Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

10/04/2026

Blindness or low vision doesn't define what's possible. 🌟

During , we're highlighting OOD's Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) and the individualized services available to Ohioans who are blind or have low vision.

Depending on a person's goals and needs, support may include:

Career exploration and employment services.
Orientation and mobility training.
Assistive technology.
Low vision services and resources.
Skills that support greater independence.

And more. It doesn't matter whether you're preparing for your first job, adapting to changes in your vision, working toward greater independence, or something else—OOD can help you explore services and resources that may be right for you.

This Blindness Awareness Month, help us spread the word that support is available! 💙

Learn more: ➡️ ood.ohio.gov/visionservices

10/03/2026

Ohioans can now sign up to receive Joshua Alerts. ⚠️

This new statewide alert is designed to help quickly locate missing children with autism or other developmental disabilities when their disappearance poses a threat of serious bodily harm or death.

Named in memory of six-year-old Joshua Al-Lateef, Jr., who died in 2024 after going missing, the Joshua Alert helps law enforcement rapidly share information with the public during a critical time.

For some children with developmental disabilities, communication differences or other support needs can make locating them quickly especially important. By receiving alerts, Ohioans can know when to be on the lookout and help communities respond.

Sign up to receive Joshua Alerts from Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson's office: ➡️ ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Law-Enforcement/Local-Law-Enforcement/Ohio-Missing-Persons/Missing-Child-Alerts-Sign-up

Consider sharing this post so more Ohioans know about this new resource. 🔁

10/02/2026

Throughout National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we're highlighting five OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) who work alongside Ohioans with disabilities as they explore career goals, build skills, navigate barriers, and pursue meaningful employment. VRCs provide individualized guidance based on a participant's unique strengths, needs, and goals. Their work looks different for every person they serve, and that's the point!

This , we're giving you a closer look at the people behind the work and what inspires them to help Ohioans with disabilities in their region pursue their employment goals. ❤️

First up, meet Ebony Ford! 👋

She's a VRC with Ohio College2Careers, serving Ohio's Northwest Region. In her role, she believes this year's NDEAM theme, "Celebrating Value & Talent," means empowering individuals and giving them the opportunity to find their niche, attend training or school, and not just get a job but a career that allows them to be and feel included, important, and independent.

"Something I wish more people would know about VR is that it is a free, beneficial service available to everyone with a disability wanting to work, whether that disability is seen or unseen."



X: This , we're introducing you to 5 Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) who help Ohioans with disabilities explore and pursue meaningful employment.

First up, meet Ebony Ford, a VRC with Ohio College2Careers, serving Ohio's Northwest Region. 👋

Learn more: ➡️ INSERT ARTICLE LINK

Get to Know OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors (VRCs) Ebony Ford, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor- Ohio College2Careers, for the Northwest Region. What does National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) mean to you, and what does this year’s NDEAM theme, “Celebrating Value & T...

10/02/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month ( )! 🎉

This year's theme, "Celebrating Value and Talent," recognizes the skills and contributions people with disabilities bring to workplaces and communities.

Here in Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel have officially recognized October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a proclamation highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities to pursue meaningful work and contribute their diverse talents.

Throughout October, we'll be celebrating Ohioans with disabilities in the workforce, highlighting disability-inclusive employment practices, and sharing resources that can help job seekers and employers connect.

Join us all month long as we celebrate value, talent, and opportunity during ! 💙

10/01/2026

Very exciting news! 📰

Today, OOD Director Kevin Miller announced Cintas Corporation and Miami University as the 2026 recipients of the Governor's Inclusive Employer Award! 🏆

“Congratulations to both Cintas Corporation and Miami University on receiving the Inclusive Employer Award,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “By valuing the contributions of skilled workers with disabilities and strengthening Ohio’s commitment to disability‑inclusive workplaces, both of these organizations show what it truly means to ensure Ohioans with disabilities have the opportunity to use their God-given talents.”

Congratulations also to CareSource and Cleveland Public Library who are being recognized this year as Ohio Inclusive Employers. 🎉

Keep an eye on our page next week as we continue to highlight Cintas Corporation and Miami University for going above and beyond in their dedication to the disability-inclusive work that earned them this honor.

For details: ➡️ ood.ohio.gov/about-us/communications/news/governors-inclusive-employer-award-2026


Ohio Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation

09/30/2026

We were honored to welcome Beth Salisbury as guest speaker at our senior staff meeting on September 14, thanks to an invitation from Accessible Ohio Manager Julie Wood.

Beth, a board‑certified Occupational Therapist with more than 36 years of experience, also brings decades of leadership shaped by her long career in the U.S. Army Reserve and multiple deployments. She shared clear, practical guidance on leading through change and supporting teams.

She emphasized the importance of safeguarding our mission and keeping each other on track, especially during times of transition. Beth reminded us to stay steady and take care of people, while also building strong relationships and viewing change as an opportunity for creativity. She highlighted the value of working with people we don’t naturally connect with to broaden our perspective. Finally, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a forward‑thinking mindset.

09/29/2026

In August, 425+ people came together with one shared goal: creating a more . ❤️

The third annual Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo brought together Ohioans with disabilities, families, employers, accessibility professionals, public and private organizations, presenters, and partners for a day of learning, connection, and action.

The day was filled with ideas attendees could take back to their workplaces and communities, including a keynote address exploring universal design, conversations about accessibility, assistive technology demonstrations, communication access, and more.

In the Accessibility Showcase, organizations and vendors gave attendees an up-close experience with products, services, and tools that are helping advance accessibility statewide.

Now you can experience some of the day for yourself! The 2026 Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo recaps the conversations, connections, and energy that made this year's event memorable. 📹

And if you want to keep learning, conference presentations are available for download here: ➡️ https://ood.ohio.gov/accessible-ohio/ao-resources/conference-and-expo-presentations

09/28/2026

Ohio is "Celebrating Value and Talent" this National Disability Employment Awareness Month ( )! 💼

Throughout October, OOD is joining employers, partners, and communities statewide in recognizing the skills and contributions people with disabilities bring to Ohio's workforce, and we're creating more opportunities to put that talent to work.

This year's activities include:

Hiring events and job fairs that will connect Ohioans with disabilities directly with employers. 🤝

A free October 21 webinar helping supervisors understand their responsibilities under Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and strengthen disability-inclusive workplace practices. 💻

Resources and information throughout the month for job seekers, employers, and partners alike. 📢

“Ohio continues to lead by bringing employers and partners together to reduce the barriers individuals with disabilities face as they pursue meaningful work,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Ohio is the heart of opportunity, and this month serves as a reminder that every person’s ability can strengthen our state’s economy.”

Read the full press release for more information: ➡️ ood.ohio.gov/about-us/communications/news/recognizing-ndeam-2026

09/27/2026

We love moments when one idea leads to a more accessible experience! 🌟

At an regional event this spring, Capital University's Director of Accessibility Services, Ryan Chernick, shared an idea: What if students could preview the move-in experience before arriving on campus?

That conversation grew into a Social Narrative Workshop facilitated by Tanya K. Vela, Accessible Ohio Specialist, with Capital University's Accessibility Services and Residence Life teams, followed by a consultation that helped put the idea into practice.

The result was a Move-in Day Social Narrative that takes students through what to expect, from arriving on campus to checking in and moving into their residence hall.

Social narratives use clear language and images to help make an unfamiliar experience more predictable. The university recognized that knowing what to expect can be helpful for anyone experiencing college move-in for the first time, including students with disabilities.

Thank you to Capital University for turning an idea into action and working to build a more accessible campus experience. 👏

We cannot wait to welcome you to campus! Below is detailed information about what to expect when you arrive for move-in. Please review this information carefully, as you will be responsible for preparing several items prior to arrival on campus.

09/26/2026

What happens after the Conference & Expo ends? The ideas shared get put into action! 💡

A recent Accessible Ohio blog reflects on the 2026 Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo. It includes practical takeaways that can help organizations continue advancing accessibility and disability inclusion. Here are some themes highlighted from the sessions:

✅ Planning accessibility from the beginning strengthens digital experiences for everyone.

✅ Accommodations are often simple, customizable, and frequently cost nothing at all.

✅ Clear, thoughtful communication practices can support greater accessibility.

And more! Check out the full post today: ➡️ https://ood.ohio.gov/accessible-ohio/accessible-ohio-blog/post-accessible-ohio-conference-and-expo-reflections