Empowering Entrepreneurs: OOD's Support for Ohio Business Owners Who Are Blind

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 05/31/2024 10:20 AM EDT

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Empowering Entrepreneurs: OOD's Support for Ohio Business Owners Who Are Blind

Seven individuals standing in a group, six of which are holding certificates.

From left to right: Seth Ryan, Melissa Straight, John Diakogeorgiou, Tom Deren, Frank Bragassa, John McNamara, and Derek Neufarth.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) supports and assists the Ohio Business Enterprise (BE) Program, which held its Statewide Conference at the Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square May 3-4, 2024. BE Operators, new Licensees, OOD staff, and additional guests were provided with national updates and innovation strategies from Nicky Gacos, President of the National Federation of the Blind.

The BE Program recruits, trains, and licenses Ohioans who are legally blind to have entrepreneurial careers in food service management. These opportunities include the management of cafeterias, convenience stores, snack bars, and vending in state and federal buildings, as well as interstate highway rest areas, where licensed operators have priority under the Randolph-Sheppard Act and Ohio Revised Code. BE Operators also run businesses at state universities, colleges, and county buildings. OOD provides ongoing support, technical assistance, and training.

At the conference, BE professionals learned about new technology, tools, and devices to make their work easier, more efficient, and more appealing to customers. They were encouraged to modernize for future business success and attend upcoming trade shows.

“This annual conference holds a special place in our hearts, eagerly anticipated each year. It's a rare chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and friends, some of whom we only see at this event,” explained Annette Lutz, BE Operator and Ohio Vendors Representative Committee member. “This year marked a new milestone as we honored several outstanding operators for their exceptional contributions to the program. Among them, Tom Deren received a well-deserved lifetime achievement award for his mentorship, exemplary customer service, and passionate advocacy.”

During the awards ceremony, a total of seven BE Operators were presented with certificates recognizing anniversaries with the program. One new BE Licensee was welcomed and recognized.

Keynote speaker Scott Garver presented simple strategies for success, highlighting teamwork and how to apply it in daily life. Scott is a City of Columbus employee with over 26 years of Civil Service leadership experience, as well as a professional speaker, dedicated to helping individuals and teams uncover their passion, enthusiasm, and leadership potential.

Many exhibitors were on hand, including OrCam, Shaffer Distributing, Cantaloupe Inc., and the Social Security Administration. A total of 10 vendors were on hand to showcase their products.

For more information, please visit the BE Program website.

Celebrating 104 Years of Vocational Rehabilitation

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine smiling into the camera with Senator Simeon D. Fess's headstone in the background.

On June 2^nd, we celebrate the 104^th anniversary of the Vocational Rehabilitation program, which was established in 1920 with the passing of the Smith-Fess Act. This groundbreaking legislation provided federal funding for vocational rehabilitation services to assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining employment and living more independently.

The Smith-Fess Act was spearheaded by Senator Simeon D. Fess of Ohio, who was a strong advocate for the rights and empowerment of people with disabilities. His vision and dedication paved the way for vocational rehabilitation to become a vital support system, helping countless individuals achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Watch a video from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine that explains the importance of Senator Simeon Fess' impact on people with disabilities.

OOD’s Vocational Rehabilitation program provides individuals with disabilities with the services and support necessary to help them find and maintain employment. Services are customized for each individual's needs through assessments and one-on-one meetings with professional counselors.

To get started, individuals can visit OODWorks.com to explore vocational rehabilitation, take a self-assessment, and apply for services.

Register for the Accessible Ohio Conference and Expo

Accessible Ohio Conference and Expo Ohio, The Heart of Accessibility

Registration is open for the inaugural Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo – Ohio, The Heart of Accessibility! This in-person one-day event will take place July 23 in Columbus at The Fawcett Center on the campus of The Ohio State University.

Explore the many ways Ohio’s businesses, communities, venues, and attractions are creating a more accessible and inclusive Ohio. This event will include guest speakers, educational sessions and workshops, demonstrations, an Accessibility Showcase, and more.

This event is free of charge. Reserve your spot for the conference by registering at the Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo registration page. Space is limited.

Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., will be the opening keynote presenter.

Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., accomplished speaker, author, consultant, and CEO and Founder of Rossetti Enterprises, LLC, is an internationally recognized expert in disability inclusion, universal design, and accessibility. Her keynote message, “Why Accessibility Matters,” will emphasize the importance of prioritizing accessibility from the start. She will draw upon her own life-changing story to demonstrate how accessibility touches everything we all do and motivates us to envision a more accessible future.

Military Appreciation Month

We salute Military Appreciation Month, expressing our heartfelt thanks to all who've served or are serving.

At OOD, we take pride in our 30 employees who are active or retired members of the military.

All About Accessibility: Support for Seniors Who are Blind or Have Low Vision

Images of older Americans engaged in various activities.

Every May, we recognize Older Americans Month to celebrate the significant contributions of older adults and address their unique needs. This year's theme, "Powered by Connection," emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships and social connections for our well-being. During this time of recognition, it's important to note OOD’s Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) program, which provides essential support to seniors coping with vision loss or blindness.

Tailored to meet the unique needs of seniors who are blind or have low vision, the ILOB program equips participants with the skills and resources they need to maintain their independence and quality of life. Through this specialized training and assistance, seniors can confidently navigate their daily lives.

Central to the ILOB program are dedicated professionals from OOD and our network of providers. They offer a wide range of services, including orientation and mobility training, communication skills development, access to aids and services, and counseling support for individuals and families.

Eligibility for the ILOB program is based on three criteria: being age 55 or older, experiencing significant vision impairment, and having feasible independent living goals.

Getting started with the ILOB program is simple. Visit the ILOB program webpage, call 800-282-4536, or email ILProgram@ood.ohio.gov for more information.

In a world where independence is valued, the ILOB program provides hope and support for seniors who are blind or have low vision, empowering them to live life on their own terms.

In the News

Greater Cleveland RTA Awarded $16 Million in Federal Funding for Accessibility Improvements

WKYC, 5-28-24

“Rockability” Band is Made Up of Talented Musicians with Special Needs

Spectrum News, 5-24-24

Berea Schools’ Unified Sports Program Scores Win for Inclusivity

Cleveland.com, 5-24-24

Against All Odds: Student at St. Rita Celebrates Graduation as Sole Class Member

WLWT, 5-24-24

Adults with Disabilities Feel Like Royalty at Lima's First Starry, Starry Night Prom

WLIO, 5-24-24

Rebuilding Trust in Healthcare: A Critical Path for Disabled People

Forbes, 5-30-24

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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.