Governor’s Proposed Budget Continues Strong Support for Ohioans with Disabilities

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Governor’s Proposed Budget Continues Strong Support for Ohioans with Disabilities

Governor DeWine's Executive Budget for OOD Fiscal Years 2026-2027

Moments after taking the oath of office, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-03D, designating Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and establishing it as a Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) strives to ensure that all Ohioans have access to the necessary support, training, and opportunities to thrive within both the workforce and their communities. Governor DeWine's proposed budget reinforces this commitment, ensuring sustained support for services that empower Ohioans with disabilities.

OOD’s metrics demonstrate substantial strides in empowering Ohioans with disabilities through improved employment opportunities and are reflected in the results. In Federal Fiscal Year 2024, OOD provided services to over 42,000 Ohioans with disabilities, which was 5,444 more individuals compared to Federal Fiscal Year 2023, a 14.8 percent increase.

Our Vocational Rehabilitation staff provide direct services to Ohioans with all types of disabilities through many programs and partnerships that lead to employment. This includes support for individuals with disabilities through the following programs:

OOD also supports Ohioans with disabilities through a variety of Independent Living programs. These include the Independent Living Older Blind program, the Personal Care Assistance program, Community Centers for the Deaf, Sight Centers, and Centers for Independent Living. For individuals who are unable to work due to a disability, OOD assists through its Division of Disability Determination, which is fully funded by the Social Security Administration.

The Accessible Ohio (AO) program partners with businesses and communities to enhance accessibility statewide. Since its inception in July 2023, AO has established over 180 partnerships and conducted training for over 3,200 attendees. Plus, OOD’s mobile services unit brings services directly to rural and underserved areas, enhancing access to services and employment opportunities.

Our success depends on building strong partnerships with state and local agencies, Vocational Rehabilitation providers, and employers who partner with us to hire Ohioans with disabilities. We are grateful for the ongoing support from the General Assembly, the OOD Council, providers, stakeholders, staff, and all Ohioans with disabilities.

Governor DeWine's budget emphasizes ongoing investment in services that empower individuals to find meaningful employment, contribute to their communities, and gain independence. The proposed budget represents a state investment of $43.9 million in General Revenue Funds in each year of the biennium. With a generous federal match and innovative programs, OOD is uniquely positioned to do its part in strengthening Ohio’s economy.

OOD Works Podcast: Caroline Karbowski Empowers the Blind Community Through Science & Technology

OOD Works Podcast featuring Caroline Karbowski.

Listen Now

In our latest podcast episode, we feature Caroline Karbowski, recommended by the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. Caroline discusses the significance of Braille literacy and technology in advocating for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing accessibility in education and community engagement.

Her passion for Braille began in middle school, leading her to connect with the blind community in Ohio. She has been involved in outreach programs like STEM2U, which engages students who are blind or have low vision in hands-on science activities and interactions with role models. Caroline also highlights the impact of 3D printing in creating tailored educational materials for students who are blind.

Throughout the episode, she shares valuable partnerships and initiatives that promote inclusivity in scientific fields and underscores the importance of collaboration in her work as the CEO of the nonprofit, See3D, and an Orientation & Mobility Specialist at Perkins School for the Blind. Learn more about Caroline’s initiatives in episode 56 of the OOD Works Podcast. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works," or visit ood.ohio.gov/podcast for transcripts and MP3 files.

OOD Assists Job Seekers

In January 2025, we helped 566 people reach their goal of employment.

If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, reach out to OOD today. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can help you explore your options. Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Celebrating Black History Month: Bessie Blount

Nurse, inventor, physical therapist - these are just some of the words that can be used to describe Bessie Blount. She revolutionized assistive technology for World War II veterans, focusing her brilliance on developing innovative devices to help soldiers, particularly individuals who experienced amputations. In 1951, she received a patent on her "Portable Receptacle Support" device, positioning her as a pioneer in the field of physical therapy. Her trailblazing legacy cements her in history as a leader in both the civil and disability rights movements.

All About Accessibility: Dining Out

Two people seated together at a restaurant and looking at a computer.

Restaurants, hotels, resorts, event centers, and other venues offer a variety of dining options for the public. Ensuring accessibility empowers diners with disabilities to enjoy meals alongside family, friends, or colleagues. With one of the busiest dining holidays approaching, now is a perfect time to review best practices for accessible dining.

A positive dining experience often starts before guests even make it inside. Many individuals visit the restaurant's website beforehand to find information about menu options, hours of operation, and parking facilities. Providing accessible parking, entrances, routes, and seating can enhance the dining experience upon arrival.

Once inside, having staff who understand accessibility and inclusion is key to an accessible dining experience. Our Accessible Ohio team has gathered tips, resources, and information to help you and your staff create these positive experiences throughout the year.

Explore our library of Accessible Ohio resources to start or enhance your journey toward achieving accessibility.

OOD Works Newsletter Returns February 21

Quote next to image of Abraham Lincoln, "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.

Each Presidents' Day, OOD honors the legacy of leadership that continues to inspire our team and our nation. Our office will be closed on February 17, 2025, in recognition of this year’s state and federal holiday.

The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, February 21, 2025. Stay tuned!

In the News

Governor DeWine Supports Bid to Bring 2030 Special Olympics USA Games to Cleveland

Governor’s News Release, 2-6-25

How GPS Technology Has Changed the Life of a Central Ohio Woman Living with a

Disability

Columbus Dispatch, 2-4-25

Browns and Special Olympics Ohio Host 3^rd Annual Football Clinic

ClevelandBrowns.com, 2-4-25

Wheelchair Musher Finds a Unique Way to Explore Northeast Ohio’s Trails

Cleveland Magazine, 2-4-25

Ability Center Launches Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities

WTVG, 2-3-25

Noted Autism Advocate-Author Temple Grandin Draws a Crowd to UT

Toledo Blade, 2-1-25

Cleveland Monsters, Cavaliers Welcome Service Dog in Training

Spectrum News, 1-31-25

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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) 2024, OOD received $166,384,030 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $45,031,510. Of these federal funds, $24,957,605 is set aside for Pre-ETS.

For purposes of the Works 4 Me program, OOD received 100% of its funding through the DOE Disability Innovation Fund grant. In FFY 2024, OOD received $716,175 for this program.

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 2024, OOD received $593,853 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $65,984 of the total costs. In FFY 2024, OOD received $593,853 in regular SE grant funds.

For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2024 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2024, OOD received $1,166,389 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $129,599 of the total costs incurred under the OIB program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2024. In FFY 2024, OOD received $646,297 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $71,811 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.