Meet Michael Needs, a determined individual who has faced challenges with courage. Michael has been blind since a motorcycle accident in 1983, and he also has arthritis in his back and wrists. This made it challenging for the former Marine to continue working in the automotive repair field.
Michael received his degree in automotive technology in 2010 and his Bachelor's degree in Business Management in 2013. Over the years, he has worked in the automotive industry. Michael learned about employment support offered by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) through the Philomatheon Society for the Blind in Stark County.
During the pandemic, Michael faced challenges as he set out to pursue a work-from-home customer service position. Despite setbacks, he didn't give up and returned to OOD in 2023 with determination.
With the support of Stacy King, OOD Sr. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Mike Henry, Director of Employment Services with Independence of Portage County, Michael started working toward finding suitable employment. Mike Henry helped him connect with employers and secured a work assessment for Michael. It turned out that Michael excelled at assembly work, using his hands for problem-solving and electronics.
Michael landed a job as an Assembly Technician at Diebold. "I felt almost surprised since it had been a while but relieved there was finally something out there I could do,” Michael shared. “I was glad an employer saw something in me that had value for them."
Ruth Bachman, an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, initially assisted Michael when he started the job, helping him navigate the facility effectively. Now, Michael is continuing to collaborate with others to address his mobility needs and troubleshoot when necessary so that he can be successful in his role.
Mike Henry shared insights from Diebold employees, who have been astounded by Michael's capability to build systems with many parts despite being blind. Michael has excelled in assembling components for bank drive-up systems, impressing colleagues with his efficiency and precision.
Although Michael faced a heart attack shortly after being honored by Diebold for Veterans Day, he returned to work in January 2024. "I guess the main thing that makes him stand out is that he didn’t give up, we were able to find a job that was a great match for his particular skill set and personality,” Stacy explained. “Even having a heart attack, he persevered and wanted to get back to work.”
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
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.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
OOD is pleased to host Session Five in our Accessible Ohio Playbook series titled, “Personal Care.” This webinar will address best practices in making spaces dedicated to personal needs accessible, ideas to help with the management of sensory needs, and options for creating service animal relief areas. The presenters are Accessible Ohio Specialists Julia Wagner, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC and Shelly Burkhart, ADAC.
This event is hosted through Microsoft Teams Webinar. Pre-Registration is required to attend. Please visit the 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 May 15, 2024.
You may also register for the final session of the Accessible Ohio Playbook at the Session 6: The Game Plan registration page.
Each 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.
Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers, whether you're a biological mom, stepmom, adoptive mom, foster mom, fur mom, or any other maternal figure. Thank you for everything that you do!
 Left photo from left to right: Pete Moore, Dr. Matthew Sauer, and Susan Pugh. Middle photo from left to right: Kristen Ballinger, Karis Spence, and Pete Moore. Right photo from left to right: Greg Dormer, John Moore, and Pete Moore.
Last month, the OOD Council honored departing members Dr. Matthew Sauer, Karis Spence, and John Moore. The purpose of the OOD Council is to provide feedback on our Bureaus of Vocational Rehabilitation & Services for the Visually Impaired programs.
All three individuals were appointed as original members of the OOD Council and played critical roles in its evolution over the years. OOD Council Chair Pete Moore was joined by OOD’s Susan Pugh, Deputy Director of the newly formed Division of Policy and Partnerships; Kristen Ballinger, Deputy Director of the Division of Employer and Innovation Services; and Greg Dormer, Deputy Director of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation in presenting each of the outgoing members with a signed proclamation from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. After receiving their personalized proclamations, the three members took turns sharing thoughts about their tenure on the OOD Council.
Dr. Matthew Sauer reflected on the Council's transformational journey toward empowering individuals with disabilities and emphasized that the time investment, travel, and work have been worth the effort.
Karis Spence offered a glimpse into her advocacy, her purpose in life to advocate for people with disabilities, fueled by a deeply personal connection that draws on experiences with her beloved sister.
John Moore recognized the progress made from humble beginnings and acknowledged the challenges of wanting to move faster while embracing the patience required for lasting change.
A common theme emerged from their unique perspectives—one of gratitude for the incredible efforts and monumental achievements of those united in advocacy for Ohioans with disabilities.
Jacqueline and Alexa Child launched the Dateability dating app in 2022, revolutionizing the dating scene for people with disabilities. With nearly 17,000 users across North America, this free app is making waves! Learn more at Info.Dateability.com.
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