State of Ohio agency empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations & independence. Visit www.oodworks.com to find a job.
Social media terms/conditions at bit.ly/4hVmJJL. OOD's mission is to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence.
08/25/2025
Meet Mia Crawley! 🙌
As a high school student, Mia dreamed of gaining meaningful work experience in food prep and kitchen work, but as a young person with autism, stepping into the workforce felt intimidating.
With support from OOD and Project SEARCH Hilton Easton, Mia built practical skills, explored career options, and gained guidance from her job coach, Bruce Saneholtz with Greenleaf Job Training Services, Inc. This support led her to an amazing opportunity at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.
Today, Mia shines as a kitchen utility worker, making meaningful connections, embracing independence, and spreading positivity in her team. 💛
Renee Buchele, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, noted, “Mia’s journey embodies OOD’s mission. Through her dedication and the assistance of community resources, she is not only achieving her goals but also uplifting those around her.”
08/24/2025
Summer is for growth, and not just in the classroom! 😎
Through OOD's Summer Youth Work Experience, students across Ohio spend their time away from school in paid positions where they gain hands-on skills, explore career paths, and build confidence for their future.
Read the full article to meet Loren, one of fifty-seven local Licking County area teens who, in partnership with Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities, participated in our Summer Youth Work Experience program this year! 🙌
Teens gain friendship, new skills and 'a little bit of money' through OOD program.
08/23/2025
☀️ Summer is starting to wind down - why not make the most of it?
Whether it's a peaceful stroll along an ADA-accessible trail, a round of golf on barrier-free greens, or a sensory-friendly shooting range adventure, Ohio's great outdoors are open to everyone. Parks across our state offer accessible trails, disability-inclusive playgrounds, and even cabins that allow you to stay overnight with no obstacles!
Need ideas? Start with Ohio's Accessible Trails Guide or find state parks with ADA-compliant camp sites and cabins, courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Let's soak up the last month of summer, and get outdoors to enjoy nature, stay active, play, rest, and explore - accessible for all. 🌳
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources offers facilities that allow visitors of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors.
08/23/2025
We had the chance to meet so many incredible people at the Ohio State Fair, and today we're excited to introduce you to two more participants whose experiences stand out. Meet Tanisha Carlgren and Miracle Latham! 🌟
Tanisha Carlgren, recently crowned Miss U.S. Star, stopped by to share how much she has appreciated OOD services! She shared that with the help of Monica Gales, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), she had the help she needed to navigate landing her dream job working with children at Broadmoor School. She also got to be an extra for the Superman movie and competed in a pageant last month with the platform of better understanding people with disabilities.
Miracle Latham and her family stopped by the Fair to share that they learned about OOD at the 2024 Fair. When Miracle turned 14 in February, her mom applied for services the same day. The Lathams expressed gratitude for how services are tailored to Miracle's interests. Special thanks to Jennifer Rindler, VRC, for her support.
08/22/2025
As Ohio's workforce grows older, many employees develop age-related conditions that may qualify as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Keeping these experienced team members isn't just disability inclusive, it's a smart worker retention strategy. 💼
A free virtual session from OOD delivers practical information:
✅ Best practices for keeping employees engaged and supported.
✅ How to determine when an age-related condition meets ADA criteria.
✅ Simple, cost-effective accommodations that make a big difference.
✅ How to build a disability-inclusive culture that values the long-term contributions of older Ohioans.
Perfect for HR leaders, managers, supervisors, and business owners! Learn more today: ➡️ bit.ly/4owB8iK
08/21/2025
Today is National Senior Citizens Day! ❤️
It's the perfect time to honor older Ohioans who have shaped our communities with their wisdom, hard work, and love. Spend today sharing stories, enjoying quality time, and letting them know how much they're valued. Simple conversations can create memories that last a lifetime!
At OOD, we are proud to support older Ohioans who acquire a disability, experience vision loss, and need personal care assistance to work or prepare to get back to work.
Learn more: ➡️ bit.ly/4kQEXxc
08/21/2025
Now Hiring: Sourcing Planner 💸
We are currently looking for a detail-oriented and strategic Sourcing Planner to join our Division of Fiscal Management.
In this role, you'll:
✅ Research, evaluate, and plan a comprehensive portfolio of contracts and purchasing needs.
✅ Negotiate with suppliers and monitor contract performance.
✅ Conduct market research and forecasting to identify cost savings and improvements.
✅ Ensure compliance with state, federal, and agency procurement policies.
And more! We're seeking candidates with strong analytical skills, sourcing or procurement experience, and a passion for supporting our mission of empowering Ohioans with disabilities.
If this sounds like you, apply by August 28! ➡️ bit.ly/3JpkxO0
08/20/2025
Enjoy the waves in a calmer way! 🌊
On August 22, enjoy the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Zoombeezi Bay Quiet After Hours, a sensory-friendly evening at the waterpark designed for those who prefer a more relaxed experience.
Background music will be turned off, attendance is limited, and sensory kits, including noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and fidget devices, will be available for a refundable deposit.
A few attractions and calming areas will be open, and reservations are required. Secure your spot today! Check it out: ➡️ bit.ly/3UmJ1d1
08/20/2025
On August 9-10, the GuardCare Weekend at the Trillium Event Center in Bucyrus brought no-cost healthcare services to Crawford County and surrounding communities. 🩺
Thanks to a collaboration between the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio National Guard, Crawford County Public Health, OOD, and local partners, attendees received:
✔️ Dental exams
✔️ Immunizations
✔️ Behavioral health support
And more, all made accessible regardless of income or insurance.
Our staff and mobile services unit were there to connect individuals to our Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Visually Impaired programs.
We're proud to see what can happen when we all come together, including making sure essential health care and disability support are in reach for everyone. 💙
08/19/2025
Mark your calendar for August 21, 2025! 🌟
It's , and we're celebrating by spotlighting an inspiring conversation with OOD participant Jack Atkinson.
Interviewed by Adrianne Ongolea from the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI), Jack shares his powerful journey of losing his vision, rebuilding his life, and gaining independence with support from OOD.
Jack experienced job loss and major life changes before embracing assistive technology and mastering the guide cane. His story is one of resilience, faith, and hope.
💭 Hear how OOD's Independent Living Older Blind (ILOB) program and the support of CABVI helped Jack navigate new challenges and build skills to live independently.
Listen to the podcast episode featuring Jack today: ➡️ bit.ly/45SjWvV
08/18/2025
See Accessibility in Action! 🎥
We're excited to share a new video highlighting the great work of our (AO) program.
Julie Wood, AO Manager, explains Ohio's commitment to becoming a Disability Inclusion State, an initiative launched by Governor Mike DeWine's Executive Order 2019-03D.
Hear directly from OOD partners at Marietta College, the YMCA of Central Ohio, Preservation Parks of Delaware County, and COSI - Center of Science and Industry about how AO is helping create more disability-inclusive businesses, communities, and attractions in Ohio... and the positive changes they're seeing! 🙌
08/17/2025
Back-to-school season is finally here! 🎒✏️
As everyone begins to acclimate to a new school year, we're wishing all students, parents, teachers, and professionals an amazing start to the semester.
Whether you're:
✅ The parent/guardian of a high school student 14+
✅ Heading to college or a postsecondary program
✅ A teacher, partner, or professional supporting student success
- We're here to help connect you or your students with the information, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive. Let's make this year the best one yet!
Learn more about our services for students with disabilities, including the Ohio College2Careers program, today: ➡️
OOD provides services personalized for students with disabilities throughout the stages of their educational journey toward employment.
Address
150 E Campus View Boulevard , Suite 300 Columbus, OH 43235
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Send a message to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities:
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment, independence and Social Security disability determination outcomes. It is accomplished through its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and Division of Disability Determination (DDD). A fourth area is the Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS), which is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.
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