OOD Works

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 explained how meaningful the encouragement has been. “Sometimes people don’t talk about it, but having a disability can take a toll on your mental health,” she said. “You can’t do it all alone. Having a support system makes it so much easier.”

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

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.

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

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 connects to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). The law enforcement officer can then be made aware that the driver or a person in the vehicle may have difficulty communicating and can approach the vehicle with awareness to reduce any potential misunderstandings or problems. 

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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

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 State University and secretary of 4 Paws for Ability WSU.

Part two of the podcast features Ohio College2Careers.

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

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 Strengthened My Spirit.

Fedor explains how a man he met in a nursing home told him about the services offered by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. “A counselor named Janice met with me, and I was amazed at the ways they could help me get back to living a normal life and work,” Fedor said. “As someone who was always career driven, I knew it would be different, but I still wanted to work. I wanted to contribute.”

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

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 to embed a vocational rehabilitation staff within the human resources office to increase access to quality jobs for Ohioans with disabilities. OOD partners with Giant Eagle to source candidates for available openings at their food, fuel, and convenience retail locations and distribution center in Northeast Ohio. 

“Not only does the company win from this, but the person who was just hired wins. Their family wins. The community wins. Everyone around this person wins,” Shapira said.

The partnership also supports current team members to keep their jobs and provides disability training for managers. 

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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

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 was in denial,” Dr. Peters said. “I went through all those stages and finally realized there were some opportunities.”

Dr. Smith challenges listeners: “What are you going to do with the opportunities you have? What are you going to do with the challenges you’ve been presented? That’s what it really comes down to.”

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast. 

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

What happens when a focused job seeker is backed with incredible support? Listen as Paul Bogdan, a 22-year-old with a passion for photography, talks about his unique journey. He’s joined by Kathy Crudele, his aunt, and Justin Deuel, Employment Supervisor with Positive Community Connections. 

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

Brianne Riffle and Wes Fisher served as co-chairs of the 2019 Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), a five-day career, leadership, and advocacy training for 11th and 12th grade high school students with disabilities. The program took place from July 14-18 in Columbus. Delegates came from all across Ohio to take part in educational sessions on advocacy and leadership; disability rights; the legislative process; employment with a disability; informational interviewing and speed mentoring; and independent living and technology.

In this episode, Riffle and Fisher talk about their experiences as former delegates, how participation shaped their identities, and why they choose to pay it forward.

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

OOD Director Kevin Miller breaks down Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s budget for OOD for fiscal years 2020-2021. He reveals new patterns of service for individuals with disabilities, and he shares what drives his passion for this work.

Get the podcast transcript for each episode at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

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