OOD Hosts Second Annual Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 08/14/2025 03:00 PM EDT

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For Immediate Release

August 14, 2025

Media Contact

Kim Jump: 614-623-2209

OOD Hosts Second Annual Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) today hosted the second annual Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo, highlighting Ohio's commitment to accessibility and meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

OOD held a one-day conference that brought together community leaders, cabinet directors, Ohioans with disabilities and their families, employers, and public and private venues and attractions to explore accessibility solutions, resources, and best practices.

In his remarks, Governor Mike DeWine emphasized Ohio's dedication to being a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. He highlighted that the Accessible Ohio program, supported by the 2026-27 state operating budget, aims to prioritize accessibility and promote inclusiveness across the state.

"As we reflect on the 35^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we are reminded of our commitment to ensuring that all Ohioans, including individuals with disabilities, have opportunities to realize their God-given potential,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio’s true strength lies in its people, and we cannot afford to leave anyone behind."

Lena Schmitz, ASL Interpreter, and Governor DeWine at a podium on stage.

Lena Schmitz, American Sign Language Interpreter, and Governor DeWine, addressing conference participants in the conference theater.

In alignment with this commitment, OOD Director Kevin L. Miller said, "Our goal is to connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful, good-paying job opportunities that are the right fit, while also ensuring everyone can fully participate in their communities. This way, Ohioans with disabilities can thrive in their careers and experience all that our state has to offer.”

Director Miller, Governor DeWine, and Sam Sepah in front of a brick wall with "OSU" on it.

Director Miller, Sam Sepah, and Governor DeWine at the conference.

The conference featured keynote speaker Sam Sepah, a 17-year leader in accessibility technology, who emphasized the importance of inclusive design in his presentation "Innovating for Access." Drawing from his personal experiences, Sepah inspired attendees to prioritize accessibility for individuals with deafness and other disabilities. The event also featured a session on "Accessibility in Ohio’s Professional Sports Venues" showcasing various accessibility vendors, promoting collaboration and innovation in the field.

Josiah Lanning in a motorized wheelchair at a vendor's table at the conference

Josiah Lanning, a conference participant, interacts with representatives from the American Council of the Blind.

About OOD

OOD is the state agency responsible for empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence.

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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.