OOD Works
56 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsOpportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is a state agency that empowers people with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. Join Kim Jump as she interviews unique individuals who discovered OOD Works! Have a disability? Want to work? www.OODWorks.com.
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Episodes
Embracing Technology and Career Readiness: Dylan's Story
January 11, 2024 11:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBDylan 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 O...
Charity Bauer's Unstoppable Journey
December 07, 2023 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBCharity 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 ...
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2024
November 16, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBOpportunities 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 Soc...
The Power of Inclusive Literature with Allison Boot, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023
September 28, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBEver 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 esse...
Kinshuk’s Passion for Science and Advocacy
August 10, 2023 10:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBMeet 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 nat...
Shaping Tomorrow: Mykenna’s Quest to Be the Change
June 22, 2023 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBMykenna 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...
Cindy Shunk Doesn't Give Up and Lands the Right Job
April 27, 2023 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBCindy 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 d...
Governor DeWine's Budget for OOD: Historic Investments to Support Ohioans with Disabilities
February 16, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBOhio 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 disc...
Regan Patten Finds Confidence as She Approaches College Finish Line
January 26, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBRegan 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 fro...
James Sims Doesn't Allow Vision Loss to Hold Him Back
December 15, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBJames 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 Opportuni...
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2023
November 17, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBThe 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 ...
Annette Beauchamp Appreciates Help from OOD
October 13, 2022 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBAnnette 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, malignant myopia, and night and color blindness were taking a toll on Annette. Fortunately, sh...
Eric Petersen’s Remarkable Recovery from a Motorcycle Accident
September 15, 2022 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBEric 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 injury. Through years of physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies, Eric learned how...
Krista Uses Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Platform to Boost Community Accessibility
August 11, 2022 10:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBKrista 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 paramedics when they are called to a house where a resident has a disability. Over the years, Krista has...
Krista Uses Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Platform to Boost Community Accessibility
August 11, 2022 10:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBKrista 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 paramedics when they are called to a house where a resident has a disability. Over the years, Krista has...
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
May 18, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBVocational 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, Tiffany McGuire-Edwards, and Lori Case are the counselors interviewed. Do you have a disabilit...
Troy Hammond Stars in “Welcome to Flatch”
April 21, 2022 10:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBTroy 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 steadily grown his career, although it hasn’t been easy. “You can adapt. You can make the best...
Makayla Jones, Wilberforce University Senior
February 24, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 9.09 MBMakayla 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 hyperactivity disorder, has found support from Taleisa Jones, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor,...
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2022
February 03, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBOpportunities 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 Soc...
Anthony Keeps Promise Made to His Mother
December 16, 2021 11:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBOne of the last things Anthony Winston of Wellsville, Ohio told his mother before her passing in 2014 was that he would return to college to finish his education. Anthony, who has cerebral palsy, explains it this way: “It’s basically just a bruise on one of the lobes in your brain. Mine just happens to be on the one that controls your motor skills: walking, running, things of that nature.” He connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for assistance and connected wit...
Cleveland Clinic, 2021 Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award Winner
November 18, 2021 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBIn October 2021, OOD announced Cleveland Clinic as the 2021 Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award winner for their commitment to individuals with disabilities in the workplace and being a leader of diversity and inclusion best practices in Ohio. Listen to episode 33 of the OOD Works Podcast as staff with Cleveland Clinic discuss their “disability-inclusive” culture. Guests from Cleveland Clinic include Diana Gueits, Interim Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Carmen Roman, ...
Ohio College2Careers Supports Students with Disabilities
October 07, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBOOD Director Kevin Miller and Kristin Garrett, Ohio College2Careers (Ohio C2C) Program Administrator, join the podcast to discuss career support for college students with disabilities. Ohio C2C is an OOD program available at 17 public colleges and universities in Ohio to ensure 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. Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.oh...
Professor Michael Schor
August 12, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBMichael Schor is the Associate Professor of Instruction at Ohio University (OU) where he teaches finance courses and is the president of the OU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors. He was a participant with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) about fifteen years ago. Recently, Michael reached out to his former OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Melinda Wingard, to share how he is doing. “I think people all have special parts of their past and thi...
Priya Prepares for Her Future
July 15, 2021 10:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBPriya Goddard is a 2021 participant of the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) in Cleveland, a collaboration of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council, and Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP). At YLF, high school juniors and seniors with disabilities participate in a weeklong career leadership training program to help prepare them to be one of Ohio's future leaders by improving leadership, citizenship, and social skills. Pr...
Jack Requests Support for People with Disabilities
June 17, 2021 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBJack Salvaggio of Highland Heights, Ohio is a 2017 graduate of Mayfield High School and a 2020 graduate of the Cuyahoga East Vocational Education Consortium. While a student, he connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) to prepare early for his career. “I hope that people could support people with disabilities, people with autism, any kind of special needs spectrum,” Jack encourages. “Support autism awareness.” Kenneth Crookston, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counsel...
Jennifer Walker’s Life-Changing Experience
May 20, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBJennifer Walker of Blacklick, Ohio is a wife, mother, and teacher. In her sixth year of teaching, her vision began to deteriorate from retinitis pigmentosa. One of the first steps she took was to reach out to the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://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 ...
Jennifer Walker’s Life-Changing Experience
May 20, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBJennifer Walker of Blacklick, Ohio is a wife, mother, and teacher. In her sixth year of teaching, her vision began to deteriorate from retinitis pigmentosa. One of the first steps she took was to reach out to the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://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 ...
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
April 22, 2021 10:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBOpportunities 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. DDD and SSA staff join the podcast to answer questions about applying for disability benefits. · Brando...
Proposed Budget for Fiscal Years 2022-2023
March 25, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBOpportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin Miller and Maria Seaman, OOD Chief Financial Officer, discuss Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's biennial Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023. His commitment to making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities has only been reinforced with this budget. The Governor’s proposed budget for OOD allocates sustained funding that will be considered by the Ohio Legislature over the nex...
Proposed Budget for Fiscal Years 2022-2023
March 25, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBOpportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin Miller and Maria Seaman, OOD Chief Financial Officer, discuss Ohio Governor Mike DeWine's biennial Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023. His commitment to making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities has only been reinforced with this budget. The Governor’s proposed budget for OOD allocates sustained funding that will be considered by the Ohio Legislature over the nex...
Rhonda's First Year of Recovery
February 11, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBRhonda Riley is a mother, grandmother, and animal lover from Clinton County, Ohio. She sat down to speak about her struggles with substance use disorder and how a team helped her work through the obstacles she has faced. Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast. Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started. Find OOD on social media: @OhioOOD. ...
Brandon Lewis, Senior Majoring in Journalism
January 21, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBBrandon Lewis is a senior majoring in journalism at Kent State University. Concerned about securing an internship required for graduation, coupled with having a disability, Brandon reached out to Jessica Vass, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Jessica is designated to Kent State University through Ohio College2Careers, an OOD program at 15 public colleges and universities in Ohio to ensure students with disabilities have the support they n...
Angel Colón with Kroger & Kristen Ballinger with OOD
December 10, 2020 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBAngel Colón, Kroger Senior Director of Diversity and Supplier Inclusion, and Kristen Ballinger, Deputy Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Division of Employer and Innovation Services, discuss the partnership between OOD and The Kroger Co. OOD recognized Kroger as the 2020 Champion of Inclusion Award winner for their commitment to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, and for being a leader of diversity and inclusion best practices in Oh...
Brock Ewing of Marion
November 19, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBBrock Ewing deferred graduation to participate in the EDGE (Education, Development, Growth, Employment) program, a post-secondary experience at the Ohio State School for the Blind (OSSB), tailored to assist students in preparing for adult life. Joined by Joanie Shell, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor designated to OSSB, Brock shares his career plans and the steps he is taking to achieve his goal. Transcripts and MP3 files are available at...
Alyssa Carswell, Classroom Behavior Therapist
September 24, 2020 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBAlyssa Carswell returned to Thailand to teach English as a Second Language when she was hit by a car while on a scooter. She discusses her road to recovery and how she found her way to a fulfilling job thanks to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and Step by Step Employment & Training. Alyssa said, “If you identify as having a disability, it can be hard to accept, but there is potential for success – there are ways around your difficulties. You just have to go down a differe...
Helping Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities
August 27, 2020 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBJeff Davis, Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), and Kevin Miller, Director of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), discuss how the agencies partner to serve Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Director Miller explains how the agencies work together to implement the Employment First Partnership, which helps adults with developmental disabilities start careers. “Employment First is a partnership between OOD and DODD, but it’s bigger than ...
William Clark, Poet
July 30, 2020 10:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBWilliam Clark III, a recent Youngstown State University graduate, published a book in June 2020 titled The Ever So Accurate Tales of a Not So Average Man: The Testament of a Disabled Man, a collection of poems describing the challenges of growing up and living with cerebral palsy. He joins the podcast to discuss his earlier years, experience with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), professors who spurred him on, and commitment to advocating for others with disabilities. He e...
Bill Darling on Simeon Fess' Impact on People with Disabilities
June 19, 2020 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBDr. Bill Darling, Director of Assistive Technology of Ohio, a federally-funded nonprofit organization that is part of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, discusses the impact Simeon Fess had on people with disabilities. Bill shares how he discovered Simeon, an Ohioan that while unfamiliar to many, was key in the creation of the Vocational Rehabilitation program during his service as a U.S. Congressman. Bill said, “The impact he had on the lives of so many people! Maybe h...
Jennifer Strank, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
June 11, 2020 10:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBJennifer Strank is an OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Columbiana County. “To help people work, no matter what it is – whether it’s getting back into the workforce, getting their first job, or doing whatever – it’s just a great feeling.” Jennifer explained. “Seeing the growth and self-esteem is amazing.” Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast. Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!
Director Miller on OOD's Response to Coronavirus
May 13, 2020 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBIn this episode, OOD Director Kevin Miller discusses the agency's response to coronavirus. Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast. Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!
Mary Russ - Parma Heights, Ohio
April 02, 2020 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.73 MBMary Russ talks about her experience training as a voice actor and shares a public service announcement to encourage wearing blue in support of people with autism. She also shares about her experience applying for Social Security disability benefits. Mary is joined by Betsy Russ, her mother. Interested in voice acting by Mary? Visit http://maryruss.icanvoice.com/. Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast. Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!
Dawn Coleman, Sr. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
March 12, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBNational Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day is March 22, 2020, and the OOD Works Podcast features Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors this month. Dawn Coleman is a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired. “I really like seeing people get a job and meet their goal because I think work is so important. It gives people a sense of purpose,” Dawn explained. “It really just changes their lives, and I get to be a small part of that....
Division of Disability Determination
February 27, 2020 11:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBThe OOD 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. “Our staff do a good job understanding the sense of urgency that people need to get a decision quickly on their cases,” explained Rhonda Tanner, DDD D...
Katie Frederick on Self-Advocacy
February 13, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBKatie Frederick, OOD Program Administrator for the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, joins the podcast to discuss self-advocacy, assistive technology, and Voicecorps Reading Services. “For me, self-advocacy is knowing and understanding what I need to accomplish a task and being able to explain and share with others what my needs are,” Katie explained. “As a person with a disability, problem-solving is something I just do. It’s built in by default.” Transcripts and MP3 files are...
Chris Page's Experience Helps People with Communication Disabilities
January 30, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MBChris 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 ...
Gabriella Drago, Music Therpaist
January 16, 2020 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBGabriella 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...
Floyd Poruban Runs Successful Nursery
December 19, 2019 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBThe 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 Colleg...
Director Miller on the Communication Disability Law
November 19, 2019 19:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBIn 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 ...
Samantha Meissner and Ohio College2Careers
November 07, 2019 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBSamantha 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 fe...
Scott Fedor, Author of Head Strong: How a Broken Neck Strengthened My Spirit
October 24, 2019 09:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MBScott 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,” Fed...