Codey Connects with Industry Professionals at Apprenticeship Information Session

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 12/19/2025 08:05 AM EST

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Codey Connects with Industry Professionals at Apprenticeship Information Session

Codey wears a welding hood and looks at device used by Jason, Welding Coordinator, also in a welding hood. A man overlooks the activity.

Codey Ewing observes a demonstration by Jason Newell, Welding Coordinator.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) hosted an apprenticeship information session and tour for participants with disabilities at the UA Local 776 Training Center in Lima last month. Attendees had the chance to learn about their plumbing, pipefitting, and service technician apprenticeship programs, see a live welding skills demonstration, and tour the training center. This was a fantastic opportunity for job seekers to explore career paths, build connections, and gain valuable insight into apprenticeship opportunities across multiple counties.

Codey Ewing, a current welding student at the Apollo Career Center, attended the session to learn about how the union utilizes welders. He completed a welding demo with the instructor and learned how his training at Apollo can be used toward the training hours required by the apprenticeship program. OOD has supported Codey by covering his tuition for the Apollo program and providing him with work boots, enabling him to take full advantage of this opportunity. We're thrilled that he had the chance to connect with industry professionals and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him.

If you or someone you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.

OOD Council to Meet

The OOD Council meeting on November 19, 2025.

The OOD Council will hold an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and the public on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, starting 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 are unable to 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 Kimberly.DeBoe@ood.ohio.gov by the end of business on Friday, January 16, 2025.

OOD Works Newsletter Returns January 9

Holiday lights and pine branches. Text: Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays! The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, January 9, 2026. Stay tuned!

All About Accessibility: Winter Safety Tips

The rear snow-covered tire of a vehicle on a snowy road

As winter sets in across Ohio, it brings unique safety challenges and accessibility barriers. Preparation is essential to ensure safety and independence during this season.

Businesses can prevent weather-related injuries and create access by promptly removing snow and ice from areas such as sidewalks and curbs, accessible parking spaces and access aisles, and main entrances. Individually, choosing non-slip footwear and keeping mobility aids dry and free from ice is crucial for stability.

Creating a personal emergency plan is vital. This plan should include backup power sources for medical devices, accessible transportation options, and a stockpile of nonperishable food and medications, all of which can make a significant difference during severe weather.

Additionally, Ohio's House Bill 144—Keith’s Law, signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine in October and taking effect in mid-January, will provide first responders with information when responding to a 9-1-1 call shared by an individual about their disability, enabling them to respond with greater awareness and preparation.

Finally, regular check-ins with caregivers or neighbors can bolster safety and ensure connectivity during winter storms. Stay prepared and safe this winter!

In the News

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For Some Ohioans in Recovery, Legal Help is the Final Step to a Fresh Start

The Statehouse News Bureau, 12-15-25

RePlay for Kids Provides Adapted Toys for Children with Disabilities

Canton Repository, 12-15-25

Warren County BDD Makes Impact at 2025 Synergy

The Warren County Post, 12-15-25

Stark Sheriff's Office Adopts Blue Envelope Program

Canton Repository, 12-14-25

An In-Depth Look at Universal Design and Inclusion of Those with Disabilities at Miami Regionals

Miami Regionals Pulse News, 12-4-25

Choosing the Right Accessible Toys

Northeast Ohio Parent, December 2025

People with Disabilities: An Underserved and Untapped Market for Banks

Forbes, 12-15-25

Seven Ways We’re Making Android More Accessible

Google Blog, 12-2-25

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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.