
OOD Works
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is a state agency that empowers people with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. Join Kim Jump as she interviews unique individuals who discovered OOD Works! Have a disability? Want to work? www.OODWorks.com.
Episodes
57 episodes
Caroline Karbowski Empowers the Blind Community Through Science & Technology
In this episode, we feature Caroline Karbowski, recommended by the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. Caroline discusses the significance of Braille literacy and technology in advocating for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing acc...
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Episode 56
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40:05

Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits Updates for 2025
Decisions on whether Ohioans are eligible for Social Security disability benefits are crucial for people looking to create a dependable foundation for their lives. Staff with the Division of Disability Determination (DDD) of Opportunities for O...
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Episode 55
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23:16

Inclusive Recreation: The Nuxhall Foundation Teams Up with Accessible Ohio
Tyler Bradshaw, Executive Director of the Nuxhall Foundation and the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields, joins the podcast to discuss inclusive recreation. From baseball to softball and beyond,...
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Episode 54
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22:06

Gabby Champions Abilities
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 enligh...
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Episode 53
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15:45

Embracing Technology and Career Readiness: Dylan's Story
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 te...
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Episode 52
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37:51

Charity Bauer's Unstoppable Journey
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 Vocati...
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38:31

Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2024
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. D...
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Episode 50
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22:26

The Power of Inclusive Literature with Allison Boot, Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2023
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....
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Episode 49
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28:29

Kinshuk’s Passion for Science and Advocacy
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,” Kins...
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Episode 48
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27:11

Shaping Tomorrow: Mykenna’s Quest to Be the Change
Mykenna Roy recently completed her first year at The Ohio State University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Biology while being on a pre-med educational track.
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Episode 47
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31:08

Cindy Shunk Doesn't Give Up and Lands the Right Job
Cindy Shunk of Sylvania, Ohio is a strong self-advocate. Knowing her rights, she asks for what she needs and wants. She is clear that she prefers to be treated like everyone else. Over the years, she has received support from Opportunities for ...
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Episode 46
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38:19

Governor DeWine's Budget for OOD: Historic Investments to Support Ohioans with Disabilities
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s biennial
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Episode 45
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32:14

Regan Patten Finds Confidence as She Approaches College Finish Line
Regan Patten is a goal-driven student finishing up her education in Health Information Technology at Terra State Community College. She has solid work experience and family support as she takes her next step and begins working in the health fie...
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Episode 44
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27:52

James Sims Doesn't Allow Vision Loss to Hold Him Back
James Sims began experiencing vision loss in his forties. After meeting with an optometrist, he was referred to an eye surgeon. He had multiple surgeries to address serious, long-term ocular issues. He explained, “I lost a lot of vision and qui...
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Episode 43
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25:12

Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2023
The 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...
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Episode 42
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24:16

Annette Beauchamp Appreciates Help from OOD
Annette Beauchamp of Columbus, Ohio worked for the same employer for 21 years, doing a job she loved, when her vision became so limited, her safety was in danger.She explained, “I was almost hit by a car trying to cross the street more ...
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Episode 41
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16:37

Eric Petersen’s Remarkable Recovery from a Motorcycle Accident
Eric Petersen of Mentor, Ohio, served our country as a Marine. He was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and served in Afghanistan in 2008. Eric came back home and was a reservist and trained as an EMT, paramedic, and firefighter. While working as a fire...
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Episode 40
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31:19

Krista Uses Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Platform to Boost Community Accessibility
Krista Allison is a federal employee and Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2022. She has used her title and platform to highlight the importance of community accessibility, host fundraisers to support disability-related causes, and enhance the safety of indi...
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Episode 39
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40:53

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) provide direct, personalized services to help individuals with disabilities find and retain meaningful work. Hear firsthand from eight counselors throug...
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Episode 38
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34:30

Troy Hammond Stars in “Welcome to Flatch”
Troy Hammond is a comedian, actor, and guest speaker from Columbus, Ohio. During his career, which has included performing in 35 states, he hasn’t been pulled down by the challenges that come with traveling and working as a person who is blind....
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Episode 37
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27:31

Makayla Jones, Wilberforce University Senior
Makayla Jones has been helping with family businesses for years. Now, in her senior year at Wilberforce University, she’s completing her degree in business management with her sights set on launching her own business.What’s more, Makayla...
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Episode 36
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13:10

Changes to Social Security Disability Benefits in 2022
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. D...
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Episode 35
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16:47

Anthony Keeps Promise Made to His Mother
One of the last things Anthony Winston of Wellsville, Ohio told his mother before her passing in 2014 was that he would return to college to finish his education. Anthony, who has cerebral palsy, explains it this way: “It’s basicall...
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Episode 34
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20:51

Cleveland Clinic, 2021 Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award Winner
In October 2021, OOD announced Cleveland Clinic as the 2021 Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award winner for their commitment to individuals with disabilities in the workplace and being a leader of diversity and inclusion best practices in Ohio. ...
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Episode 33
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40:07
