Nolan’s Road to Independence

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 06/28/2024 10:16 AM EDT

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Nolan’s Road to Independence

Nolan Lindeman's life has been a remarkable journey of determination and resilience. Born with cerebral palsy, he refused to let his disability define him or limit his aspirations.

The path ahead was filled with challenges – from learning to walk and run, to navigating the complexities of driving. However, Nolan faced each obstacle head-on, fueled by an unwavering spirit and the support of his loving family and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

“I am just excited to see where life takes Nolan, and I know he’ll do great things,” said Elizabeth Schauffler, an OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC). Elizabeth and Terri McFarren, an OOD Job Developer (now also a VRC), have provided individualized support to Nolan, helping him overcome potential barriers and work toward his career goals.

In this video about Nolan, you'll witness his incredible story as he embarks on the next chapter of his life – completing his college education and furthering his career journey. Nolan’s story is a testament that with the right support system and willpower, success is within reach.

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

OOD Council Vocational Rehabilitation Policy Subcommittee to Meet

OOD Council meeting with individuals seated at tables and Director Miller speaking with a microphone.

The OOD Council meeting on January 17, 2024.

The OOD Council Vocational Rehabilitation Policy Subcommittee will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and the public on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The meeting will take place at OOD’s Central office at 150 E. Campus View Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43235, Conference Room 0308. For members of the public who cannot attend the in-person meeting, a call-in number is available on the OOD website.

Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to info@OOD.Ohio.gov by the close of business on Friday, July 19, 2024.

For more information about the meeting, please visit the OOD Council meetings webpage.

Free Webinar for Employers

Group of four individuals seated and talking.

Thursday, July 18, 2024

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

OOD is pleased to host a webinar titled, “Strategies for a Recovery Friendly Workplace.” This webinar shares best practices to hire and retain individuals who are recovering from substance use disorders and create a recovery-friendly work environment. You will also learn strategies to support retention and advancement for employees in recovery. This webinar is moderated by OOD Business Relations Specialist, Cynthia Crews and Career Development Specialist, Missy O'Brien.

They will be joined by guest speakers Mallory Pitts, OOD Jobs for Recovery Program Administrator, Samantha Gray, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Amanda Hall, Talent Acquisition and Training Specialist at JBM Packaging.

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.

The State of Ohio is a disability inclusion state and therefore we promote access to our events (e.g., meetings, trainings, job fairs). To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please call Chris Glover, Employer Services Liaison, at 614-842-3659, or send an email to OOD.HiringAbility@ood.ohio.gov by July 11, 2024.

This 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.

OOD Works e-Newsletter Returns July 12

Happy Independence Day and American Flag

Happy Independence Day! The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, July 12. Stay tuned!

All About Accessibility: Google Enhances Mobile Accessibility

Google has enhanced mobile accessibility through artificial intelligence (AI) tools, offering new ways for users to interact with their devices:

Lookout's Find mode: Helps users locate specific objects by providing direction and distance information as they move their camera around.
AI-generated image captions: Available in English, this feature provides descriptions of photos captured within the Lookout app.
Look to Speak text-free mode: Allows users to communicate using emojis, symbols, and photos.

Learn more at the Google accessibility blog.

In the News

State Education Leaders Encourage FAFSA Completion

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, 6-24-24

The Six Most Common Types of Disabilities Nationwide

The Delphos Herald, 6-24-24

Cuyahoga County Program Guides Those with Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities Through Court System

WEWS, 6-24-24

Four Special Olympics Athletes Qualify for Ohio Powerlifting Championship

WLWT, 6-24-24

Goodwill Central Facility in Chillicothe Showcased

The Scioto Post, 6-20-24

Social Security to Simplify Disability Evaluation Process

Social Security Administration Press Release, 6-24-24

Social Security Updates Occupations List Used in Disability Evaluation Process

Social Security Administration Press Release, 6-24-24

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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.