 Catherine Perry and her son.
Catherine Perry recently contacted Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) to express gratitude for the support she received nearly 50 years ago.
Catherine was born with a genetic neuromuscular condition, which made her early years particularly frustrating. Doctors struggled to provide a diagnosis and, at times, even questioned her about her symptoms. Her cousins in New York, who faced similar challenges, informed Catherine's mother about the vocational rehabilitation services they were receiving. This prompted Catherine's journey to begin in high school when her mother reached out to the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) at the Rehabilitation Services Commission, now known as OOD.
During her BVR counseling, Catherine discovered occupational therapy (OT) as a potential career path. This was a significant revelation for her, as her familiarity had only extended to doctors and nurses, and no one in her family had attended college. Coupled with financial support from BVR for her bachelor’s program at Ohio State University, this new perspective set her on a path to success.
Catherine thrived at Ohio State, even joining a sorority that nurtured her professional growth and leadership skills. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she continued her academic journey by pursuing a master’s degree in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Initially, she worked as a clinician, but by the age of 28, she was managing a small hospital—an endeavor that she soon realized was not the best fit for her.
Throughout her experiences as both a student and a professional, Catherine navigated her challenges with a limp, finding creative workarounds to accomplish her tasks. It wasn't until she reached young adulthood that she finally received a medical diagnosis confirming her lived experience.
Catherine eventually became the Chair of the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program at Shawnee State University. Her proudest achievement was establishing a four-year OT baccalaureate program at the university, a milestone that defined her professional career. She found herself reflected in her students; they, too, needed to build their self-confidence and had a deep appreciation for education. As she nurtured their growth, Catherine was inspired to pursue a Ph.D. at Ohio State, which allowed her to earn tenure at Shawnee State.
Catherine's philosophy on her disability, which also includes orthopedic challenges, is clear: "It's not the thing that defines my life." Her legacy continues through her two sons, who also navigate neuromuscular challenges. Both are college graduates and have been active in sports, exemplifying resilience, just like their mother.
Looking back at her career, Catherine explained, "I am retired and grateful for a
satisfying profession that allowed me to give back in meaningful ways." Her career in OT not only fulfilled her professional aspirations but also allowed her to inspire and support countless students.
If you or someone you know has a disability and would like to work, visit or call 800-282-4536.
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.
Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers, whether you're a biological mom, stepmom, adoptive mom, foster mom, fur mom, or any other maternal figure.
Your love, strength, and dedication make the world a better place, and today we celebrate you for all the sacrifices you make and the joy you bring into our lives. Enjoy your special day!
As Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) approaches on May 15, we invite you to attend our upcoming webinar on promoting accessibility in the workplace through technology.
On May 21, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, we will host “Technology in the Workplace” to offer ways of utilizing technology to reach individuals with disabilities seeking permanent employment or internships. This webinar will address:
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The benefits and potential risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the recruitment process,
- How AI and technology used in hiring tools can create access for people with disabilities, and
- Ways employers can leverage available technology to attract candidates with disabilities.
Presenters
Shelly Burkhart, ADAC, Accessible Ohio Specialist
Megan Naves, CRC, Career and Credential Consultant
Registration
This event is hosted through Microsoft Teams Webinar. Pre-registration is required to attend. Please visit the registration site to 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.
Accommodation Requests
The State of Ohio is a disability inclusion state; 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 May 14, 2025.
Credit Hours
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.
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HR Certification Institute’s® official seal confirms that OOD meets the criteria for pre-approved recertification credit(s) for any of HRCI’s eight credentials, including SPHR® and PHR®. (www.HRCI.org) |
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OOD is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®.
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 In honor of the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Center for Disability Empowerment is thrilled to invite both young and adult writers to participate in a special writing competition. This is your chance to share your voice and reflect on the profound impact that the ADA has had on the disability community.
Event Details
The culminating event will take place on July 11, 2025, at the Columbus Museum of Art. This milestone celebration will not only highlight the advancements made since the signing of the ADA but will also acknowledge ongoing challenges and celebrate those who are committed to promoting disability rights and equality.
Prizes and Recognition
Selected writers will have the opportunity to present their work at the event and will be rewarded with cash prizes. Two first-place winners (one from each category) will receive $300 each, while two second-place winners will earn $200 each.
Who Can Enter
The competition is open to Ohio residents in two categories:
- Youth (ages 14-23)
- Adult (ages 24 and older)
Writing Prompt
Submissions should respond to the following prompt:
"The ADA has done things for America’s disability community. What are you doing that might not have been possible without the ADA?"
Submission Guidelines
Accepted formats: Prose, poetry, or an ASL-performed statement.
- Length: Up to 600 words for written submissions; ASL performances may be up to three minutes long.
- Deadline: All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM on May 15, 2025.
- Submission method: Please send your entry as a Word document in an attached email. ASL submissions can be included as a YouTube link.
How to Apply
To submit your work, email it as a Word document to hello@austindunn.net. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to the same email.
Ready to discover your next great Ohio getaway?
Come celebrate Ohio Tourism Day on Tuesday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ohio Statehouse! More than 130 destinations, attractions, and travel experts from across the state will be there to inspire your next road trip, weekend escape, or summer vacation.
It’s a free, action-packed event with live entertainment, giveaways, and hands-on experiences—and every attendee will leave with the brand-new 2025 Ohio Summer Events Guide, packed with hundreds of incredible festivals, fairs, and adventures.
Bring your curiosity. Bring your bucket list. And bring a friend! Find all the details at Ohio.org/TourismDay or RSVP to the Facebook event.
This summer, let’s explore the Heart of it All!
Gardening is for everyone! With the right tools, techniques, and a little creativity, gardening can be an enriching and accessible hobby for people with disabilities. Whether you have limited mobility, chronic pain, or sensory sensitivities, there are countless ways to adapt gardening to suit your needs.
Raised beds, container gardens, vertical planters, and ergonomic tools can make gardening easier on the body. Consider starting with low-maintenance plants like herbs, succulents, or native species that thrive with minimal fuss. For those who enjoy sensory experiences, gardens can be designed with textures, colors, and scents in mind, creating peaceful, stimulating spaces to enjoy year-round.
Resources to Explore:
So, if you’re a seasoned green thumb or planting your first seed, remember: your garden should work for you. There’s no one right way to grow.
“Difference Maker Sisters:” Local Girl Scout Troop Develops Series for Community Service
The Marietta Times, 5-6-25
Local High Schooler with Down Syndrome Nominated Prom King by Classmates
WJW, 5-6-25
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Brings Seniors and ACBDD Together at Kessler Estates
Hometown Stations, 5-5-25
Inclusive Coffee Shop Opens First Ohio Location
WBNS, 5-4-25
To Improve Accessibility, Closed Captioning Gets an Overhaul
Disability Scoop, 5-6-25
How to Prepare for Natural Disasters if You Have a Disability
The New York Times, 4-21-25
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