Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is a state agency that empowers people with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. Join Kim Jump as she interviews unique individuals who discovered OOD Works! Have a disability? Want to work? www.OODWorks.com.
In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re highlighting a must‑listen episode of the OOD Works podcast that can help deepen your understanding of autism. In Episode 60, Megan Trowbridge, Program Director at OCALI , explores what autism acceptance truly means and how access, belonging, and community shape the lives of individuals with autism. She dispels common myths, explains sensory overload, and…
Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, Social Security Administration (SSA) Public Affairs Specialists, break down what parents need to know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for children. They explain the key differences between the programs, what happens at age 18, how income and in-kind support can affect payments, and practical steps to…
Representatives Brian Lorenz and Gary Click, along with Keith Jesse, whose personal experience inspired House Bill 144—Keith’s Law , join the podcast. This legislation supports Ohioans with disabilities during emergencies by building on the Communication Disability Law and introducing a voluntary statewide database to help first responders identify individuals with disabilities before arriving on…
This episode features Brian Rust, a passionate educator and entrepreneur. Navigating life with vision loss, he shares how he has turned a challenge into success. As a proud graduate of the Ohio State School for the Blind, he continued his education and has had a successful career in teaching physical education, where he’s made a significant impact for over two decades. However, faced with…
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.…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…