OOD Works

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 t...

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...

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 th...

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 someb...

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...

Jeremy Shapira, Inclusion and Diversity Strategy Manager for Giant Eagle, and Kristen Ballinger, Deputy Director of OOD’s Division of Employer and Innovation Services, discuss the partnership between OOD and Giant Eagle.  Since January 2019, OOD has collaborated with Giant Eagle to embed a vocational rehabilitation staff within the human resources office to increase access to quality jobs for Ohio...

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: “Wh...

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 pro...

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. Demon...

Coming soon: OOD Works, the podcast! Join Kim Jump, Chief of Communications for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), as she interviews unique individuals who discovered OOD Works! OOD is a state agency that empowers people with disabilities through employment, disability determination, and independence. Have a disability? Want to work? www. OODWorks.com. Have a disability? Want to wo...