The Perfect Job for Austin

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 04/12/2024 10:30 AM EDT

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The Perfect Job for Austin

Meet Austin Rivera of Brecksville, Ohio. Austin's experience with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) demonstrates the importance of strength, working hard, and finding a meaningful job.

Born with spina bifida, Austin also deals with challenges related to depression and social anxiety. Due to his health, he needed a job he could do from home. Seeking assistance from OOD, Austin aimed to find a job that matched his skills, allowed for personal growth, and provided sufficient income for a good quality of life.

Working with OOD, Austin was able to select a vocational rehabilitation provider to help guide him on his journey to finding the right job. He selected Vocational Services Unlimited and received help with looking for work, updating his resume, and practicing interview skills.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities supported Austin by being part of the planning team, sharing job leads, and providing resources for family support, computer training, and recreational activities.

With some college experience and certifications, Austin used USAJOBS, an online platform, to create a profile and get updates on job opportunities at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). When a job that was a good fit for him came up, Austin applied for it.

Today, Austin works as a Legal Administrative Specialist, helping with the Phoenix area VA. He's the main person Veterans talk to when they need help with benefits, claims, or appointments. Austin's job involves keeping track of information, entering data, and making sure Veterans get connected to the right departments to help with their needs.

With assistance from MJT Engineering, Austin uses assistive technology, including an ergonomic keyboard and chair, to help alleviate any physical discomfort so that he can focus completely on his work.

Cindie Merlino is Austin's OOD Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. "Because Austin has such a strong work ethic, the stress of worrying about being late or taking too long of breaks because of self-care needs was impacting past jobs and his health. Austin can now focus his energy on his work, and this, in turn, allows him to be more successful in the workplace," Cindie explained. "He has worked very hard to reach this point, and all that hard work paid off with the perfect job for Austin."

Austin said, "OOD has been a great resource."

Beyond his professional pursuits, Austin is a multifaceted individual with a passion for podcasts, music, and Japanese manga. He's an avid collector and enjoys immersing himself in manga shows and movies. When he's not working or indulging in his hobbies, you'll likely find him exploring the aisles of Barnes and Noble or diving into PC games.

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

OOD Assists Job Seekers

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.

Celebrating Diversity Month

April is Celebrate Diversity Month, which dates back to 2004 to recognize and honor the diversity of individuals. By celebrating our differences and similarities, we gain a deeper understanding of one another.

The mission of OOD is to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. OOD strives to hire, sustain, and promote a workforce that embraces this mission and reflects the rich diversity of the Ohioans we serve.

OOD considers diversity comprehensively, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, and all other human dynamics that shape creative perspective and professional experience.

All About Accessibility: Campaign for Universal Changing Tables

Public restrooms often lack full accessibility for older children and adults with disabilities, highlighting the need for height-adjustable, universal changing tables. Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities' campaign video sheds light on this issue, advocating for inclusivity in Columbus and beyond.

In January 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director Kim Hauck announced the allocation of $14.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds across 67 counties. This funding aims to bolster support for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families, part of a larger $56 million ARPA Home and Community Based Services allocation to DODD.

County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and Councils of Government were invited to apply for these funds, with projects focusing on various aspects of community improvement. These include promoting independent living, enhancing community infrastructure, installing universal changing tables in public spaces, fostering inclusive community experiences, organizing inclusive conferences, and expanding outreach efforts.

The initiative, supported by advocacy groups like Changing Spaces Ohio, marks a significant state investment in universal changing tables, addressing a crucial need for accessibility. For updates on project developments and a full list of awarded applications, visit DODD's ARPA projects webpage.

With OOD’s Accessible Ohio initiative, more resources are now available to local communities and businesses looking to be more accessible. Learn more at the Accessible Ohio webpage.

In the News

Governor DeWine Delivers 2024 State of the State Address, Announces New Initiatives to Help Ohio’s Children Thrive

Office of Governor Mike DeWine, 4-10-24

Goodwill EasterSeals Creates Bowlin' for Good League for Adults with Disabilities

WKEF, 4-10-24

Perry County Board of DD Works Toward a Community Without Barriers

Perry County Tribune, 4-10-24

Medina County Developmental Disabilities Served 1,450 People in 2023

Cleveland.com, 4-10-24

Developmental Disabilities Board Program a Success

The Weirton Daily Times, 4-10-24

Medina County Developmental Disabilities Served 1,450 People in 2023

Cleveland.com, 4-10-24

Cleveland Artist with Cerebral Palsy Sells Paintings Across the World

WKYC, 4-9-24

Disney is Changing its DAS Program: What Guests with Disabilities Should Know

USA Today, 4-9-24

Ohio State Program Provides Pathways for Students with Disabilities to Continue Education

The Lantern, 4-9-24

Maggie Celebrates Her Slice of Success at LaRosa’s Pizzeria

Warren County Post, 4-9-24

Clark County Job Fair Focuses on Students, Ex-offenders, Developmentally Disabled People

Springfield News-Sun, 4-8-24

What an Eclipse Sounds Like — and Why It Matters

CNN, 4-7-24

Development Disabilities of Clark County Youths to Show Theater Skills

Springfield News-Sun, 4-7-24

Unique Turkey Hunt Empowers Outdoor Enthusiasts with Disabilities

WHIZ, 4-6-24

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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 the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant 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.