Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

@mcctherapies_OT Definitely! ❤️

@OhioOOD Great job! Having a disability does not mean one is incapable. 🧡

You deserve the right support for your goals. 🚀 At OOD, we partner with Ohioans with disabilities to help turn career ambitions into real opportunities! That might mean: ✨ Discovering new career paths ✨ Building workplace skills and confidence ✨ Exploring training and education options ✨ Connecting with employers who value your talents And more! Wherever you are in your career journey, OOD is here to help. Ready to start? Visit OODWorks.com to learn more. #OODWorks

Struggling to hear clearly at work? Support may be available. 👂 In the workplace, hearing challenges can affect communication, productivity, and confidence. Having the right tools to help can make a big difference. We may be able to help with hearing aids and other assistive technologies that support your job success. These tools can help you: Communicate more easily with coworkers and supervisors. 🔈 Understand customers on the phone. 📱 Hear important sounds in your workplace. 🎧 Sometimes additional technology can help too, such as microphones that amplify speakers in meetings, or captioned telephones for clearer conversations. Visit our Hearing Aids & Equipment webpage to learn more and explore your options: ➡️ bit.ly/4sWjqqD

It's #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek! 🧠 Neurodiversity reminds us that there isn't only one way to think, learn, or solve problems in life. In classrooms and workplaces across Ohio, neurodiverse individuals bring creativity, innovation, and unique perspectives that strengthen our teams and communities. Everyone benefits when schools and employers embrace neurodiversity through actions and resources like disability-inclusive learning environments, flexible workplaces, and accessible communication. At OOD, we're proud to support neurodiverse Ohioans as they pursue education, careers, and independence. ❤️

Happy #StPatricksDay! We're feeling extra lucky today. 🍀 Why? Because we get to work with incredible individuals across Ohio who bring determination, talent, and heart to everything they do! Every job milestone, every new skill, every step toward independence reminds us how fortunate we are to support this amazing community. To all of our participants: you're the real pot of gold! 🌈

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

#DYK? March is #NationalNutritionMonth! 🥗 We're celebrating how healthy eating habits help bring us all together - across cultures, families, and communities. Good nutrition builds strong bodies, minds, and communities. What healthy habits are you trying this month?

Ohio Deaf History Month began yesterday, March 13! 📚 Each year, March 13 - April 15 is recognized as Ohio Deaf History Month, celebrating the rich culture and history of the Deaf community in our state. A partnership between the Ohio School for the Deaf and the State Library of Ohio helps make Deafness and interpreting resources available to all Ohioans. This special collection includes 1,400+ resources—books, DVDs, digital materials, and more—supporting: ❤️ Students learning American Sign Language (ASL) ❤️ Parents and families ❤️ Educators and professionals ❤️ ASL interpreters Ohio residents can even request a State Library card to borrow materials directly! Exploring Deaf culture and language strengthens disability inclusion across our communities. Browse the State Library of Ohio's Deafness & Outreach Collection today: ➡️ bit.ly/4b0yLjE

Our #AccessibleOhio blog shares practical tips, tools, and examples to help advance disability inclusion across our state. 📝 This month's post, "Accessible Documents: Tips for Clear, Inclusive Communication," explores simple formatting techniques that make a big difference. The article highlights why accessibility matters and offers easy, actionable steps, like: ✔️ Using real headings. ✔️ Adding alt text to images. ✔️ Choosing clear, readable fonts. These small adjustments immediately improve clarity and help build more disability-inclusive communication practices in any organization. Read the full piece today: ➡️ bit.ly/46zxsFL #AllAboutAccessibility

Did you know March is #CerebralPalsyAwarenessMonth? 💚 #CerebralPalsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood, and individuals with CP contribute their talents, leadership, and perspectives across every community. In March, we raise awareness, promote understanding, and celebrate the achievements of Ohioans with cerebral palsy. Learn more about CP today: ➡️ bit.ly/4l6pgTu

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, @GovMikeDeWine joined the OOD senior leadership planning event at Highbanks Metro Park. He praised OOD for delivering meaningful results for Ohioans with disabilities and emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum during the final year of his administration. During his remarks, Governor DeWine shared several core leadership principles: -providing clarity and consistently explaining the “why,” -painting a clear and compelling vision, -grounding decisions in facts and asking the right questions, -listening actively and empowering teams, -making tough decisions guided by core values, -communicating concisely and transparently, and -taking ownership of mistakes. His message underscored OOD’s vital role in helping Ohioans with disabilities achieve their full potential and set the tone for a forward‑looking planning session focused on service, impact, and a smooth transition into the future.

At OOD, we believe it's never too late to pursue your goals. 💪 Brenden Marcum faced significant health challenges, losing weight after multiple surgeries, and navigating personal hardships during his recovery. Those experiences fueled his desire to stand up for others who feel unseen or unheard. Driven to make a difference, Brenden returned to school to pursue a degree in criminal justice. With support from @OhioC2C and community partners, he earned his associate's degree at @BelmontCollege and completed his bachelor's degree at @ohiou East—even studying abroad in Thailand along the way! OOD provided individualized supports for Brenden, including hearing aids, training assistance, work uniforms, and services to strengthen his communication skills. Today, Brenden serves as a Detention Specialist at Sargus Juvenile Correctional Facility, where he supports youth in his community with empathy and understanding. ❤️ “Growing up, it was just me and my mom,” Brenden explained. “I was in a broken home and everything, so I understand some of the youth and what they are going through.” Congratulations, Brenden! Keep up the great work. 🎉 #OODWorks

March is #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesMonth! 💙 This month, we celebrate Ohioans with developmental disabilities and reaffirm our commitment to disability inclusion, opportunity, and meaningful community employment. It's an honor to support Ohioans as they build fulfilling lives through work and full community participation. We also recognize the critical role families, direct support professionals, local county boards of developmental disabilities, and @DODDohio (DODD) play in making this possible. Check out our recent newsletter to learn more about the Employment First Partnership between OOD and DODD, which expands access to community employment services for people with developmental disabilities. ➡️ bit.ly/4rgxeuB

Happy #InternationalWomensDay! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the women who lead, build, innovate, and break barriers every day. We're proud to recognize the incredible women in leadership across our agency who are shaping stronger systems of accessibility, expanding opportunity, and championing disability inclusion. Their leadership helps build a better Ohio. ❤️ Want to share the love? 💭 Tag a woman who leads with courage. 💭 Tag a woman who builds others up. 💭 Tag a woman who inspires you. Let's continue advancing equal opportunity together!

Is your website ready for 2026? Accessibility deadlines are approaching! 💻 Accessible websites and mobile apps ensure everyone, including people with disabilities, can access essential public services like paying taxes, voting, or applying for benefits. A rule from the U.S. Department of Justice outlines how state and local governments must make their digital content accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These updates are designed to ensure equal participation in civic life for everyone. Key details include: ✅ WCAG 2.1, Level AA is the accessibility standard for web content and mobile apps. ✅ The rule applies to state and local governments and the web content and mobile apps they make available. ✅ Compliance deadlines in April 2026. ✅ Some older or less-used content has exceptions, like archived pages or old social media posts. We break down what this means, important deadlines, and practical steps to prepare in our recent newsletter. Check it out now: ➡️ bit.ly/3OJbB8P #AllAboutAccessibility

Sad the Olympics are over? You're not alone. But the stage is set for another powerful worldwide athletic competition! ❄️ As the world prepares for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympics today, we celebrate athletes who redefine what's possible. The Paralympic Games showcase elite competitors from around the globe, proving that disability and excellence are not opposites. Tune in, cheer loudly, and remember to support adaptive sports at every level. Disability representation in athletics is so important. We can't wait to watch these athletes compete on the world stage! 🌎 ➡️ bit.ly/4sdqbnp

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

Join in live! On March 18, we're hosting the third free webinar of our 2026 series for employers: Understanding Disability: Chronic Conditions. 💪 This webinar explores the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) under Title I, focusing on how the law applies to individuals with chronic physical or mental health conditions. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of the ADA’s definition of disability, the responsibilities of employers, and guidance on providing reasonable accommodations to support long-term employee success. ➡️ bit.ly/4kRpkX0

Did you know today is #WorldHearingDay? Hearing health is about sound, safety, connection, and so much more. 👂 Today, we recognize the importance of access to communication, technology, and workplace accommodations that support Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing individuals. Disability-inclusive workplaces for Deaf individuals ensure that everyone can fully participate and thrive. If you or someone you know is navigating hearing loss and seeking employment support, OOD is here to help: ➡️ bit.ly/3MviFoR #OODWorks

Teen #MentalHealth wellness matters, and support should start early. ❤️ On #WorldTeenMentalWellness Day, we're highlighting OOD's Students 14+ services, which help young people with disabilities explore career paths, build confidence, and prepare for life after high school. Transitioning to adulthood can feel overwhelming. With the right tools, mentorship, and encouragement, teens can build independence and start to envision a future for themselves filled with positivity and possibility. If you know a student aged 14+ with a disability, OOD is here to help them take the next step. Learn more: ➡️ bit.ly/45fNdS8 #OODWorks