Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities

09/10/2026

You don't have to know exactly what to say to show someone you care. 💛

On ***dePreventionDay, remember that sometimes, support starts with listening, and continues with staying present and letting someone know they don't have to face a difficult moment alone.

Simple words can matter. Try these if you don't know what to say when someone comes to you for help:

🗨️ "Tell me more."
🗨️ "I'm glad you told me."
🗨️ "I'm here."
🗨️ "Let's call someone together."

When someone you care about is struggling, you don't need all the answers. Listen without judgment, take what they share seriously, and help them connect with support.

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

You can also explore OOD's resources for information about employment support for Ohioans with mental health & substance use disorders and disabilities: ➡️ ood.ohio.gov/mentalhealth

***dePrevention

09/09/2026

At the 2026 Conference & Expo, Katie Scheetz, Deaf Services Manager, and Shannon Seger, Deaf Services Supervisor, invited attendees to experience some of the communication challenges that can accompany hearing loss and explore practical strategies to make workplaces more accessible and welcoming.

Thoughtful adjustments can make a meaningful difference in how people communicate, work, and connect.

What's one change an employer, coworker, or community member can make to improve communication access? Let us know! 👇

09/09/2026

We're getting ready to celebrate ! 🥳

From September 15 through October 15, we recognize the histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans—including Ohioans with disabilities who enrich our workplaces and communities every day!

➡️ hispanicheritagemonth.gov

09/08/2026

: Good communication doesn't require eye contact! 👀

People communicate and show they're listening in different ways. Some people may make consistent eye contact, while others may look away, focus on another point, or avoid eye contact altogether.

Don't assume that someone who isn't looking directly at you isn't listening or interested in what you're saying.

And if you are someone who finds sustained eye contact uncomfortable but would like an alternative, you can try directing your gaze toward the other person's eyebrows or the tops of their ears.

The goal isn't perfect eye contact. It's creating respectful two-way communication where everyone can participate comfortably.

09/07/2026

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day! 🛠️

Our offices are closed today in observance of the holiday.

09/06/2026

The Stranahan Theater in Toledo recently unveiled major updates, including more than 2,000 new seats and a redesigned accessible seating area! 🎭

Improvements like these demonstrate how accessibility can be incorporated into the arts and experience spaces where Ohioans already gather.

➡️ See what's new at The Stranahan in this article from 13abc.

The Stranahan Theater unveiled more than 2,000 brand new seats and a redesigned ADA accessible area on Thursday.

09/05/2026

What if the design of a book could help make reading more accessible? 📚

A new initiative is bringing dyslexia-inclusive children's books to libraries across Cuyahoga County, giving young readers access to books designed for them from the start, with features that can make reading easier and more enjoyable.

Current participating libraries include:
Cleveland Public Library (Fulton Branch)
Cleveland Public Library
Cleveland Public Library (Garden Valley Branch)
Euclid Public Library

The Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA) announced the expansion of its literacy initiative, Until Everyone Can Read: Children’s

09/04/2026

OOD's team is excited to introduce sensory accessibility kits! 🎉

These portable kits are designed specifically for temporary events, pop-ups, community gatherings, and short-term activities where organizations can share sensory tools with guests to manage their sensory needs.

Available to borrow for organizations statewide at no cost, these kits include thoughtfully selected tools like sensory tubes, colorful lamps, tinted glasses, noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, floor cushions, scented markers, coloring books, and lavender and coffee bean jars.

Learn more: ➡️ bit.ly/4qMos99

09/03/2026

Think back to your first job—or any job that taught you something you still carry with you today. 💭

Maybe you learned how to communicate with customers or manage your time and work with a team. Maybe you learned how to problem-solve on the fly, or maybe you learned something completely different and unexpected!

What's one skill you learned at a job that you still use today?

Bonus points if you remember which job it was!

It's time to grab your coffee and join the conversation in the comments! ☕

09/03/2026

Ohio's outdoor spaces are for everyone! 🍃

At the 2026 Conference & Expo, Megan Carmel, Jason Fallon, and Mike Studeny of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources shared updates on accessible trails, facilities, resources, and tools for planning an outdoor adventure.

So let's talk: What's one thing that makes an outdoor space feel truly accessible and welcoming to you?

Share your thoughts—and your favorite accessible outdoor experiences—below!