James Sims Doesn't Allow Vision Loss to Hold Him Back

Dylan LeMaster, an 11th grader at Riverside High School and Auburn Career Center is known for being curious, determined, and skilled at using technology. He began learning Braille at age three and quickly became interested in using assistive technology. He even appeared on The Steve Harvey Show five years ago, showcasing how he was the youngest individual using the OrCam MyEye 2 for greater independence at home and school.

During the past summer, Dylan participated in an Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Summer Youth Work Experience at Magnifiers & More. The opportunity allowed him to use his expertise in troubleshooting and repairing equipment while considering possibilities for his future career.

Deborah Kogler, President of Magnifiers & More, explained, “He definitely has the personality to help people, and that's the big thing is to want to help people.'

Amanda Teddleton, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, explained: “Dylan's successes should be attributed to his incredible skills, hard work, and diligence.”

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

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Charity Bauer exemplifies how barriers can be shattered and goals can be reached, even when faced with challenges. 

Growing up in Oklahoma, Charity had a strong role model in her grandfather, who was also blind. He worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, serving transition-age students. When Charity moved to Ohio, she remembered that every state has a vocational rehabilitation agency that can help individuals with disabilities get and keep a job. Following a Google search, Charity found Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and got started with services.

With support from Patty Koehnlein, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Jennifer Renaldy, OOD Job Developer, Charity navigated her career path, from her initial struggles to eventual success as a Senior Resolution Coordinator with Walmart.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities' Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. DDD is federally regulated and receives 100% of its funding from SSA.  Under SSA, disability is based on an individual’s inability to work. 

Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, Public Affairs Specialists with SSA,  join the podcast to discuss changes to Social Security disability benefits in 2024.

(Check out episode 27, Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, for additional information.)

Learn more at SSA.Gov or call 800-772-1213.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Ever wondered why we need more inclusive literature? Come, sit awhile, and listen to Allison Boot, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023 and an established author, as she talks about her fascinating journey into the world of disability-inclusive literature. Allison, with her books “Just the Way You Are,” “The Magic Within,” and “Love the Way You Dance,” is breaking stereotypes and nurturing empathy among young readers. She also shares her challenges and triumphs in developing an often overlooked yet essential genre.

Moving into a more personal realm, Allison opens up about her experience as Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023. Hear about the friendships she's forged, how she's utilized her title to propagate the importance of inclusive literature, and her preparations for a national title. Learn how her platform has acted as a beacon of awareness, acceptance, and hope, proving that people with disabilities can live full, equitable lives.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Meet Kinshuk Tella, a remarkable college graduate from Miami University who has embraced his passion for science. “I want to be part of something bigger than myself, which is the environmental issues we face, in particular climate change,” Kinshuk explains.

Kinshuk is on track to complete his graduate studies in December 2023 and will receive a Master of Environmental Science degree from Miami University. This summer Kinshuk has been interning in Washington, D.C. where he has focused on national climate and air quality programs.

When he's not busy with academics and working toward his career, Kinshuk has been active in community building, blind advocacy, and student empowerment. Through his advocacy work, Kinshuk has motivated others to embrace their unique strengths while strengthening his own confidence.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Mykenna Roy recently completed her first year at The Ohio State University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Biology while being on a pre-med educational track.

Deaf in both ears since birth, Mykenna wears bilateral hearing aids. She has utilized resources in and out of school to help with her disability, including support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).

When she and a few of her peers realized that they had experienced similar challenges in the healthcare system, they decided to do something about it. Their startup company Aleph Innovations is working to leverage artificial intelligence technology to better address the most pressing issues affecting patients.

“My work is important to me because as a young individual who is growing up in a world that was built by generations before me, I know that if I want to see things change, I’m going to need to be the change,” Mykenna explained.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Cindy Shunk of Sylvania, Ohio is a strong self-advocate. Knowing her rights, she asks for what she needs and wants. She is clear that she prefers to be treated like everyone else. Over the years, she has received support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) because she is blind.

 After she graduated with a bachelor’s degree, Cindy tried applying for jobs in radio but eventually went in a different direction. When she learned of an opportunity to participate in a master’s degree program, she took it.

 Even with a master’s degree, finding a job did not come easily. Through hard work and determination, Cindy landed a job that she enjoyed, but then she lost the position because of the pandemic.

Cindy persisted again and found a new job, but it wasn’t a good fit. With help from OOD, Cindy, who continued to refuse to give up, found a position where she enjoys helping others.

A guest on the OOD Works podcast, Cindy explains her persisting philosophy and shares about her rewarding job today. She is joined by Dawn Coleman, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor with the Bureau of Services for Visually Impaired.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s biennial Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 highlights his dedication to making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. The proposed budget will allow Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) to secure the largest investment in its history to positively impact the lives of Ohioans with disabilities.

OOD Director Kevin Miller and Maria Seaman, OOD Chief Financial Officer, join the podcast to discuss the Executive Budget and how it will support OOD and partners to serve more Ohioans with disabilities and increase the services provided to them.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
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YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOOD

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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Regan Patten is a goal-driven student finishing up her education in Health Information Technology at Terra State Community College. She has solid work experience and family support as she takes her next step and begins working in the health field upon graduation. 

However, it didn’t come easily. Regan explained, “I have struggled with a learning disability involving math ever since I could remember.” She connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and has benefitted from assistive technology and financial support.
“She is going to be a great employee, and any employer who hires her will be very lucky to have her,” said Tonya Mortimer, OOD Sr. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Regan shares her journey in this episode. Kristin Garrett, OOD Program Administrator, also joins the episode to discuss how OOD is supporting eligible college students with disabilities with financial support toward tuition and educational expenses, while participating in OOD services, during the 2022-2023 school year.
OOD can help ensure college students with disabilities have the support they need to complete their degree and/or credential, earn higher wages, and meet the demands of tomorrow’s labor market. Need more information or have general questions about OOD's services for college students with disabilities or the Ohio College2Careers program? Email college2careers@ood.ohio.gov. Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.
Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.
Connect with Ohio College2Careers on social media: @OhioC2C.
Connect with OOD on social media: @OhioOOD.
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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

James Sims began experiencing vision loss in his forties. After meeting with an optometrist, he was referred to an eye surgeon. He had multiple surgeries to address serious, long-term ocular issues. He explained, “I lost a lot of vision and quickly knew that I was going to need some services and some accommodations if I wanted to continue to work in the same field that I work in.”

With a master’s degree and extensive experience in marketing and communications, James connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for services to help him continue his career with his onset disability. He was initially reluctant because he thought OOD could not support employment solutions in his career field. Amy Beavis, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, helped James become aware of the services that could help and assured him he could continue doing the work he enjoyed.

Amy linked James with Susan Walters at Matrix Vocational Solutions, a vocational rehabilitation provider, who helped James navigate the application process to find a job that would be a good fit.

After working with Amy and Susan, James landed a marketing position with PrimaryOne Health, where he worked for four years. He then accepted a Marketing Manager position at The Ohio State University. In addition to the full-time position he enjoys, James recently published a children’s book titled “The Incredible, Amazing, Fantastic Life of Mr. Smith,” which can be purchased through Amazon and other retailers. The book is about Mr. Smith, an ordinary dad with a big imagination, who shares a tall tale about his encounter with a seal and a hungry great white shark.

James’ message to others with disabilities is to “Keep an open mind. Just realize this: it’s a part of what is going on with you but doesn’t define you at all. Know what you can do, what your ceiling is, and what abilities you have. So just lean in and get to work."

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
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YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOOD

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Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!