Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

What is your mission, and who do you serve?
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is a state agency dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, accessibility, and independence.
OOD helps connect the people of Ohio who have disabilities with the resources, support, and opportunities that fit their unique needs, abilities, and interests so that they can find and retain meaningful employment. Our Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) tag-team to provide these services in partnership with hundreds of providers across Ohio.

What is one thing someone might not know about your organization or is unique about your organization?
Every October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which serves as a powerful reminder of the valuable contributions made by America’s workers with disabilities. This year marks the 80th anniversary of this observance, with the theme “Celebrating Value and Talent,” which highlights the rich skills and potential that all Americans—including those with disabilities—bring to our workplaces and communities. Ohio is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, led by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), which champions disability-inclusive employment practices across the state. 

Additionally, OOD will offer a free webinar for employers, “Disability-Inclusive Workplaces: Attracting Diverse Talent” on October 22 at 10 a.m. This session will offer actionable steps for businesses to attract and include applicants with disabilities who are seeking employment. More information, including the link to join, can be found on OOD’s webinar webpage. 

How do you work in partnership with the OhioMeansJobs Centers?
OOD partners with OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Centers to ensure all eligible individuals are connected with their local OMJ for added job search support. Many of our vocational rehabilitation counselors are based in OMJ Centers across the state, and we also receive direct referrals from OMJ for individuals with disabilities who may benefit from OOD services.

Learn more at: Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities | Ohio.gov