 Governor Mike DeWine addresses attendees of the Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo with Marlena Schmitz, American Sign Language Interpreter.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine served as the opening speaker for the first-ever Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo on July 23, 2024.
The one-day conference, hosted by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), showcased ways to make Ohio’s businesses, communities, venues, and attractions accessible and inclusive for all Ohioans, including Ohioans with disabilities.
“Ohio's strength lies in its people, and we can't afford to leave anyone behind. Accessibility is a mindset that we should always be thinking about, from education and employment to recreation and civic engagement,” said Governor DeWine. “We're grateful for the positive impact individuals with disabilities have had on Ohio's workforce and communities. By breaking down barriers and providing opportunities, we tap into the tremendous potential of all our citizens.”
During his remarks, Governor DeWine discussed the Accessible Ohio initiative. Introduced in the FY2024-2025 state operating budget, Accessible Ohio Specialists offer personalized consultations to local partners to identify barriers, set goals, and provide funding information on ways to enhance accessibility.
“In recent years, businesses, organizations, and venues have come to us to ask how they can be more accessible to all Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “Through Accessible Ohio, our team of specialists provides free guidance to make accessibility a reality for more of our partners in more communities across our state.”
 The Accessible Ohio team, from left to right: Julia Wagner, OTD, OTR/L, ADAC, Accessible Ohio Specialist for the Southwest; Tanya K. Vela, OTR/L, ADAC, Accessible Ohio Specialist for the Southeast; Julie Wood, OTR/L, ADAC, Accessible Ohio Manager; Brianna Potter, OTR/L, ADAC, Accessible Ohio Specialist for the Northeast, and Shelly Burkhart, ADAC, Accessible Ohio Specialist for the Northwest.
The hands-on approach is another example of Ohio's commitment to becoming a national leader in public accessibility and fostering more inclusive environments statewide, a top priority of the Governor since day one.
Moments after taking office, one of Governor DeWine’s first official actions was signing an executive order making the State of Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.
“Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, we are creating meaningful employment opportunities and ensuring that recreational activities are fully accessible, enabling Ohioans with disabilities to thrive in their careers and enjoy all our great state has to offer,” said OOD Director Kevin L. Miller. “This comprehensive approach reflects our commitment to true inclusion and empowerment.”
The Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo featured keynote speaker Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. A central Ohio native, Dr. Rossetti is an internationally recognized expert in disability inclusion, universal design, and accessibility.
Held at The Ohio State University’s Fawcett Center, the event included additional guest speakers, educational sessions and workshops covering workplace accessibility and inclusive public spaces, an accessibility showcase, and more.
 Attendees at the lunch session: “Accessible Ohio: A Partner for Your Accessibility Journey.”
Bob Ulm, a beloved local radio newscaster and morning show co-host in the Delphos and Lima, Ohio areas recently marked an incredible milestone: his 50th year on the air at WDOH radio in Delphos and with radio stations WFGF, WEGE, WWSR, and WCIT in Lima.
"I wanted to be on the radio since I was three or four years old, and my lifelong dream has come true. I credit my parents who raised me like my five sisters, sent me to regular school, and never let me feel special or disadvantaged, and an employer who early on allowed a 17-year-old blind kid to learn to work in what is an almost exclusively sighted profession."
Despite the challenges that came with the loss of his sight from retina cancer at 11 months old, Bob has been able to continue pursuing a lifelong passion and stay on the job thanks to the support of OOD. Last year, as arthritis in his hands and unreliable technology made manually Brailling pages increasingly difficult, Bob turned to OOD for assistance.
"If it weren't for the Braille printer you helped me acquire, I would not have made it this long," Bob gratefully stated.
OOD swiftly assisted Bob, providing him with a Braille embosser device within just three weeks of his initial contact. This innovative device, essentially a braille printer, converts digital documents into printed Braille pages, alleviating the physical strain Bob previously endured.
In addition to the braille embosser, OOD also provided Bob with an upgraded version of Job Access With Speech (JAWS), the world's most popular screen reader software, which allows computer users with vision loss to access screen content through speech output.
“I grew up listening to Bob’s voice on the radio and still listen to him every morning during my commute. He’s touched a lot of lives during his career,” said Jené Conway, Bob’s OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and now an OOD Vision Services Program Administrator. “Despite challenges, his pleasant and upbeat demeanor has been unwavering. I feel fortunate to have met and collaborated with Bob, taking pride in supporting his continued pursuit of his life's passion.”
Bob's story serves as a powerful reminder that disabilities need not be a barrier to pursuing one's career goals. With the right support and accommodations, individuals like Bob can continue to thrive in their chosen fields.
Many people may not be aware that OOD can assist not only with disabilities but also with changing circumstances that require additional support, as in Bob's case.
If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
The 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is today, July 26, 2024, marking a significant milestone in civil rights history. This landmark legislation, signed into law in 1990, continues to protect and empower individuals with disabilities across the United States.
To commemorate this important anniversary:
- Celebrate: Embrace #DisabilityPride by sharing your experiences and achievements on social media
- Learn: Explore the rich history and ongoing impact of the ADA through Accessible Ohio resources
- Share: Use the hashtag #ThanksToTheADA to highlight how this legislation has positively affected your life or the lives of others
In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted have officially proclaimed the state's commitment to upholding the principles of the ADA, reinforcing its importance in fostering equality and accessibility.
As we reflect on 34 years of progress, let's continue to advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of ability. The ADA's anniversary serves as a reminder of how far we've come and the work that still lies ahead in creating a truly accessible society.
 The 2024 Ohio State Fair is taking place now through August 4, 2024. As excitement builds, OOD and the Ohio State Fair are proud to announce their continued commitment to accessibility.
Visitors can look forward to a wealth of resources designed to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the fair. Guest information services booths are strategically placed throughout the fairgrounds, offering daily schedules, maps, accessibility guides, and directions. For those seeking additional support, the OOD mobile unit is stationed near the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, providing comprehensive accessibility information.
 OOD staff and the new mobile unit.
Fairgoers can enjoy free wheelchair/mobility device charging stations, technology to connect people who are blind or have low vision with an agent who can help with navigation, American Sign Language interpretation, audio descriptions, a dedicated sensory-friendly morning, and two universal changing tables.
"Ohio is the heart of it all, and we want people of all abilities to be able to enjoy everything our great State Fair has to offer,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “The Ohio State Fair provides a wealth of supports for individuals with disabilities, and this year our goal is to make it the most enjoyable yet for every person who comes through the gates."
OOD partnered with the Fair to make complimentary wheelchair/mobility device charging stations available throughout the grounds. The stations are in marked areas in the Bricker MarketPlace Building, Kasich Hall, the Lausche Youth Exploration Space, Natural Resources Park pavilion, Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center, and WCOL Celeste Center.
“The Ohio State Fair offers a rejuvenating break from work and our daily routine,” said OOD Director Kevin L. Miller. “Since fairgoers usually spend the entire day on the grounds, it’s important that charging stations are available to sustain wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices.”
Also made available with support from OOD and the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, fairgoers who are blind or have low vision can use Aira – which stands for Access to Information Remote Assistance – to connect, for free, to a remote agent via a smart device. The agent can locate users through GPS, help access visual information (which is especially helpful for navigating a large, unfamiliar area), and direct them to places of interest.
For fairgoers whose preferred method of communication is American Sign Language (ASL), interpretation will be offered at these events, with no reservations required: the Sale of Champions Livestock Auction on August 4, daily at the Natural Resources Park Great Lakes Timber (lumberjack) shows and the Marvelous Mutts shows at The Dog House, and for all ticketed concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center. The Fair’s daily schedule will feature additional events available in ASL. For Ohioans who are Deaf or hard of hearing and use ASL, please watch a video about the Ohio State Fair ASL interpretation.
This year’s Fair offers two adjustable-height universal changing tables. While one table returns to its previous location in the Ag Pro Taft Coliseum family restroom, a new table has been added to the newly renovated First Aid Center, north of Kasich Hall. These spacious and private facilities support fairgoers' personal care needs, strategically placed at opposite ends of the grounds to ensure convenience for all attendees.
“At the Ohio State Fair, we believe that accessibility is not just a checkbox; it's a continuous journey of improvement and inclusivity,” said Adam Heffron, Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds Executive Director. “We’re dedicated to building upon our existing accessibility efforts, working diligently to create an environment that is welcoming and accessible to all."
Additional accessibility efforts at the Ohio State Fair include the following:
- Ample accessible parking spaces
- Accessible buildings and restrooms
- Motorized scooter and non-motorized wheelchair rentals
- A Quiet Room situated just east of Central Park, equipped to provide sensory relief
- Communication boards for fairgoers who are nonverbal, available at all guest information services booths and on the Ohio State Fair accessibility webpage, featuring Fair-specific symbols to facilitate navigation and encourage exploration of Fair offerings
- Accessible seats for concerts in the WCOL Celeste Center can be purchased at the same cost directly from Ticketmaster (to view accessible seats, click the “filters” button, then toggle on the “accessibility” button to see)
- Free assisted listening devices for use at the WCOL Celeste Center, Main Street Stage presented by Ohio Lottery, and Wellcare Gazebo Stage
- Audio descriptions for select exhibits and attractions, available within the Ohio State Fair app
- Art Possible Ohio exhibit in Kasich Hall C, featuring artwork by Ohio artists with disabilities
- Service animal relief areas with pick-up bags and waste receptacles at the Rhodes Center Lawn, Central Park, and Natural Resources Park
- Designated accessible seating at additional stages
- Accessible play area at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Park
- Accessible picnic tables throughout the Fair
Discover more at the Ohio State Fair’s accessibility webpage. For questions, reach out to info@expo.ohio.gov or call 614-644-3247.
 Designated by the Ohio General Assembly beginning in 2016, Ohio Service Dog Awareness Week, the last week of July, recognizes service dogs that have assisted Ohio citizens with disabilities, including adults, children, and veterans.
Service dogs are trained to help people with disabilities, such as those who are blind or have low vision; those who are deaf or hard of hearing; and those with mental health disabilities, physical disabilities, seizure disorders, or diabetes.
Here are some helpful do’s and don’ts for when you see a service dog:
Do
- Speak to the handler rather than the dog
- Keep your own dog from getting too close
Don’t
- Touch or distract the dog
- Offer food or treats
- Assume a napping dog is off-duty
OOD's Accessible Ohio program provides a resource webpage on service animals, promoting respectful interactions and inclusive practices. The guide offers essential information on identifying service animals, proper etiquette, and key facts to enhance understanding.
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