Kevin Miller

OOD recently honored staff whose work is helping Ohioans with disabilities thrive. From improving accessibility to strengthening services statewide, our 2026 award recipients embody Excellence in Service. 🎉 Watch our ceremony video to hear the firsthand impact. ➡️ bit.ly/4dBJqm6

On April 2, the #AccessibleOhio (AO) team held its Northwest Regional Event on Sensory Inclusion in Ohio’s Community Spaces, uniting stakeholders committed to making Ohio more accessible for everyone. Thanks to @ToledoMuseum for hosting the event. Attendees gained valuable information on practical strategies for creating welcoming environments for all using sensory kits, sensory spaces, sensory hours and events, sensory maps, and social narratives. 💪 A huge thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to this event! Together, we're making strides toward a more accessible Ohio.

April is #AutismAcceptanceMonth! We're proud to share a special message featuring @OOD_Director Kevin Miller and his son, Connor Miller. ❤️ Together, they highlight "10 Things to Know This Autism Acceptance Month," focusing on the importance of acceptance, disability inclusion, listening to the voices of people with autism, and recognizing the strengths each individual brings. Their conversation is a powerful reminder that: Communication can look different. 🌟 Kindness matters. 🌟 True acceptance means creating a world where everyone belongs. 🌟 Watch and share our 2026 Autism Acceptance Month video, and join us in building a more disability-inclusive future today.

The time of year has come when we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Ohio's Deaf community. It's #OhioDeafHistoryMonth! In our latest LinkedIn article, "Key Information for Employers About Ohio Deaf History Month," we explore the history behind the observance and why the selected observance dates matter, and provide 5 tips for employers to help support Deaf and hard of hearing individuals all year long. Read the full article today! ➡️ bit.ly/3NU1Oga

Wesley Demond Arnett loves to work—and it shows. ❤️ From cleaning tables to keeping things running smoothly, he loves and takes pride in every part of his job at McDonald's. Through the Works4Me program, Wesley explored a community job experience, built confidence, and proved he was ready for more. With support from his team, including OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Brian Collins, and Lott Industries Job Coach Laurie Fountain, he applied, got hired, and is now earning what he proudly calls “big money”—the biggest paychecks he’s ever received. 🙌 OOD is collaborating with @DODDohio (DODD), other state agencies, and local entities to ensure Works4Me empowers adults with disabilities to successfully complete activities resulting in competitive integrated employment. In honor of #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth, watch Wesley's story today and see what's possible when opportunity meets purpose and determination. 📹

April is #SocialSecurityMonth, and we're getting ready for it early here at OOD! 💼 Understanding disability benefits can make a big difference for families navigating the future. In Episode 59 of the #OODWorks podcast, experts from the Social Security Administration (SSA) explain what parents need to know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children. The episode covers: ✅ Key differences between SSDI and SSI ✅ What happens to benefits at age 18 ✅ How income or in-kind support may affect payments ✅ Tips to prevent overpayments ✅ How to manage your benefits These topics connect directly to the work of OOD's Division of Disability Determination, which partners with the SSA to determine medical eligibility for disability benefits for Ohioans. Listen to the full episode now to learn more: ➡️ bit.ly/3P1KQMT

Happy #NationalVendingDay! Today, we celebrate entrepreneurship, independence, and the incredible legacy of Mike Russell. 🙌 After 34 years in OOD's Business Enterprise (BE) program, Mike is retiring from a career defined by his innovation, leadership, and community impact. Through the BE program, Ohioans who are legally blind are trained and licensed to manage food service and vending operations across the state, from building to highway rest areas. This program creates pathways to ownership under the Randolph Sheppard Act and Ohio Revised Code. Mike's career spanned multiple locations across Ohio, culminating at the 1-71 West Salem facility. What meant the most to him? Mike shares: "It has been a chance to not only run my own business but also to build lasting friendships with fellow operators over the past 30 years. It has provided a steady source of income and allowed me to meet a lot of new people along the way.” Congratulations, Mike, on a well-earned retirement! 👏 Read Mike's inspiring full journey in our recent newsletter: ➡️ bit.ly/3OJbB8P #OODWorks

What happens when lived experience meets opportunity? Confidence grows. Careers begin. Communities strengthen. 🌟 OOD's Peer Navigator program equips participants with hands-on work experience while supporting others who are navigating their own employment journeys. Launched in 2023, the program connects OOD participants with paid, intermittent roles where they support counselors, assist with administrative tasks, and provide customer service—all while building valuable job skills. For Ruby Gibbons, the program rebuilt her confidence after a traumatic brain injury changed her career path. Today, she works at @ClevelandClinic Mercy Hospital as a Patient Guest Services Assistant, affectionately known as the "Red Coats" team, helping patients every day. For Megan Newsome, the program felt like a "trial run" that led to a full-time Customer Support Specialist role at OOD—serving the very community she's proud to be part of. In her role, Megan spends her time triaging phone calls and entering medical information into OOD’s data management system. The Peer Navigator program creates space to: ✅ Learn new skills ✅ Explore career paths ✅ Build independence ✅ Gain confidence ✅ Support others with shared experience Interested in reading both Ruby and Megan's full stories? Check out our most recent newsletter: ➡️ bit.ly/4qOl381 Visit OODWorks.com to get started today. If you're already receiving services from OOD, talk with your counselor about Peer Navigator opportunities. #OODWorks

📰 ICYMI: Ohio is launching a new initiative to help job seekers across our state. @LtGovJimTressel recently announced WorkOhio, a program designed to provide personalized support to Ohioans navigating the job market by connecting individuals with coaching, resources, and tools to explore careers, build skills, and find meaningful employment. Read more about the launch and how it can support your employment journey today. ➡️ bit.ly/4ajUjY1

Meet Devan Beadle! In December 2025, Devan earned his associate's degree from @OwensCC and continued his studies at @UToledo, pursuing his dream of becoming a theater instructor and one day opening his own space. 🎭 As an individual with autism and severe sensory processing challenges, navigating higher education and career planning hasn't been easy. But Devan didn't do it alone. In January 2024, he connected with @OhioC2C, an OOD resource that supports Ohio students with disabilities in completing degrees, earning credentials, and meeting workforce demands. With a strong team in his corner, Devan has excelled in his educational journey. He has actively participated in nearly every school play and was recently honored with the Trio Award, recognizing his exceptional achievements in education. Congrats, Devan! 🙌 Read his full story in our most recent newsletter: ➡️ bit.ly/4a9bhHh #OODWorks

In the latest OOD Works podcast, we sit down with Representatives Brian Lorenz and Gary Click, along with Keith Jesse, whose lived experience inspired House Bill 144—Keith's Law. 🎙️ This episode explores: ✅ The story behind the law. ✅ How advocacy led to change. ✅ How House Bill 144 supports Ohioans with disabilities during emergencies. 🆕 Now available: Ohioans with disabilities can voluntarily complete the House Bill 144 Disability Verification Form, creating a secure statewide record to help first responders better prepare before arriving on the scene. Get the full story, podcast links, and resources in our recent newsletter: ➡️ bit.ly/3ZBinzs

Looking for helpful resources this year? We've got you covered! 💙 At OOD, we're sharing information, inspiration, and support in more ways than ever: 📰 Our Newsletter - Stay up to date on programs, success stories, events, and resources across Ohio. 🎙️ Our Podcast - Hear directly from participants, partners, and staff about real journeys, practical advice, and what disability inclusion looks like in action. 🚐 Our Mobile Services Unit - We're bringing services, outreach, and connections directly into communities across the state, especially areas where access can be a challenge. Whether you're looking to learn, connect, or take your next career step, our resources are here to support you wherever you are in your journey. ➡️ Visit OODWorks.com for more information, and stay connected with us all year long.

🆕 New for 2026: OOD's webinar series, which aims to advance disability inclusion and accessibility for Ohioans with disabilities. “In Ohio, we believe every person has unique talents and the right to pursue their God-given potential,” said @GovMikeDeWine. “This webinar series is another way we’re working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the support, access, and opportunities they need to thrive—in every corner of our state.” Learn more: ➡️ bit.ly/4pdLNOJ

As 2025 comes to a close, we're reflecting on the incredible achievements of the Ohioans with disabilities we served this past year. ✨ 🎓 @OhioC2C participant Kelsi Weaver was recognized by @GovMikeDeWine for her achievements during his 2025 State of the State Address. 😊 Tom La Spina found his passion for connecting with people through his dream job at Chick-fil-A Mentor, where he excels as a food runner. 🔬 Oscar Pine spent his Summer Youth Work Experience (SYWE) helping make science shine at @COSI. ✏️ Tanisha Carlgren found her path as a preschool teaching assistant at Broadmoor School, and continues to make a difference through her nonprofit, "ICARE." From first jobs to career growth, college milestones, and new independence, this year was shaped by determination, talent, and support. ❤️ Here's to the progress made, the goals reached, and the futures still unfolding. Happy New Year's Eve! 🎉 #OODWorks

Our 2025 impact is here! ❤️ As we wrap up 2025, we're proud to share how OOD helped transform futures across the state. ✨ 46,064 Ohioans received Vocational Rehabilitation services— 3,722 more than last year! ✨ Our Division of Disability Determination (DDD) processed 151,580 claims, exceeding federal targets by 2,469. 📽️ Watch our Year-in-Review video and join us as we continue empowering Ohioans with disabilities in 2026! #OODWorks

Throughout National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), OOD hosted five hiring events across Ohio—and the impact was powerful: ✅ 509 interviews ✅ 51 employers conducting interviews ✅ 326 job seekers ✅ 10 same-day job offers! Three regions also held job fairs alongside these events, bringing together 101 employers committed to disability-inclusive hiring. 👏 Congratulations to our job seekers! Your dedication and determination shine. 🙌 Thank you to our employer partners who champion disability-inclusive workplaces and create pathways to meaningful employment for Ohioans with disabilities. 📽️ Watch our 2025 #NDEAM Wrap-Up video to see the impact firsthand!

The holidays can be both joyful and stressful. If you're an Ohioan with a disability looking for work or navigating career changes, OOD is here to support you during this busy season. ✅ Career exploration ✅ Skill-building ✅ Resume and interview support ✅ Job placement assistance ✅ Ongoing coaching No matter where you are in your employment journey this holiday season, OOD is here to help. Get started today: ➡️ bit.ly/4kQEXxc

This #Thanksgiving season, we're celebrating the spirit of gratitude. 🍂 We invite you to watch a special message from @OOD_Director Kevin Miller, sharing heartfelt thanks for the support and partnership our community provides all year long. May your holiday be filled with joy, warmth, and time spent with those who matter most. ❤️