OOD Works

Bill Darling on Simeon Fess’ Impact on People with Disabilities

Dr. Bill Darling, Director of Assistive Technology of Ohio, a federally-funded nonprofit organization that is part of the College of Engineering at The Ohio State University, discusses the impact Simeon Fess had on people with disabilities. Bill shares how he discovered Simeon, an Ohioan that while unfamiliar to many, was key in the creation of the Vocational Rehabilitation program during his service as a U.S. Congressman. Bill said, “The impact he had on the lives of so many people! Maybe he couldn’t even have envisioned it at the time, but it is a truly amazing program that probably would have never come into being without his vision.”Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Jennifer Strank, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

Jennifer Strank is an OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in Columbiana County. “To help people work, no matter what it is – whether it’s getting back into the workforce, getting their first job, or doing whatever – it’s just a great feeling.” Jennifer explained. “Seeing the growth and self-esteem is amazing.”Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Director Miller on OOD’s Response to Coronavirus

In this episode, OOD Director Kevin Miller discusses the agency's response to coronavirus.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Mary Russ - Parma Heights, Ohio

Mary Russ talks about her experience training as a voice actor and shares a public service announcement to encourage wearing blue in support of people with autism. She also shares about her experience applying for Social Security disability benefits. Mary is joined by Betsy Russ, her mother.Interested in voice acting by Mary? Visit http://maryruss.icanvoice.com/.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Dawn Coleman, Sr. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

National Rehabilitation Counselors Appreciation Day is March 22, 2020, and the OOD Works Podcast features Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors this month. Dawn Coleman is a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired. “I really like seeing people get a job and meet their goal because I think work is so important. It gives people a sense of purpose,” Dawn explained. “It really just changes their lives, and I get to be a small part of that.”Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Division of Disability Determination

The OOD 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.“Our staff do a good job understanding the sense of urgency that people need to get a decision quickly on their cases,” explained Rhonda Tanner, DDD Deputy Director.Listen to hear from Rhonda and DDD Assistant Deputy Directors Tom Melfo, Teresa Gray, and Darin McCoy.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Katie Frederick on Self-Advocacy

Katie Frederick, OOD Program Administrator for the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, joins the podcast to discuss self-advocacy, assistive technology, and Voicecorps Reading Services.“For me, self-advocacy is knowing and understanding what I need to accomplish a task and being able to explain and share with others what my needs are,” Katie explained. “As a person with a disability, problem-solving is something I just do. It’s built in by default.”Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Chris Page’s Experience Helps People with Communication Disabilities

Chris Page was pulled over for a traffic stop in 2016. His failure to make eye contact caused officers to believe he had been drinking. Chris’ difficulty with motor skills led to him failing a field sobriety test and being arrested.Once in custody, he submitted a urine sample and took a breathalyzer test that proved he had not been drinking. Chris is on the autism spectrum, and his symptoms were misunderstood during the traffic stop.Listen to learn how Chris’ experience and his mother’s advocacy efforts helped prompt the Communication Disability Law. Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Gabriella Drago, Music Therpaist

Gabriella Drago knew she wanted to be a music therapist in the tenth grade. After finishing her degree at Baldwin Wallace University, Gabriella became a board-certified music therapist. With support from OOD, the Cleveland Sight Center, professors, and others, Gabriella explained how meaningful the encouragement has been. “Sometimes people don’t talk about it, but having a disability can take a toll on your mental health,” she said. “You can’t do it all alone. Having a support system makes it so much easier.” Listen to learn more about Gabriella’s recent transition from college graduate to professional in her chosen field. Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!

Floyd Poruban Runs Successful Nursery

The Poruban Nursery was born out of a passion for horticulture, bleak job prospects, and determination. “Frustration was my motivation,” said Floyd Poruban of Avon, Ohio, who established the business more than 55 years ago. Floyd was the first person who was legally blind to be admitted to and graduate from a science program at The Ohio State University (OSU) where he earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a master’s degree in plant pathology. He is a 2019 recipient of OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award.Listen to learn more about Floyd’s story and inspiration for handling obstacles.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Have a disability? Want to work? Visit OODWorks.com!