State of Ohio agency empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations & independence. Visit www.oodworks.com to find a job.
Social media terms/conditions at bit.ly/4hVmJJL. OOD's mission is to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence.
03/19/2026
Struggling to hear clearly at work? Support may be available. 👂
In the workplace, hearing challenges can affect communication, productivity, and confidence. Having the right tools to help can make a big difference.
We may be able to help with hearing aids and other assistive technologies that support your job success. These tools can help you:
Communicate more easily with coworkers and supervisors. 🔈
Understand customers on the phone. 📱
Hear important sounds in your workplace. 🎧
Sometimes additional technology can help too, such as microphones that amplify speakers in meetings, or captioned telephones for clearer conversations.
Visit our Hearing Aids & Equipment webpage to learn more and explore your options: ➡️ bit.ly/4sWjqqD
03/18/2026
It's ! 🧠
Neurodiversity reminds us that there isn't only one way to think, learn, or solve problems in life.
In classrooms and workplaces across Ohio, neurodiverse individuals bring creativity, innovation, and unique perspectives that strengthen our teams and communities. Everyone benefits when schools and employers embrace neurodiversity through actions and resources like disability-inclusive learning environments, flexible workplaces, and accessible communication.
At OOD, we're proud to support neurodiverse Ohioans as they pursue education, careers, and independence. ❤️
03/18/2026
You deserve the right support for your goals. 🚀
At OOD, we partner with Ohioans with disabilities to help turn career ambitions into real opportunities!
That might mean:
✨ Discovering new career paths
✨ Building workplace skills and confidence
✨ Exploring training and education options
✨ Connecting with employers who value your talents
And more! Wherever you are in your career journey, OOD is here to help.
Ready to start? Visit OODWorks.com to learn more.
03/17/2026
OOD Director Kevin Miller, OOD Legislative Liaison Jake Winters, and OOD Works4Me Program Administrator Dustin Schwab participated in the Developmental Disabilities Awareness and Advocacy Day at the Ohio Statehouse on March 4. The special event was kicked off by Governor Mike DeWine, who reaffirmed Ohio’s commitment to supporting Ohioans with disabilities—celebrating progress made while recognizing the important work ahead.
The event also offered a meaningful chance to connect with individuals, families, legislators, providers, professionals, and advocates, all united in their dedication to people with developmental disabilities.
03/17/2026
Happy ! We're feeling extra lucky today. 🍀
Why?
Because we get to work with incredible individuals across Ohio who bring determination, talent, and heart to everything they do!
Every job milestone, every new skill, every step toward independence reminds us how fortunate we are to support this amazing community.
To all of our participants: you're the real pot of gold! 🌈
03/16/2026
April is , and we're getting ready for it early here at OOD! 💼
Understanding disability benefits can make a big difference for families navigating the future.
In Episode 59 of the podcast, experts from the Social Security Administration (SSA) explain what parents need to know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children.
The episode covers:
✅ Key differences between SSDI and SSI
✅ What happens to benefits at age 18
✅ How income or in-kind support may affect payments
✅ Tips to prevent overpayments
✅ How to manage your benefits
These topics connect directly to the work of OOD's Division of Disability Determination, which partners with the SSA to determine medical eligibility for disability benefits for Ohioans.
Listen to the full episode now to learn more: ➡️ bit.ly/3P1KQMT
03/15/2026
March is ! 🥗
We're celebrating how healthy eating habits help bring us all together - across cultures, families, and communities.
Throughout this month, we encourage you to:
✅ Explore balanced eating habits.
✅ Try new healthy recipes!
✅ Add more fruits and veggies to your diet.
✅ Cook and share meals with others.
✅ Connect with a registered dietician for a personalized plan.
Small changes make a big difference, and fueling our bodies well helps us support our work, school, and daily life.
03/14/2026
Ohio Deaf History Month began yesterday, March 13! 📚
Each year, March 13 - April 15 is recognized as Ohio Deaf History Month, celebrating the rich culture and history of the Deaf community in our state.
A partnership between the Ohio School for the Deaf and the State Library of Ohio helps make Deafness and interpreting resources available to all Ohioans.
This special collection includes 1,400+ resources—books, DVDs, digital materials, and more—supporting:
❤️ Students learning American Sign Language (ASL)
❤️ Parents and families
❤️ Educators and professionals
❤️ ASL interpreters
Ohio residents can even request a State Library card to borrow materials directly! Exploring Deaf culture and language strengthens disability inclusion across our communities.
Browse the State Library of Ohio's Deafness & Outreach Collection today: ➡️ bit.ly/4b0yLjE
03/13/2026
Our blog shares practical tips, tools, and examples to help advance disability inclusion across our state. 📝
This month's post, "Accessible Documents: Tips for Clear, Inclusive Communication," explores simple formatting techniques that make a big difference.
The article highlights why accessibility matters and offers easy, actionable steps, like:
✔️ Using real headings.
✔️ Adding alt text to images.
✔️ Choosing clear, readable fonts.
These small adjustments immediately improve clarity and help build more disability-inclusive communication practices in any organization.
Read the full piece today: ➡️ bit.ly/46zxsFL
03/12/2026
Did you know March is ? 💚
(CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood, and individuals with CP contribute their talents, leadership, and perspectives across every community.
In March, we raise awareness, promote understanding, and celebrate the achievements of Ohioans with cerebral palsy.
Learn more about CP today: ➡️ bit.ly/4l6pgTu
03/11/2026
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Governor Mike DeWine joined the OOD senior leadership planning event at Highbanks Metro Park. He praised OOD for delivering meaningful results for Ohioans with disabilities and emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum during the final year of his administration.
During his remarks, Governor DeWine shared several core leadership principles:
-providing clarity and consistently explaining the “why,”
-painting a clear and compelling vision,
-grounding decisions in facts and asking the right questions,
-listening actively and empowering teams,
-making tough decisions guided by core values,
-communicating concisely and transparently, and
-taking ownership of mistakes.
His message underscored OOD’s vital role in helping Ohioans with disabilities achieve their full potential and set the tone for a forward‑looking planning session focused on service, impact, and a smooth transition into the future.
03/10/2026
At OOD, we believe it's never too late to pursue your goals. 💪
Brenden Marcum faced significant health challenges, losing weight after multiple surgeries, and navigating personal hardships during his recovery. Those experiences fueled his desire to stand up for others who feel unseen or unheard.
Driven to make a difference, Brenden returned to school to pursue a degree in criminal justice. With support from Ohio College2Careers and community partners, he earned his associate's degree at Belmont College and completed his bachelor's degree at Ohio University East—even studying abroad in Thailand along the way!
OOD provided individualized supports for Brenden, including hearing aids, training assistance, work uniforms, and services to strengthen his communication skills.
Today, Brenden serves as a Detention Specialist at Sargus Juvenile Correctional Facility, where he supports youth in his community with empathy and understanding. ❤️
“Growing up, it was just me and my mom,” Brenden explained. “I was in a broken home and everything, so I understand some of the youth and what they are going through.”
Congratulations, Brenden! Keep up the great work. 🎉
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Send a message to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities:
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is the state agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment, independence and Social Security disability determination outcomes. It is accomplished through its Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and Division of Disability Determination (DDD). A fourth area is the Division of Employer and Innovation Services (EIS), which is responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with employers.
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