OOD Works Podcast: Gabby Champions Abilities

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OOD Works Podcast: Gabby Champions Abilities

Miss Wheelchair Ohio smiling at the camera wearing a tiara and holding a bouquet of flowers.

When Gabrielle “Gabby” Kozinsi rolls into the room, her spirit is as unstoppable as her drive for advocacy. Join us as Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2024 shares about her refusal to be confined by cerebral palsy or social barriers. Her mission? To enlighten children on the importance of embracing people with disabilities, a lesson she shares from her firsthand experiences. To learn more, visit the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio website, Gabby’s Facebook page, or email Gabby.

With support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Gabby has worked in the community and hopes to eventually work with children. Her involvement in the Special Olympics as a cheerleader symbolizes her dedication to challenging stereotypes and building a community where individuals with disabilities are celebrated for their abilities.

Gabby shares about her journey in OOD Works Podcast episode 53. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works." Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast. 

OOD Initiatives Spotlighted on “Face the State”

Two men wearing business attire sitting behind a news desk and smiling at the camera.

OOD Director Kevin L. Miller recently appeared on “Face the State” on WBNS 10TV (April 28, 2024). Tune in to hear him discuss OOD's programs, services, and initiatives, including Accessible Ohio. Watch the on-demand episode starting at 11:45 to learn more.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Various school and office supplies scattered across a white desk.

Join us in recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-10, 2024, as we express deep appreciation for the dedication and impact of educators in shaping young minds.

OOD partners with schools across the state to help young people with disabilities acquire the necessary skills and support to enter the workforce successfully. Young people with disabilities or other barriers to employment may face unique challenges in transitioning from school to work. OOD provides services such as career counseling, job training, and support services tailored to their individual needs, empowering them to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. By intervening early and providing targeted assistance, these programs can maximize the potential for young people to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

Last year, OOD assisted 18,972 young people with disabilities through programs and partnerships including the Ohio Transition Support Partnership, career-technical education, Pre-Employment Transition Services, Summer Youth Work Experiences, and Ohio College2Careers. Learn more about how OOD supports students with disabilities at our Student Services webpage.

All About Accessibility: Assistive Technology of Ohio

Assistive Technology of Ohio demonstration van.

April 17, 2024 was Assistive Technology Awareness Day as proclaimed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted. Assistive technology helps individuals with disabilities succeed through creative solutions for health, safety, and greater independence.

Assistive Technology of Ohio is a federally funded nonprofit organization that is part of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University. Their mission is to help Ohioans with disabilities learn about or acquire assistive technology: devices, equipment, or services that assist individuals with disabilities in functioning independently in the areas of work, home, or school. Learn more at ATOhio.org. 

In the News

Coffee Shop Hiring Employees with Disabilities Opens First Ohio Location

WCMH, 5-2-24

Defiance DD Board, NMEDA Celebrating “National Mobility Awareness Month”

The Crescent-News, 5-1-24

TAC Launches Service to Help Fill Labor Gap, Meet Clark County Employer Needs

Springfield News-Sun, 5-1-24

Contestant Makes History as First Miss Delaware Teen USA with Down Syndrome

WEWS, 4-30-24

Cuyahoga Program Helps Developmentally Disabled Navigate the Justice System

WYSO, 4-30-24

Henry County Special Olympics

Northwest Signal, 4-30-24

UToledo Hosts Original Play Co-Created, Performed by Actors with Disabilities

WTVG, 4-28-24

Local Ohio Board of Developmental Disabilities Introduces Mobile Changing Unit to Promote Inclusion at Community Events

WTRF, 4-26-24

Youngstown Mayor Proposes Handicap-Accessible Kayak Launch at McKelvey Lake

WFMJ, 4-26-24

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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.