New Podcast! Brian Rust: From Educator to Entrepreneur

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New Podcast! Brian Rust: From Educator to Entrepreneur

Brian fills a vending machine with snacks. Universal disability symbols/ Text: OOD Works.

In our latest podcast episode, we feature Brian Rust, a passionate educator and entrepreneur. Navigating life with vision loss, he shares how he has turned a challenge into success. As a proud graduate of the Ohio State School for the Blind, he continued his education and has had a successful career in teaching physical education, where he’s made a significant impact for over two decades. However, faced with declining vision and the onset of the pandemic, he adeptly pivoted himself to become a Business Enterprise Operator through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

Don't miss this inspiring conversation about adaptability, family life as a devoted husband and father of two, and the valuable resources available for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Tune in to episode 57 of the OOD Works Podcast wherever you listen, or visit ood.ohio.gov/podcast for transcripts and MP3 files.

Director Kevin Miller’s Thanksgiving Message

Director Kevin Miller in a suit, smiling.

Watch Now

As Thanksgiving approaches, let's take a moment to reflect on the importance of community and the support we provide one another. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who plays a role in empowering Ohioans with disabilities. From our committed state leaders to dedicated staff members and partners, and most importantly, to individuals with disabilities, please know that your efforts are truly appreciated.

This season, I invite you to celebrate the spirit of gratitude with us by watching our Thanksgiving video. In it, I share my sincere thanks for the unwavering support you all provide.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, warmth, and quality time spent with your loved ones!

Sincerely,

Kevin L. Miller

OOD Director

All About Accessibility: Navigating the Holidays

Young couple with a man using a wheelchair enjoying an outdoors, bundled in winer wear.

Navigating the holidays can be challenging due to the extra traffic holiday festivities can bring. Unique circumstances like heavy snowfall, misplaced shopping carts, and holiday retail displays can present barriers for individuals with disabilities. Planning ahead is the key to maintaining equal access for everyone.

Making accessibility a priority from the start can help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for as many people as possible. During the busiest shopping season, it’s vital for retail establishments to plan to maintain accessibility. This ensures everyone has access to services, goods, activities and programs.

Everyone’s experience is unique and important, including during the holidays. Use our Accessible Ohio resources to begin or advance your journey to accessibility.

OOD Works e-Newsletter Returns December 5

Traditional Thanksgiving meal. Text: Happy Thanksgiving!

During this Thanksgiving season, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our participants, claimants, partners, and staff. Your support has been crucial in our mission to empower Ohioans with disabilities. Together, we have made a positive difference, and we look forward to continuing this important work. Happy Thanksgiving!

The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, December 5, 2025. Stay tuned!

In the News

Children with Disabilities Receive Adaptive Mobility Items

WFMJ, 11-18-25

Food Trucks are Latest Training Tool for People with Developmental Disabilities

Dayton Daily News, 11-17-25

Arts Center Celebrates Accessibility Project

Ashtabula Star Beacon, 11-15-25

Alliance Meijer Honored for Efforts with Differently Abled

The Alliance Review, 11-15-25

She Dedicated Her Military Career to Taking Care of Others - Now Her Service Dog Takes Care of Her

WCPO, 11-12-25

Remembering Disability Rights Activist Alice Wong

National Public Radio, 11-16-25

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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) 2025, OOD received $177,897,297 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the state covered 21.3% of the total costs, or $48,147,553. Of these federal funds, $26,684,595 is set aside for Pre-ETS.

For purposes of the Works4Me Program, OOD received 100% of its funding through the DOE Disability Innovation Fund grant. In FFY 2025, OOD received $1,793,225 for this Program.

For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for this Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of the regular Supported Employment Program up to the grant amount. In FFY 2025, OOD received $446,137 for SE Youth with a Disability, and state-appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $49,571 of the total costs. In FFY 2025, OOD received $446,137 in regular SE grant funds.

For purposes of the Independent Living Services Older Blind (ILOB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2025 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the Program. In FFY 2025, OOD received $1,129,124 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the state paid the 10% required match, or $125,458 of the total costs incurred under the ILOB Program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2025. In FFY 2025, OOD received $640,682 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the state paid the 10% required match, or $71,187 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.