OOD Works Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

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. Wheelchair Ohio website, Gabby’s Facebook page, or email Gabby.
With support from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), Gabby has worked in the community and hopes to eventually work with children. Her involvement in the Special Olympics as a cheerleader symbolizes her dedication to challenging stereotypes and building a community where individuals with disabilities are celebrated for their abilities. 

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohioood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ood/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOOD

Sign up for our newsletter and other email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/subscribers/qualify.
Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

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 independence at home and school.
During the past summer, Dylan participated in an Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Summer Youth Work Experience at Magnifiers & More. The opportunity allowed him to use his expertise in troubleshooting and repairing equipment while considering possibilities for his future career.

Deborah Kogler, President of Magnifiers & More, explained, “He definitely has the personality to help people, and that's the big thing is to want to help people.'

Amanda Teddleton, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, explained: “Dylan's successes should be attributed to his incredible skills, hard work, and diligence.”

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohioood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ood/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOOD

Sign up for our newsletter and other email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/subscribers/qualify.
Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

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 can help individuals with disabilities get and keep a job. Following a Google search, Charity found Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and got started with services.

With support from Patty Koehnlein, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and Jennifer Renaldy, OOD Job Developer, Charity navigated her career path, from her initial struggles to eventual success as a Senior Resolution Coordinator with Walmart.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohioood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ood/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOOD

Sign up for our newsletter and other email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/subscribers/qualify.
Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities' Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. DDD is federally regulated and receives 100% of its funding from SSA.  Under SSA, disability is based on an individual’s inability to work. 
Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, Public Affairs Specialists with SSA,  join the podcast to discuss changes to Social Security disability benefits in 2024.

(Check out episode 27, Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, for additional information.)

Learn more at SSA.Gov or call 800-772-1213.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohioood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ood/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOOD

Sign up for our newsletter and other email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/subscribers/qualify.
Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Ever wondered why we need more inclusive literature? Come, sit awhile, and listen to Allison Boot, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023 and an established author, as she talks about her fascinating journey into the world of disability-inclusive literature. Allison, with her books “Just the Way You Are,” “The Magic Within,” and “Love the Way You Dance,” is breaking stereotypes and nurturing empathy among young readers. She also shares her challenges and triumphs in developing an often overlooked yet essential genre.

Moving into a more personal realm, Allison opens up about her experience as Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023. Hear about the friendships she's forged, how she's utilized her title to propagate the importance of inclusive literature, and her preparations for a national title. Learn how her platform has acted as a beacon of awareness, acceptance, and hope, proving that people with disabilities can live full, equitable lives.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohioood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ood/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOOD

Sign up for our newsletter and other email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/subscribers/qualify.
Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Meet Kinshuk Tella, a remarkable college graduate from Miami University who has embraced his passion for science. “I want to be part of something bigger than myself, which is the environmental issues we face, in particular climate change,” Kinshuk explains.

Kinshuk is on track to complete his graduate studies in December 2023 and will receive a Master of Environmental Science degree from Miami University. This summer Kinshuk has been interning in Washington, D.C. where he has focused on national climate and air quality programs.

When he's not busy with academics and working toward his career, Kinshuk has been active in community building, blind advocacy, and student empowerment. Through his advocacy work, Kinshuk has motivated others to embrace their unique strengths while strengthening his own confidence.

Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.

Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

Connect with OOD on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOOD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohioood/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ood/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOOD

Sign up for our newsletter and other email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/subscribers/qualify.
Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!