 In 2001, Aaron Lantz began his career as a soil scientist at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Findlay office, unaware of the obstacles that awaited him. Within his first month on the job, he experienced a rapid decline in his vision, culminating in a frightening accident on the interstate. This incident forced him to confront a startling revelation: he had been blind for some time without realizing it.
Aaron faced significant challenges because his job required driving and the ability to identify soil colors. However, he refused to let these obstacles deter him. He utilized county paratransit services for transportation and reached out to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for assistance.
OOD's Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) provided Aaron with life-changing tools, including:
- A handheld colorimeter for identifying soil color
- Software to enhance visibility on his computer
- Special glasses to help with outdoor navigation
Aaron was not able to drive again, but his work effectiveness increased, and his confidence was boosted, allowing him to continue his role without feeling restricted.
His determination led him to pursue a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certification, which opened new career opportunities. In 2005, he accepted a position at ODNR's central office in Columbus, a city that offered a more accommodating environment for someone who doesn’t drive.
As the years progressed, Aaron faced additional physical challenges, including difficulties with walking and lifting heavy items. Yet, true to his resilient nature, he adapted once again.
In the past year, Aaron has discovered how the right accommodations can dramatically enhance his quality of life:
- He began using a white cane for increased visibility.
- He acquired an adult electric trike, allowing him to enjoy outdoor adventures.
- He utilized specialized ride services that offer greater independence.
These changes have expanded his world in a meaningful way, allowing him to create special memories with his daughters as they visit parks, attend festivals, and many school activities.
Aaron's recent reevaluation with OOD has provided him with additional technology, accommodation equipment, devices, and training for both work and home life. From cane training to tips on optimizing his vision, the services have made a significant difference in his daily routines. Aaron is currently a Natural Resources Administrator at ODNR, serving as the Disabilities Network Co-Chair.
“Aaron has been a pleasure to work with, and his employer has been very supportive of getting accommodations in place so that he can continue in the career that he has enjoyed for so many years,” Sharon Valade, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, said.
If you or someone you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 October 20-26, 2024 is Invisible Disabilities Week, which brings attention to physical, mental, or neurological conditions that aren’t readily apparent based on appearance. These could include conditions like depression, anxiety disorder, chronic pain, dyslexia, or other conditions that impact a person’s movements, senses, or endurance. Read a proclamation about Invisible Disabilities Week from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted.
 Symptoms of invisible disabilities can often lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions, and judgments. The Invisible Disabilities Association works to encourage, educate, and connect people touched by invisible disabilities. During this special week, the association encourages wearing blue and using the hashtags #CareInMotion and #InvisibleDisabilitiesWeek on social media in support of people with invisible disabilities.
 In September 2024, OOD received the "Recovery Friendly Workplace" designation from RecoveryOhio, underscoring its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for employees dealing with mental health and substance use disorders. This recognition aligns with the goals of the Recovery Friendly Workplace program, which supports employers in creating a nurturing atmosphere that encourages employees to seek treatment, reduces stigma, and helps retain a healthy workforce.
By implementing essential practices such as incorporating recovery-friendly policies into hiring and workplace procedures, facilitating access to employee assistance programs, and providing mental health resources, OOD enhances its workplace culture and hopes to inspire other Ohio employers to support their employees on their recovery journeys.
 Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio offers a wonderful opportunity for children by mailing one free book each month until they turn 5. This program is available to any child in Ohio from birth to age 5, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Recently, the Imagination Library announced an exciting addition: a bilingual English/Spanish book collection. This new collection features beloved classics such as I Hear a Pickle alongside fresh titles like Donut. Families in Ohio can now enroll their children to receive a free monthly bilingual book, or they can update their current accounts to include this new collection.
How Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio Works
- Enroll your child at OhioImaginationLibrary.org.
- In six to eight weeks, your child will receive the first book in the mail.
- Siblings under the age of 5 are also eligible and should be enrolled.
Why It’s Important
- Brain science shows that a child’s brain is already 80% developed by 3 years old.
- Through reading, children begin to learn words and sounds, recognize pictures, and understand emotions.
Braille and Audio Format
In partnership with American Printing House for the Blind, Inc. (APH), many of the books in the program are available in braille and audio format so that young children who are blind or have low vision can also participate.
Six books are chosen each year to be “Braille Tales” books. Braille labels are added to each book, bringing the whole family together by allowing them to read braille or print. Visit the APH Braille Tales webpage to learn more.
Audiobooks are also available to children. These books may only be played on a digital playback device loaned from the National Library Service (NLS) or another device approved by the NLS. This device will allow children to download the audiobook files, which are posted online every month. For more information about the audiobook option, please visit the APH audiobooks webpage.
It’s easy! Go to OhioImaginationLibrary.org or the APH collaboration webpage to start your child’s free book delivery!
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