During In-Demand Jobs Week (IDJW), held May 6-10, 2024, a total of 111 participants with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and 24 OOD employer partners joined in seven events aimed at highlighting Ohio's thriving job market. IDJW celebrates the abundance of top jobs, industries, and skills available across Ohio, emphasizing the state's position as a hub of opportunity.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said, “Whether you are completing a certification, learning a new skill, or moving up in your career, Ohio’s broad range of in-demand jobs means Ohio is truly the heart of opportunity.”
Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, last week led a statewide tour for In-Demand Jobs Week where he visited 12 counties, seven schools, four businesses, and one career exploration event.
Throughout the week, OOD took the lead in driving events aimed at actively promoting these career growth opportunities for participants throughout the state. Lima Senior High School and OOD collaborated to host a "mini expo" for juniors and seniors with disabilities to participate in informational interviews and network with six employers. The event was covered by Hometown Stations WLIO.
Meanwhile, a job fair and hiring event at Wright State University (WSU) allowed numerous job candidates with disabilities to connect with employers and participate in job interviews. A video about the IDJW at WSU explains more.
Additionally, OOD participants and staff toured facilities, including Sherwin-Williams Product Finishes Facility, Metallus, Akron Children’s Hospital, ECS Tuning facility, and Schneider Electric. These tours provided firsthand knowledge of available positions and career pathways in different industries, fostering awareness and understanding among participants.
OOD offers individualized no-cost services to support businesses in the hiring and retention of individuals with disabilities. Employers are encouraged to reach out to their local OOD Business Relations Specialists to schedule a meeting and explore partnership opportunities.
 Top left photo: Director Miller, Lena Schmitz, and Janine Ashanin. Top middle photo: Director Miller, Katie Scheetz, Lenore Commisso, and Kim Kauffman. Top right photo: Director Miller, Eva Carver, Christie Hall, and Kimberlyn Price. Bottom left photo: Melanie Sonnier-Patterson, Ashley Hipps, Director Miller, Kaitlin Sturgill, Ashley Fleck, Megan Lentz, Janine Ashanin, and Caleb Skinner. Bottom middle photo from top to bottom and left to right: Kaleigh Matthews, Brandon Wilkins, Cody Hatfield, Karla Willard, David Agan, Sean Cunningham, Eva Carver, Brian Strickland, Christie Hall, and Nikki Pellegrini (Alicia Hanawalt, not pictured). Bottom right photo: Tracy Cooper, Director Miller, Cindy Gillotti, Vanessa Elliott, Caitlin Foister, Casey Barr, Jessie Schumann, and Christopher Smith.
Service excellence is so essential to delivering OOD’s mission that the agency's guiding principles begin with those words: “In striving for excellence in service, we will…” At last week's annual Excellence in Service Awards & Employee Recognition ceremony, individuals and teams were recognized for exceptional contributions that stood out.
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
Casey Barr, Tracy Cooper, Caitlin Foister, and Cindy Gillotti were recognized for starting a "job club" serving Butler County. This effort, which benefits participants including those involved with OOD Jobs for Recovery, designates office hours for assistance with resumes, job applications, interview prep, and any other personalized job development support needed. “We serve because we want individuals to believe in themselves as much as we believe in them.”
Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired
Lenore Commisso, Kim Kauffman, and Katie Scheetz were recognized for enhancing the OOD Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program policies, procedures, guidance, and feedback—reducing the turnaround time on PCA applications and increasing the number of people served by the program. “We serve because everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue employment, regardless of disability.”
Division of Disability Determination
Eva Carver was recognized for being an early adopter of new software that has improved the quality and efficiency of her team’s work. “I serve because I enjoy helping to relieve some of the stress Ohioans with critical illnesses experience in their time of need.”
David Agan, Eva Carver, Sean Cunningham, Christie Hall, Alicia Hanawalt, Cody Hatfield, Kaleigh Matthews, Nikki Pellegrini, Brian Strickland, Brandon Wilkins, and Karla Willard were recognized for temporarily supporting some of Illinois’s disability claimants while continuing to provide uninterrupted, compassionate service to Ohioans. “We serve because we are called to help others.”
OOD Support Teams
Lena Schmitz, an American Sign Language interpreter, was recognized for her expertise, flexibility, customer focus, innovation, adaptability, and partnership in professionally and thoughtfully supporting OOD staff and tirelessly advocating for Ohio's Deaf, DeafDisabled, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing communities. “I serve because I am grateful for the community that has continued to teach, raise, and help me be the person and interpreter I am today.”
Ashley Fleck, Ashley Hipps, Megan Lentz, Caleb Skinner, Melanie Sonnier-Patterson, and Kaitlin Sturgill were recognized for their extraordinary efforts to grow OOD’s staff, hiring 373 new employees and processing 157 internal transfers faster than ever before so that the agency can assist even more Ohioans with disabilities. “We serve because connecting talent with meaningful roles is at the heart of driving innovation and success.”
Agency Service Honors
The following individuals were honored at the ceremony for their service milestones. Congratulations for serving 40 years: Lori Markley, Helen McNamara, and Carolyn Rhodes; 35 years: Tamara Fultz, Troy Scott, and Maureen Tock; and 30 years: Pamela Barhorst, Daniel Clifford, Cornell Hale, Sarah Jordan, Karen Kriss, Director Kevin Miller, Douglas Mohr, Tracey Perdue, Janis Roederer, Jennifer St. Clair, Julie Stickler, and Rebecca Stitt.
 Experience the BEST of Ohio's attractions and destinations all in one electrifying event! From charming towns to bustling cities, from serene parks to exhilarating festivals, get ready to explore 120 exhibitors representing Ohio, the Heart of it All!
Join us at the Statehouse from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 on the West Plaza for an EPIC celebration of all things Ohio!
We will have live entertainment, interactive experiences, awesome giveaways, and more!
And that's not all—EVERY attendee will receive a FREE copy of the Official 2024 Ohio Summer Events Guide, packed with 440 unmissable events across the state!
Visit Ohio.org/TourismDay or RSVP for the Facebook event TODAY!
Get ready to plan your 2024 Ohio getaway in style—see you there!
 Looking ahead to Memorial Day, we remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, May 31. Stay tuned!
 May is Mental Health Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness and reducing stigmas around mental illness. For Ohioans with mental health and/or substance use disorders, navigating pathways to employment and recovery may pose some challenges. But OOD can assist with employment in many ways:
- Personalized career counseling
- Resume and interview prep
- Support for interview and work attire
- Job search assistance and placement
- Help with transportation
- Guidance on work incentives and benefits
- Support for education and training
- Connections to vocational programs
- Access to necessary technology and equipment
- Links to OhioMeansJobs and other resources
With OOD's support, individuals can overcome barriers and move toward employment, skills, and recovery. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to prioritize mental health and seek support when needed. Through OOD, individuals can find the help they need for a fulfilling life. Learn more at OOD’s mental health services webpage.
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