Ohio is helping people with disabilities find jobs

States from across the country are trying to model Ohio as it helps some of the 1.7 million Ohioans with disabilities find work.

Just before the pandemic, Gov. Mike DeWine signed an executive order making the state a disability inclusion state. What does that mean? Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin Miller says one main goal is to help people with disabilities get a job.

“So many people have maybe, you know, a one sided of view of what that means — maybe someone who is in an entry level position, maybe at a grocery store, and we help a lot of people like that,” says Miller. “But we have people who have Ph.d.s who are blind or who are deaf or have a physical disability and they’re able to obtain credentials and a high-wage job.”

Miller says this begins with awareness. Ohio is committed to training every state employee in disability etiquette and awareness.