opportunities for ohioans with disabilities

Chris Page was pulled over for a traffic stop in 2016. His failure to make eye contact caused officers to believe he had been drinking. Chris’ difficulty with motor skills led to him failing a field sobriety test and being arrested.

Once in custody, he submitted a urine sample and took a breathalyzer test that proved he had not been drinking. Chris is on the autism spectrum, and his symptoms were misunderstood during the traffic stop.

Listen to learn how Chris’ experience and his mother’s advocacy efforts helped prompt the Communication Disability Law.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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

Gabriella Drago knew she wanted to be a music therapist in the tenth grade. After finishing her degree at Baldwin Wallace University, Gabriella became a board-certified music therapist. 

With support from OOD, the Cleveland Sight Center, professors, and others, Gabriella explained how meaningful the encouragement has been. “Sometimes people don’t talk about it, but having a disability can take a toll on your mental health,” she said. “You can’t do it all alone. Having a support system makes it so much easier.”

Listen to learn more about Gabriella’s recent transition from college graduate to professional in her chosen field.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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

The Poruban Nursery was born out of a passion for horticulture, bleak job prospects, and determination. “Frustration was my motivation,” said Floyd Poruban of Avon, Ohio, who established the business more than 55 years ago.

Floyd was the first person who was legally blind to be admitted to and graduate from a science program at The Ohio State University (OSU) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in plant pathology. He is a 2019 recipient of OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award.

Listen to learn more about Floyd’s story and inspiration for handling obstacles.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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

In this episode, OOD Director Kevin Miller discusses the communication disability law. 

Any individual with a medically diagnosed communication disability, who drives or regularly has someone with a communication disability in their vehicle, can voluntarily enroll in a database that connects to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). The law enforcement officer can then be made aware that the driver or a person in the vehicle may have difficulty communicating and can approach the vehicle with awareness to reduce any potential misunderstandings or problems. 

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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

Samantha grew up believing that she was different from everyone else. She was bullied at school. At age 17, she began receiving services from an Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities counselor. Today, Samantha is a thriving third-year student at Wright State University and secretary of 4 Paws for Ability WSU.

“It’s okay – it’s better to be different,” Meissner said. “Who wants a basic somebody?”

Tune into the podcast to learn more about Meissner's journey.

Part two of the podcast features Ohio College2Careers.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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

Scott Fedor discusses how his life changed in an instant in 2009 when he dove into a lake and broke his neck. Fedor shares his story and philosophy for living in his new book, Head Strong: How a Broken Neck Strengthened My Spirit.

Fedor explains how a man he met in a nursing home told him about the services offered by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. “A counselor named Janice met with me, and I was amazed at the ways they could help me get back to living a normal life and work,” Fedor said. “As someone who was always career driven, I knew it would be different, but I still wanted to work. I wanted to contribute.”

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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

Dr. Carolyn Peters, chair of the OOD Council,  and Dr. jw Smith, vice chair, discuss their personal journeys, talk about their involvement with OOD, and reflect on overcoming challenges. 

“At first I was depressed about losing my vision. Then I was in denial,” Dr. Peters said. “I went through all those stages and finally realized there were some opportunities.”

Dr. Smith challenges listeners: “What are you going to do with the opportunities you have? What are you going to do with the challenges you’ve been presented? That’s what it really comes down to.”

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast. 

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

What happens when a focused job seeker is backed with incredible support? Listen as Paul Bogdan, a 22-year-old with a passion for photography, talks about his unique journey. He’s joined by Kathy Crudele, his aunt, and Justin Deuel, Employment Supervisor with Positive Community Connections. 

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

Brianne Riffle and Wes Fisher served as co-chairs of the 2019 Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), a five-day career, leadership, and advocacy training for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities. The program took place from July 14-18 in Columbus. Delegates came from all across Ohio to take part in educational sessions on advocacy and leadership; disability rights; the legislative process; employment with a disability; informational interviewing and speed mentoring; and independent living and technology.

In this episode, Riffle and Fisher talk about their experiences as former delegates, how participation shaped their identities, and why they choose to pay it forward.

Get the podcast transcript for each episode at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

Have a disability? Want to work? https://oodworks.com/. 1-800-282-4536

Get in touch on social media: @OhioOOD. 

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

OOD Director Kevin Miller breaks down Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s budget for OOD for fiscal years 2020-2021. He reveals new patterns of service for individuals with disabilities, and he shares what drives his passion for this work.

Signed into law in July 2019, the new budget supports OOD in empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. Demonstrating a strong commitment to investing in Ohioans with disabilities to ensure that they are not left behind, the budget represents a state investment of $17.4 million in General Revenue Funds in the first year and $18.9 million in the second year (an eight percent increase each year) of the biennium.

Get the podcast transcript for each episode at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

Have a disability? Want to work? https://oodworks.com/. 1-800-282-4536

Get in touch on social media: @OhioOOD. 

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