatment through all forms of rehabilitation, the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation recognizes National Rehabilitation Awareness Week during the third full week in September every year. This year, National Rehabilitation Awareness Week is September 18-24.
OOD is proud to celebrate National Rehabilitation Awareness Week to highlight the positive impact of rehabilitation. During this week, we reflect on the remarkable outcomes that individuals achieve through the power of rehabilitation, and we reaffirm our commitment to transforming lives through Vocational Rehabilitation.
Visit our website to learn more about OOD’s services for individuals with disabilities. You can also watch a video about how Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors make a difference.
 Caption: The OOD Council meeting on April 19, 2023.
The OOD Council Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan Subcommittee will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and the public on Tuesday, September 26, 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 0306. 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 22, 2023.
For more information about the meeting, please visit the OOD Council meetings webpage.
 Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
OOD will host an employer showcase, open to all college students, to learn about internship and career opportunities with Huntington National Bank. These will include a range of positions that cover Huntington locations throughout Ohio, as well as exciting remote work opportunities.
Pam Burlingame, Assistant Vice President, Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant with Huntington, will discuss the company and its culture, talk about recruiting timelines, review their hiring page, share tips for applying, and give insight into interviewing successfully. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in a live Q&A with the presenter to ask questions.
This event is hosted through Microsoft Teams Webinar. Pre-registration is required to attend. Students should visit the registration site and complete a brief form. Once registered, students will receive an email that includes the link to join the event and add it to their calendars.
 Ohio’s In-Demand Jobs Survey allows the state to collect feedback based on what Ohio businesses need, creating a portal for Ohioans to learn what jobs will be important now and, in the future so they can better plan their pathway to a successful career. The survey is open to any registered business in Ohio, allowing businesses of all sizes and in all areas of the state to share their needs.
Take the survey now by visiting TopJobs.Ohio.gov/Survey.
Your responses will help build Ohio’s Top Jobs List, which helps direct the spending of federal funding for education and training programs in Ohio. Don’t miss this opportunity to share what your business needs!
 Happy National Hispanic American Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more at HispanicHeritageMonth.gov.
 OOD mourns the loss of Jack Hawk, founder of TRIAD Deaf Services, Inc., and director for more than ten years.
Jack, who was raised by parents who were Deaf, had an innate understanding of the challenges faced by the Deaf community, fueling his passion to make a difference. His willingness to problem-solve shone brightly when he partnered with OOD to lead an effort to create a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program tailored for individuals who are Deaf. Through his unwavering commitment and advocacy, Jack broke down barriers and opened new doors of opportunity for the Deaf community to pursue careers in the trucking industry.
“Jack carved a path of profound impact and lasting influence within the Deaf community,” said Kevin Miller, OOD Director. “We celebrate the legacy he leaves behind as a reminder to all of us to be passionate about our work with individuals with disabilities.”
In addition to his family and friends, Jack will be missed by TRAID staff, the Deaf community, OOD, and many more. His leadership will continue to inspire perseverance in creating positive change.
 September is Deaf Awareness Month, and the International Week of the Deaf begins September 20, providing an opportunity to foster understanding, inclusivity, and communication for the Deaf community.
For more than 30 years, OOD has served Ohioans who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing through partnerships with community entities throughout the state, often referred to as Community Centers for the Deaf. OOD works with these partners to provide support and communication services, ensuring individuals have the information needed to fully integrate into employment and other activities.
In Fiscal Year 2022, OOD and partners served 1,719 Ohioans who were Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing. One of these individuals, Rae, has pioneered a path as a full-time, independent contractor helping DeafBlind clients find their voice. Watch a video about Rae to learn more about her journey.
Learn more about OOD services from a video in ASL. If you or someone you know would like to get started with OOD, please visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
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Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing Services Webpage: OOD and community partners offer support and communication services to Ohioans who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing as well as their families and communities.
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Searchable Database of Resources about Deafness, DeafBlindness, and Hearing Loss: OOD and the Community Centers for the Deaf partnered to create a searchable database of resources with 34 categories of information (e.g., Deaf Culture, Domestic Violence, Employment, Housing, Sign Language, Substance Use, and Youth Services).
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Communication Disability Law: Individuals with a medically diagnosed communication disability can register to notify law enforcement if pulled over.
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Communication Card: A communication card is available to help individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing and police officers communicate with each other.
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Condado Tacos Receives Disability-Friendly Award
WTVG, 9-13-23
2023 NEO Aging and Disability Summit
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Hometown Hero Helps Those with Disabilities Learn Life Skills
WYTV, 9-13-23
Northeast Ohio Nonprofit Empowers People with Disabilities Through Sports
WEWS, 9-13-23
Patriots' Lawrence Guy Gives Back to Community, Helps Others with Learning Disabilities
NBC Sports Chicago, 9-13-23
One Bridge Center Helps Connect Those with Disabilities, Develop Digital Skills for Workforce Success
WEWS, 9-12-23
Paul Simon “Beginning to Accept” Hearing Loss
BBC News, 9-12-23
Chipping Away at the “Epidemic of Loneliness,” One New Friendship at a Time
WBUR, 9-11-23
Direct Support Professionals Honored
The Van Wert Independent, 9-11-23
Deaf Woman Advocates for People Living with Disabilities
Spectrum News, 9-10-23
How to Teach Kids to Befriend a Child with a Disability
CNN, 9-10-23
He Broke His Neck as an Idaho Teen - Now He’s a U.S. Disability Adviser
The Washington Post, 9-9-23
Empowering User Experience: “Web Accessibility for Front-End Devs”
Forbes, 9-8-23
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