OOD Works

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re highlighting a must‑listen episode of the OOD Works podcast that can help deepen your understanding of autism. In Episode 60, Megan Trowbridge, Program Director at OCALI , explores what autism acceptance truly means and how access, belonging, and community shape the lives of individuals with autism. She dispels common myths, explains sensory overload, and...

Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, Social Security Administration (SSA) Public Affairs Specialists, break down what parents need to know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for children. They explain the key differences between the programs, what happens at age 18, how income and in-kind support can affect payments, and practical steps to a...

Representatives Brian Lorenz and Gary Click, along with Keith Jesse, whose personal experience inspired House Bill 144—Keith’s Law , join the podcast. This legislation supports Ohioans with disabilities during emergencies by building on the Communication Disability Law and introducing a voluntary statewide database to help first responders identify individuals with disabilities before arriving on...

This episode features 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 declinin...

In this episode, we feature Caroline Karbowski, recommended by the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. Caroline discusses the significance of Braille literacy and technology in advocating for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing accessibility in education and community engagement.  Her passion for braille began in middle school, leading her to connect with the blind community in Ohio....

Decisions on whether Ohioans are eligible for Social Security disability benefits are crucial for people looking to create a dependable foundation for their lives. Staff with the Division of Disability Determination (DDD) of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) understand those needs and the importance of quickly processing cases and delivering accurate decisions. In agreement with th...

Tyler Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Nuxhall Foundation and the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields , joins the podcast to discuss inclusive recreation. From baseball to softball and beyond, the foundation offers a multitude of sports opportunities for athletes aged four to eighty, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their challenges, has the chance to play. The grounds are designed with acce...

When Gabrielle “Gabby” Kozinsi rolls into the room, her spirit is as unstoppable as her drive for advocacy. Join us as Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2024 shares about her refusal to be confined by cerebral palsy or social barriers. Her mission? To enlighten children on the importance of embracing people with disabilities, a lesson she shares from her firsthand experiences. To learn more, visit the Ms. Wheel...

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 indepe...

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...

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...

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...

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 Uni...

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 su...

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 w...

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. OO...

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 remembe...

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...

The 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 a...

Annette Beauchamp of Columbus, Ohio worked for the same employer for 21 years, doing a job she loved, when her vision became so limited, her safety was in danger. She explained, “I was almost hit by a car trying to cross the street more than once. I would fall over things in my own house. I would pour liquid into glasses that were turned upside down and make a mess.” Cataracts, nuclear sclerosis,...

Eric Petersen of Mentor, Ohio, served our country as a Marine. He was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and served in Afghanistan in 2008. Eric came back home and was a reservist and trained as an EMT, paramedic, and firefighter. While working as a firefighter in Akron, Eric experienced a life-changing event during his off-hours: he had a near-fatal motorcycle accident that resulted in a traumatic brain in...

Krista Allison is a federal employee and Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2022. She has used her title and platform to highlight the importance of community accessibility, host fundraisers to support disability-related causes, and enhance the safety of individuals with disabilities. Krista has worked with two police departments to implement a form designed to assist police officers, firefighters, and paramedic...

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) provide direct, personalized services to help individuals with disabilities find and retain meaningful work. Hear firsthand from eight counselors throughout the state to learn what Vocational Rehabilitation is all about. Dana Young, Jessica Galloway, Barbara Sloan, Andrew Ellis, Sarah Jordan, Eric Bostick,...

Troy Hammond is a comedian, actor, and guest speaker from Columbus, Ohio. During his career, which has included performing in 35 states, he hasn’t been pulled down by the challenges that come with traveling and working as a person who is blind. With assistance twice over the years from the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Troy has s...

Makayla Jones has been helping with family businesses for years. Now, in her senior year at Wilberforce University, she’s completing her degree in business management with her sights set on launching her own business. What’s more, Makayla is earning A’s while playing forward on the Wilberforce University women’s basketball team. Makayla, who has a learning disability and attention deficit hyperact...