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].

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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!

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 Social Security disability benefits in 2024.

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

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 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 essential genre.

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

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.

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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.

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