Brianna Reeder Pursues Her Passion

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Brianna Reeder Pursues Her Passion

Brianna Reeder is a remarkable individual who has achieved her goal of working in a salon, despite facing significant challenges. Brianna has autism, anxiety, and depression, conditions that could have deterred her from pursuing her goals. However, her determination, along with support, has allowed her to not only enter the world of salon work but thrive in it.

While a student, Brianna connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for assistance in planning for her future career. In 2017, she gained work experience at VCS Salon & Spa in Medina.

With support from Elizabeth Schauffler, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Brianna chose United Disability Services (UDS) for assistance with finding suitable employment opportunities. Kristen Campagnano, UDS Job Developer, helped Brianna refine her resume and set up a detailed plan on how to approach local salons about the possibility of employment. Together they talked to salon owners and distributed Brianna’s resume.

Today, Brianna proudly works at Legacy Hair Studios, a job she absolutely loves. In addition, she completed her boutique license. For her, hair styling is both a hobby and a profession, and she takes great joy in her work. Her daily tasks include shampooing, cleaning, and warmly greeting customers, which allows her to connect with people in a meaningful way.

Julie Dentler, Job Coach at UDS, provided on-the-job support to help Brianna develop skills at the salon, provide effective customer service, and efficiently handle tasks.

“I enjoy all of it,” Brianna explained. “I’m also making new friends. I got mad the one time I had to call off work sick!”

Throughout her journey, Brianna's family, including her parents and brother, as well as her friends, have provided unwavering support. Additionally, her faith has been a source of strength and inspiration, guiding her through the challenges she has faced.

“Brianna was a joy to work with. She spoke passionately from day one about pursuing her dream to work in a hair salon,” said Elizabeth. “Brianna always had a big smile on her face when she talked about her job. I wish her nothing but the best and know she’ll continue to do great things in life.”

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

Enhanced Services for Ohioans Who are Blind or Have Low Vision

OOD’s Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) offers vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to individuals in Ohio who are blind or have low vision, supporting them in achieving meaningful employment or personal independence. Recognizing the challenges that low vision or blindness can pose on the path to employment, BSVI provides tailored assistance through VR/BSVI counselors. To bridge the gap for participants engaged in education, job searching, or workplace tasks, BSVI has introduced two new initiatives:

AIRA (Access to Information Remote Assistance): AIRA allows individuals with limited vision to connect to a remote agent via a cell phone. Through the phone's camera, the remote agent can provide visual interpreting, aiding with tasks like thermostat adjustments, navigation in unfamiliar areas, document reading, or online job applications. Eligible participants receiving BSVI services can now access up to 60 minutes of AIRA assistance per month while they have an open case with OOD.

Vispero Products (JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion): Vispero is a company specializing in software for individuals with blindness or low vision to access computers. JAWS is a screen reader that reads on-screen text aloud and enables cursor control through keyboard commands. ZoomText offers screen magnification and customization of print size, color, cursor shape, and screen background for enhanced visual access. Fusion combines magnification and screen reading features for those gradually losing their vision. Eligible BSVI participants gain access to JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion for use on computers for educational or work-related tasks through three-year annual licenses, allowing activation on up to three computers at once.

To learn more about how BSVI services can help people who are blind or have low vision, visit the BSVI webpage.

All About Accessibility: Energy Assistance Program

As the temperatures drop, it’s important eligible Ohioans are aware they can receive assistance to maintain their utility service during the winter months through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Learn more and begin an application at EnergyHelp.Ohio.Gov.

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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) 2023, OOD received $105,851,906 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $28,648,610. Of these federal funds, $15,877,786 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 2023, OOD received $301,051 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $33,450 of the total costs. In FFY 2023, OOD received $301,051 in regular SE grant funds.

For the purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2023 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2023, OOD received $1,159,083 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $128,787 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 2023. In FFY 2023, OOD received $645,712 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $71,746 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.