(COLUMBUS, OH)—National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a campaign held every October to celebrate the many contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and raise awareness regarding the employment of people with disabilities. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is leading the state’s efforts across Ohio to promote the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the agency hosts hiring events to facilitate job interviews for OOD job seekers and employers with available positions.
“National Disability Employment Awareness Month recognizes that workers with disabilities bring diverse skills, perspectives, and talents to the workforce,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “Ohioans with disabilities contribute to a more inclusive and innovative economy where everyone has the opportunity to live up to their God-given potential.”
“OOD serves both Ohio businesses and individuals with disabilities,” said Kevin Miller, OOD Director. “We match qualified individuals with disabilities with the hiring needs of our employer partners. Last year, we assisted nearly 5,300 individuals with disabilities in finding employment.”
During October, OOD will host hiring events for OOD job seekers and employers specifically looking to hire individuals with disabilities. The hiring events are for all regions of the state, providing individuals with disabilities a unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with employers.
Also, OOD will host a no-cost webinar for employers, Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace, on October 19 at 10 a.m., coinciding with Invisible Disabilities Week. Employers will recognize the barriers and limitations employees with invisible disabilities may encounter at work and ways to remove these through providing reasonable accommodations. Information will be provided to inform best practices for navigating the interactive process through the lens of an invisible disability. More information, including the link to join, can be found on OOD’s webinar webpage.
OOD is the state agency responsible for empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence. www.OOD.Ohio.Gov