Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

02/24/2026

Today, we're sending out our final Accessibility Love Notes of the month—to the people who make disability inclusion possible every single day. 💕

Accessibility doesn't happen by accident. It happens because of people!

💌 Dear American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters, thank you for making connection possible.
💌 Dear Job Coaches, thank you for believing before anyone else.
💌 Dear Designers, Planners, and HR Teams, thank you for building accessibility into the blueprint.
💌 Dear Employers Who Lead with "Yes," thank you for proving accessibility is always worth it.

Accessibility is powered by compassion, by problem-solvers, and by leaders who show up to do the work. We see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you this month! 👏

And a special thank you to some of the incredible partners who help make accessibility happen in Ohio every day:
City Of Cincinnati Government
Cleveland Guardians
CareSource
Changing Spaces Campaign

02/23/2026

As a child, Lois Curtis faced institutionalization due to schizophrenia and developmental disabilities, as well as a lack of state resources. She desperately wanted to live and participate in her community, which drove her to file a lawsuit against the state of Georgia. The resulting Supreme Court ruling known as the Olmstead Decision stated that forcing individuals with disabilities to live in segregated institutions violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and that community living was not just a preference—it was a civil right. Lois was also a visual artist known for colorful portraits, and she even presented her artwork to President Barack Obama.

02/22/2026

Adaptive sports are about more than just competition. They're also about confidence, community, and opportunity! 🏀

This article from The Lantern highlights wheelchair rugby, adaptive basketball, and other disability-inclusive athletic programs in the Columbus area that are creating space for athletes of all abilities.

If you're passionate about disability-inclusive recreation and accessible communities here in Ohio, this is a great read! Check it out.

The central-Ohio area provides opportunities for disabled young adults to participate in athletics that accommodate their needs, known as adaptive sports. Through programs like Columbus Parks and …

02/21/2026

Disability representation is so important, especially for kids. 💛

Recently, children's TV show Peppa Pig introduced a storyline where Peppa's brother, George, is Deaf, helping to normalize disability and spark important conversations at an early age.

When kids see disability represented in everyday characters, it builds empathy, understanding, and belonging. We love seeing stories that center accessibility in ways that are both thoughtful and age-appropriate.

George will continue to "discover the world in his own way — with support, curiosity and plenty of muddy puddles!"

02/20/2026

Our mobile services unit took a pause in January to get ready to roll back out in the Spring. We're taking this opportunity to look back on an impactful year in 2025! ⭐

This past year, our team traveled across Ohio to bring services to Ohioans with disabilities directly to communities, especially in areas where access can be a challenge. It was a year of meaningful outreach and connection.

Here's a snapshot of what we accomplished in 2025:
✅ 116 events attended
✅ More than 500 direct services provided to individuals across Ohio
✅ 19,665 miles covered
✅ 33 counties visited

We're proud of the work we did on the road last year. Stay tuned for where we're headed in 2026!

02/19/2026

Black history is disability history.

This , we're continuing to honor three Black activists whose leadership also helped shape the disability rights movement. Their work challenged barriers, expanded access, and laid the groundwork for a more disability-inclusive future.

Check out our latest LinkedIn article, where we further highlight the stories, impact, and words of three trailblazers, to show why remembering disability history as part of Black history matters. ❤️

This February, we’re celebrating Black History Month by highlighting three prominent American advocates and disability pioneers in the Independent Living Movement. Johnnie Lacy When polio left her paralyzed, Johnnie was initially denied access to higher education due to her disability.

02/18/2026

Today, we're sending out our next set of Accessibility Love Notes! 💕

This one goes out to the accommodations that help people thrive at work and in life. Because access isn't special treatment—it's empowerment.

💌 Dear Flexible Schedules, you make room for real life, and real talent.
💌 Dear Assistive Technology, thank you for turning barriers into bridges.
💌 Dear Quiet Spaces and Sensory Supports, you help people show up fully.
💌 Dear Modified Equipment and Workflows, you prove that disability inclusion fuels success.

supports independence, employment, and opportunity. It benefits everyone! Stay tuned for our final set of love notes later this month.

02/17/2026

When Donald Galloway lost his vision as a child, he didn’t let his disability hinder his education or activism. He became a junior member of the NAACP and the National Federation of the Blind, working to ensure people of color were part of the disability rights conversation. Donald worked for the Berkeley Center for Independent Living, eventually leading the D.C. branch. He was denied jury duty in D.C. due to his blindness, which led him to file a lawsuit that ultimately upheld the constitutional rights of those with disabilities.

02/16/2026

Today, we honor the leadership and perseverance that have helped shape our nation. As we reflect on these words from President Theodore Roosevelt, we're reminded that progress begins with confidence, determination, and the courage to move forward. In observance of , all OOD offices are closed today.

02/15/2026

Winter weather can be challenging, and for people with disabilities, preparation is especially important. ❄️

The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley recently shared practical winter storm safety tips designed to help individuals with disabilities stay safe and supported during severe weather.

Please share to help spread this important information.

Heavy snow forecasts spell trouble for everyone—but for people with disabilities, severe winter weather can quickly become a crisis. The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley is stepping in with critical preparedness tips designed to keep vulnerable community members safe when the blizzard hits.

02/14/2026

Roses are red, kindness is too, I ❤️ someone with a disability, and that love is true!

This , we're celebrating love that's real, strong, and disability-inclusive—no matter what form it takes. If you ❤️ someone with a disability just like we do, share this post and let them know how much they mean to you today.

02/13/2026

📰 ICYMI: Ohio is launching a new initiative to help job seekers across our state.

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel recently announced WorkOhio, a program designed to provide personalized support to Ohioans navigating the job market by connecting individuals with coaching, resources, and tools to explore careers, build skills, and find meaningful employment.

➡️ Read more about the launch and how it can support your employment journey today.

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel today announced the launch of WorkOhio – a new initiative to connect Ohioans with in-demand jobs through personalized support from teams of regional job experts.