 Kellyn Bango leads Cassi the Saddlebred Cross into a barn at Pegasus Farm in Hartville, Ohio.
Kellyn Bango has always had a deep love for horses. She’s the proud owner of eight mini horses and two full-sized ones. In fact, she counts her donkey among her “mini” herd, adding a unique flair to her farm. But Kellyn’s journey into the world of carriage driving—and even owning mini horses—wasn’t a simple one.
It all began when a disease changed her life and forced her to rethink how she could continue doing what she loved. “I couldn’t ride anymore,” Kellyn reflects. “The disease made it impossible, so I had to find another way to stay connected with horses.”
She found that path through carriage driving. With a natural determination, Kellyn transitioned from riding to carriage driving, showing the world that just because you can’t do something in one way, doesn’t mean you can’t find another.
Kellyn’s connection to horses runs deep. She grew up in 4-H, where she was mentored by many incredible people who shaped her understanding of horses and horsemanship. Her parents even ran a small horse rescue, giving her the chance to work with horses who were considered “difficult” or had quirky behaviors—horses that others might overlook. Kellyn learned early on that a horse with challenges wasn’t a lost cause but an opportunity to learn, grow, and problem-solve.
At Pegasus Farm, a therapeutic equestrian center where Kellyn has worked for many years, she has been surrounded by an environment that mirrors her own values. With its 34 horses, the farm is a place of learning and support. Her former boss, Tamara Jones, now retired, taught her everything she knows about working with horses and navigating the challenges life throws your way. But it wasn’t until Kellyn’s disease progressed that she began facing challenges beyond the barn.
At first, Kellyn didn’t share the full extent of her condition with her colleagues at Pegasus. The disease had started affecting her joints, and she initially downplayed the symptoms, referring to it simply as “joint pain.” As the disease progressed, though, it became harder to ignore, and Kellyn found herself in a position where she could no longer hide what was happening.
Her next supervisor, Tammi Gainer, encouraged Kellyn to be more open about her struggles. Tammi, now Executive Director of the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA), insisted that communication was key to finding a way forward. “What do we have to do to keep you here?” Tammi asked, making it clear that the team would work with Kellyn, as long as she kept them in the loop. Disclosing her disability ultimately made it easier for her to continue her work, and it allowed her to adapt to her changing needs without sacrificing her place in the world of horses.
Tammi also pushed Kellyn to ask for help when needed, emphasizing that it wasn’t a sign of weakness. “It’s okay to ask for support,” she said. “But you have to ask, so we know how to help you without taking away the things you can still do.”
Last August, Kellyn’s journey took another important step when she transitioned to using a wheelchair for mobility. While the adjustment wasn’t easy, Kellyn felt fortunate to be in an environment like Pegasus, where people were already familiar with helping those with disabilities, and everyone was focused on finding solutions.
Determined not to let her disease take away her connection with horses, Kellyn contacted Ohio AgrAbility for assistance. “The chair took a part of the horses away from me,” she admits, feeling that being unable to physically engage with the horses in the same way was a tough adjustment. “At the farm, there’s always someone around to help. But a big part of loving horses is loving the work—the hands-on process that comes with it.”
That’s when Rachel Jarman from AgrAbility connected Kellyn to Galen Wade, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, who arranged for her to upgrade her wheelchair to an Action Trackchair®—a game-changer that allowed Kellyn to get back into the arena and work with her horses in a way that felt both possible and empowering. Kim McCabe from McCabe Outdoor Mobility helped her find the right model and fit. “The switch to the Trackchair® felt natural. It was just the next step,” Kellyn says.
Whether it was transitioning from riding to carriage driving or adapting her role at Pegasus to accommodate her health challenges, Kellyn has made it her mission to keep moving forward. “I’ve always worked with what I can do, not what I can’t,” she says. “That’s the Pegasus way. We make things work.”
While Kellyn’s professional life has shifted over the years, she continues to play an integral part at the farm, helping others, mentoring, and teaching the next generation of horse enthusiasts. “The world needs to see a different perspective on disability—one that’s about possibility, not limitation,” Kellyn said.
If you or someone you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 The OOD Council provides feedback to OOD on the Vocational Rehabilitation services provided by the Bureaus of Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Visually Impaired. Recently, Peter J. Moore, the Chair of the OOD Council, shared an inspiring annual report letter that highlights an extraordinary year for OOD and the Ohioans with disabilities it supports. This report showcases the strong teamwork between the OOD Council and OOD Director Kevin L. Miller’s dedicated team.
This collaboration reflects a deep commitment to creating valuable job opportunities that empower individuals to achieve independence and lead fulfilling lives. Together, they are making a significant impact, helping Ohioans with disabilities reach their full potential and enhancing their quality of life.
Read the 2024 OOD Council Annual Report Letter.
 The OOD Council meeting on November 13, 2024.
The OOD Council will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and the public on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 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. In-person meeting attendees who are blind or have low vision can use Aira 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.
A call-in number is available for members of the public who cannot attend the in-person meeting. The OOD Council meetings webpage has additional meeting information and the call-in number.
Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to info@OOD.Ohio.gov by the close of business on Friday, January 10, 2025.
 The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year, but it can also bring about stress and overwhelm. As you navigate this busy time, it's essential to prioritize your comfort and well-being. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to step back and take care of yourself when needed. Here are some practical tips to help you manage stress and enjoy the festivities:
- Set Boundaries: Don’t hesitate to say no to events or activities that feel too exhausting. Remember, this holiday season is for you too!
- Bring Comfort Items: Equip yourself with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, or other sensory aids that help you manage overwhelming environments.
- Communicate Your Needs: Reach out to loved ones or trusted friends if you need support. You don’t have to face feelings of overwhelm alone.
For more tips on managing stress in a healthy way, visit http://mha.ohio.gov/checkin.
Creating an Inclusive Space for Guests
If you're hosting loved ones who are neurodivergent or have disabilities, consider these suggestions to create a welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy the holidays:
- Designate a Quiet Space: Set up a sensory-free area where guests can retreat from the hustle and bustle whenever they need a break.
- Share Plans in Advance: Communicate schedules, meal plans, and any potential sensory factors ahead of time to help everyone prepare.
- Use Flexible Lighting: Incorporate adjustable lighting options to accommodate different sensory needs and preferences.
- Check In with Guests: Don’t hesitate to ask your guests if they need any support or accommodations during their visit. A simple check-in can go a long way in making them feel comfortable.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a joyful and stress-free holiday experience for yourself and your guests. Enjoy the season!
 Happy Holidays! The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, January 10, 2025. Stay tuned!
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