Randy Garvin is from Bolivar, Ohio. He has always been someone who persisted, despite having tough experiences growing up. He was born with several health challenges, including cataracts on both eyes, which required surgery, and a hole in his heart. While in high school he struggled and considered dropping out. However, Randy’s grandpa saw the potential in him and made Randy promise that he would graduate from high school. He kept his word even though graduating required him to stay in school until the age of 21.
In 1994, Randy attended a local jobs program to help find employment and learned about Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Randy contacted OOD and met with Julie Hickman, an OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Julie provided counseling and helped Randy secure hearing aids, special glasses, and interview attire. Julie also arranged transportation for Randy’s medical appointments.
Randy found work as a custodian, but after seven years, the company went out of business. Over the years, he stayed in contact with Julie for assistance when additional employers also went out of business.
After Julie retired, Randy was introduced to Christine Strahler, an OOD Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Christine became familiar with Randy’s experience and strengths and connected him with Kelly Greaves, a Job Developer with Assurance Employment Specialists.
Kelly helped Randy complete job applications and transported him to job sites. Randy found a job as a custodian at a local day habilitation program. However, when the pandemic came, the program shut down.
Randy once again found himself without a job. He reached out to Christine and Kelly for help with his resume and interviewing skills.
In August 2022, a part-time custodial job opened at the Hall of Fame Village, an OOD Employer Partner in Canton, Ohio. Randy applied for the position and began in August 2022. He accomplishes an extraordinary amount of cleaning each morning that he’s at the Hall of Fame Village. Recently, he received a “100%” on his job evaluation.
“We appreciate Randy for more than just his hard work and attention to detail,” said Andrew Wilhelm, Director of Facilities & Attractions. “We also want to celebrate his character and the positive effect he has on others!”
“OOD has been wonderful for me,” said Randy. “Julie, Christine, and Kelly taught me how to interview for a job. If it weren’t for them, I would not be working today. I highly recommend OOD to anyone who has a disability.”
“Randy is hard-working and dedicated to his job," said Christine.
Kelly explained, “Randy was raised by his grandfather to work hard at all he does. He has proven that he lives by those words because he always goes above and beyond employer expectations.”
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is recognized in October to raise awareness of disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities. Read the NDEAM proclamation from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted.
The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month”. This year is the 78th anniversary of the special month.
OOD is leading the state’s efforts across Ohio to promote the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. This month OOD is hosting hiring events for OOD job seekers, providing a webinar and other training opportunities for employer partners, and more. Read OOD’s 2023 NDEAM press release.
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, October 19, 2023
OOD is pleased to host a webinar titled, "Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace." This webinar helps employers recognize the barriers and limitations employees with invisible disabilities may encounter at work and ways to remove these through providing reasonable accommodations. Information will be provided to inform best practices for navigating the interactive process through the lens of an invisible disability. The webinar’s presenters are Julie Wood, OTR/L, ADAC, Accessible Ohio Manager, Julia Wagner, OTD, OTR/L, and Shelly Burkhart, Accessible Ohio Specialists.
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 contact us by October 12, 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.
On October 6, 2023, World Cerebral Palsy Day will be held to spread awareness and support for individuals living with cerebral palsy and their loved ones.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a comprehensive list of resources on cerebral palsy, including practical, medical, and community-based information for adults and children with cerebral palsy.
Air Force Material Command, 10-2-23
Bellefontaine Examiner, 10-2-23
Associated Press, 10-2-23
The White House Briefing Room, 9-29-23
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