OOD Works

By Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

What's OOD Works about?

Opportunities 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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OOD Works episodes:

05.02.2024
Gabby Champions Abilities
When Gabrielle “Gabby” Kozinsi rolls into the room, her spirit is as unstoppable as her drive for advocacy. Join us as Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2024 shares about her refusal to be confined by cerebral palsy or social barriers. Her mission?...
01.11.2024
Embracing Technology and Career Readiness: Dylan's Story
Dylan 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...
12.07.2023
Charity Bauer's Unstoppable Journey
Charity 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...
11.16.2023
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2024
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...
09.28.2023
The Power of Inclusive Literature with Allison Boot, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023
Ever 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...
08.10.2023
Kinshuk’s Passion for Science and Advocacy
Meet 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...
06.22.2023
Shaping Tomorrow: Mykenna’s Quest to Be the Change
Mykenna 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....
04.27.2023
Cindy Shunk Doesn't Give Up and Lands the Right Job
Cindy 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...
02.16.2023
Governor DeWine's Budget for OOD: Historic Investments to Support Ohioans with Disabilities
Ohio 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...
01.26.2023
Regan Patten Finds Confidence as She Approaches College Finish Line
Regan 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...
12.15.2022
James Sims Doesn't Allow Vision Loss to Hold Him Back
James 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...
11.17.2022
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2023
The 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...
10.13.2022
Annette Beauchamp Appreciates Help from OOD
Annette 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...
09.15.2022
Eric Petersen’s Remarkable Recovery from a Motorcycle Accident
Eric 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....
08.11.2022
Krista Uses Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Platform to Boost Community Accessibility
Krista 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...
05.18.2022
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Vocational 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...
04.21.2022
Troy Hammond Stars in “Welcome to Flatch”
Troy 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...
02.24.2022
Makayla Jones, Wilberforce University Senior
Makayla 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...
02.03.2022
Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2022
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...
12.16.2021
Anthony Keeps Promise Made to His Mother
One 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...
11.18.2021
Cleveland Clinic, 2021 Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award Winner
In 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...
10.07.2021
Ohio College2Careers Supports Students with Disabilities
OOD 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...
08.12.2021
Professor Michael Schor
Michael 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...
07.15.2021
Priya Prepares for Her Future
Priya 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...
06.17.2021
Jack Requests Support for People with Disabilities
Jack 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...
05.20.2021
Jennifer Walker’s Life-Changing Experience
Jennifer 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...
04.22.2021
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
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...
03.25.2021
Proposed Budget for Fiscal Years 2022-2023
Opportunities 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...
02.11.2021
Rhonda's First Year of Recovery
Rhonda 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...
01.21.2021
Brandon Lewis, Senior Majoring in Journalism
Brandon 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....
12.10.2020
Angel Colón with Kroger & Kristen Ballinger with OOD
Angel 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...
11.19.2020
Brock Ewing of Marion
Brock 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...
09.24.2020
Alyssa Carswell, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Alyssa 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...
08.27.2020
Helping Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities
Jeff 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...
07.30.2020
William Clark, Poet
William 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...
06.19.2020
Bill Darling on Simeon Fess' Impact on People with Disabilities
Dr. 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...
06.11.2020
Jennifer Strank, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Jennifer 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...
05.13.2020
Director Miller on OOD's Response to Coronavirus
In 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!
04.02.2020
Mary Russ - Parma Heights, Ohio
Mary 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...
03.12.2020
Dawn Coleman, Sr. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
National 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...
02.27.2020
Division of Disability Determination
The 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...
02.13.2020
Katie Frederick on Self-Advocacy
Katie 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...
01.30.2020
Chris Page's Experience Helps People with Communication Disabilities
Chris 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...
01.16.2020
Gabriella Drago, Music Therpaist
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...
12.19.2019
Floyd Poruban Runs Successful Nursery
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...
11.19.2019
Director Miller on the Communication Disability Law
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...
11.07.2019
Samantha Meissner and Ohio College2Careers
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...
10.24.2019
Scott Fedor, Author of Head Strong: How a Broken Neck Strengthened My Spirit
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...
10.10.2019
Jeremy Shapira with Giant Eagle & Kristen Ballinger with OOD
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...
09.26.2019
OOD Council: Dr. Carolyn Peters & Dr. jw Smith
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...

What's OOD Works about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

OOD Works episodes:

Gabby Champions Abilities

Embracing Technology and Career Readiness: Dylan's Story

Charity Bauer's Unstoppable Journey

Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2024

The Power of Inclusive Literature with Allison Boot, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023

Kinshuk’s Passion for Science and Advocacy

Shaping Tomorrow: Mykenna’s Quest to Be the Change

Cindy Shunk Doesn't Give Up and Lands the Right Job

Governor DeWine's Budget for OOD: Historic Investments to Support Ohioans with Disabilities

Regan Patten Finds Confidence as She Approaches College Finish Line

James Sims Doesn't Allow Vision Loss to Hold Him Back

Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2023

Annette Beauchamp Appreciates Help from OOD

Eric Petersen’s Remarkable Recovery from a Motorcycle Accident

Krista Uses Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Platform to Boost Community Accessibility

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors

Troy Hammond Stars in “Welcome to Flatch”

Makayla Jones, Wilberforce University Senior

Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2022

Anthony Keeps Promise Made to His Mother

Cleveland Clinic, 2021 Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award Winner

Ohio College2Careers Supports Students with Disabilities

Professor Michael Schor

Priya Prepares for Her Future

Jack Requests Support for People with Disabilities

Jennifer Walker’s Life-Changing Experience

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Proposed Budget for Fiscal Years 2022-2023

Rhonda's First Year of Recovery

Brandon Lewis, Senior Majoring in Journalism

Angel Colón with Kroger & Kristen Ballinger with OOD

Brock Ewing of Marion

Alyssa Carswell, Classroom Behavior Therapist

Helping Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities

William Clark, Poet

Bill Darling on Simeon Fess' Impact on People with Disabilities

Jennifer Strank, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Director Miller on OOD's Response to Coronavirus

Mary Russ - Parma Heights, Ohio

Dawn Coleman, Sr. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Division of Disability Determination

Katie Frederick on Self-Advocacy

Chris Page's Experience Helps People with Communication Disabilities

Gabriella Drago, Music Therpaist

Floyd Poruban Runs Successful Nursery

Director Miller on the Communication Disability Law

Samantha Meissner and Ohio College2Careers

Scott Fedor, Author of Head Strong: How a Broken Neck Strengthened My Spirit

Jeremy Shapira with Giant Eagle & Kristen Ballinger with OOD

OOD Council: Dr. Carolyn Peters & Dr. jw Smith