OOD Works

In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re highlighting a must‑listen episode of the OOD Works podcast that can help deepen your understanding of autism.

In Episode 60, Megan Trowbridge, Program Director at OCALI, explores what autism acceptance truly means and how access, belonging, and community shape the lives of individuals with autism. She dispels common myths, explains sensory overload, and shares simple inclusion strategies for everyday environments. Megan also highlights how families, educators, and employers can better support diverse communication needs.

The episode also features an overview of OCALI’s extensive tools—including its lending library, community event guide, and professional learning resources—that help Ohioans build more disability‑inclusive environments.

To learn more, visit the following OCALI resources:

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at 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 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:

Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, Social Security Administration (SSA) Public Affairs Specialists, break down what parents need to know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for children. They explain the key differences between the programs, what happens at age 18, how income and in-kind support can affect payments, and practical steps to avoid overpayments. You’ll also learn about Section 301 provisions, dependent benefits, reporting requirements, and how to manage benefits online through a my Social Security account.

These topics are central to the work of the Division of Disability Determination (DDD) at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). In agreement with SSA, DDD determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits—a process that is critical for individuals seeking a dependable foundation for their lives. DDD staff understand these needs and prioritize timely, accurate decisions to support Ohioans.

Learn more at SSA.Gov or call 800-772-1213.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at 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 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:

Representatives Brian Lorenz and Gary Click, along with Keith Jesse, whose personal experience inspired House Bill 144—Keith’s Law, join the podcast. This legislation supports Ohioans with disabilities during emergencies by building on the Communication Disability Law and introducing a voluntary statewide database to help first responders identify individuals with disabilities before arriving on the scene.

For additional information about HB 144 - Keith's Law, to complete the disability verification form, and to find answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ood.ohio.gov/HB144.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at 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 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:

This episode features Brian Rust, a passionate educator and entrepreneur. Navigating life with vision loss, he shares how he has turned a challenge into success. As a proud graduate of the Ohio State School for the Blind, he continued his education and has had a successful career in teaching physical education, where he’s made a significant impact for over two decades. However, faced with declining vision and the onset of the pandemic, he adeptly pivoted himself to become a Business Enterprise Operator through OOD. 

Don't miss this inspiring conversation about adaptability, family life as a devoted husband and father of two, and the valuable resources available for individuals who are blind or have low vision. 

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at 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 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:

In this episode, we feature Caroline Karbowski, recommended by the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. Caroline discusses the significance of Braille literacy and technology in advocating for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing accessibility in education and community engagement. 

Her passion for braille began in middle school, leading her to connect with the blind community in Ohio. She has been involved in outreach programs like STEM2U, which engages students who are blind or have low vision in hands-on science activities and interactions with role models. Caroline also highlights the impact of 3D printing in creating tailored educational materials for students who are blind.

Throughout the episode, she shares valuable partnerships and initiatives that promote inclusivity in scientific fields and underscores the importance of collaboration in her work as the CEO of the nonprofit, See3D, and an Orientation & Mobility Specialist at Perkins School for the Blind. 

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Find A Cubed Design at ACubed.Design.

Find See3D at See3D.org.

Email Caroline at [email protected].

Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Decisions on whether Ohioans are eligible for Social Security disability benefits are crucial for people looking to create a dependable foundation for their lives. Staff with the Division of Disability Determination (DDD) of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) understand those needs and the importance of quickly processing cases and delivering accurate decisions. In agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), DDD determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. 

In this episode, Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, SSA Public Affairs Specialists, explain the changes to Social Security disability benefits in 2025. The discussion is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and navigate Social Security benefits and provides a comprehensive overview of the upcoming changes.

(Check out episode 27, Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, for additional information.)

Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Tyler Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Nuxhall Foundation and the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, joins the podcast to discuss inclusive recreation. From baseball to softball and beyond, the foundation offers a multitude of sports opportunities for athletes aged four to eighty, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their challenges, has the chance to play. The grounds are designed with accessibility at the core, featuring a family restroom with a universal changing table and adaptive sports equipment to provide a “big league” experience for all players.

The Hope Center, a 30,000 square foot indoor facility, is set to extend the reach of inclusive sports throughout the year. With an arena for the Butler County Special Olympics and sensory-equipped multi-purpose rooms, it's a place where inclusivity will be as important as recreational fun. The foundation has partnered with Accessible Ohio, a program of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), to ensure every detail, from wheelchair charging stations to service animal relief areas, is thoughtfully considered.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

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? To enlighten children on the importance of embracing people with disabilities, a lesson she shares from her firsthand experiences. To learn more, visit the Ms. Wheelchair Ohio website, Gabby’s Facebook page, or email Gabby.

With support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Gabby has worked in the community and hopes to eventually work with children. Her involvement in the Special Olympics as a cheerleader symbolizes her dedication to challenging stereotypes and building a community where individuals with disabilities are celebrated for their abilities. 

Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

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 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 Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Summer Youth Work Experience at Magnifiers & More. The opportunity allowed him to use his expertise in troubleshooting and repairing equipment while considering possibilities for his future career.

Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

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 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 found Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and got started with services.

Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!