Job Resources and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
In 2015, nearly 40 million Americans had a disability, and in 2016, about 17.9 percent of Americans with a disability were employed. The employment rate for those with a disability stands in stark contrast to the employment rate for those without a disability: 65.3 percent. The unemployment rate for those with a disability was 10.5 percent, and 4.6 percent for those without a disability. As the data show, individuals living with a disability are more than twice as likely to be unemployed.
Among black individuals with a disability, 16.6 percent were unemployed, compared with 12.5 percent of Hispanics with disabilities, 10.7 percent of Asians with disabilities, and 9.5 percent of whites with disabilities. Clearly, the job hunt for ethnic minorities with disabilities is significantly more difficult.
Fortunately, various government initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations are helping to close the gap. When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received enforcement authority for Title I of the Act, which protects individuals living with disabilities from employment discrimination. Since then, the unemployment rate for individuals living with a disability has declined significantly, and today many people with disabilities are making an impact in the workplace.
Many large national corporations have voiced their commitment to workplace disability inclusion. For example, AT&T, EY, The Hartford, and Lowe’s have used creative strategies to attract, retain, and invest in employees with disabilities. Today, finding job opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities may require extra work, but support during the process is just a phone call or appointment away.
This guide includes the following sections:
- Vocational Rehabilitation for Ohioans
- Job Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
- FAQ and Resources for Disabled Ohioans
Vocational Rehabilitation for Ohioans
The Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) agency assists individuals ages 14 and above during the transition to high school, college, and the workplace. OOD divisions provide Ohio vocational rehabilitation services and services for the visually impaired.
What is vocational rehab?
Vocational rehabilitation is a service that helps individuals with physical or mental disabilities obtain and keep employment.
Services can include:
- Vocational evaluation and planning
- Work experience for high school students
- Career counseling and guidance
- Medical and psychological assessment
- Training and education after high school
- Job-site assessment and accommodations
- Job coaching
- On-the-job training
- Job placement
- Supported employment
- Assistive technology and devices
- Time-limited medical and/or psychological treatment
For more information, visit Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.
What are the basic services offered to Ohioans with disabilities?
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
Prior to providing services, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities conducts an assessment to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s assets, liabilities, and employment opportunities.
Basic services include:
- Personal and work adjustment training to help individuals reach their occupational goals by:
- Acquiring personal habits, attitudes, and skills necessary to fulfill job requirements
- Increasing work tolerance
- Developing work habits
- Learning techniques to help make up for the individual’s disability
Training may require vocational school, college, on-the-job experience, or technical or business school. OOD assists individuals with obtaining supplies, such as textbooks or tools, that may be necessary for training.
Restoration services include:
- Artificial limbs or braces
- Treatment, hospitalization, and/or surgery
- Eyeglasses or hearing aids
- Occupational and physical therapy
For more information about basic services, visit the OOD BVR.
Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired
Prior to providing services, OOD conducts an assessment to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s assets, liabilities, and employment opportunities.
Basic services include:
- Personal and work adjustment training to help individuals reach their occupational goals by:
- Acquiring personal habits, attitudes, and skills, such as social skills, necessary to fulfill job requirements
- Increasing work tolerance
- Developing work habits
- Learning techniques to help make up for the individual’s visual impairment
- Mobility training
- Braille instruction or adaptive equipment
The Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) assists individuals with obtaining supplies, such as textbooks or tools, that may be necessary for training.
For more information about basic services, visit the OOD BSVI.
Division of Disability Determination
The Ohio Division of Disability Determination (DDD) determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. These benefits include:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The individual and certain family members receive benefits if the individual has worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Individuals receive benefits based on financial need.
The DDD is a federally regulated division of OOD and works with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA does not have a partial disability category.
For more information about benefits, visit the Ohio Division of Disability Determination.
Discover this list of BVR offices in Ohio:
Akron
161 S. High St., Suite 103
Akron, OH 44308
Voice: 330-643-3080
General fax: 614-985-7840
Toll-free: 800-251-2368
Counties served: Medina, Portage, Summit
Athens
86 Columbus Rd., Suite 102
Athens, OH 45701
Voice: 740-592-4411
General fax: 614-985-7918
Toll-free: 800-248-4378
Counties served: Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Perry, Vinton, Washington
Canton
816 30th St. NW
Canton, OH 44709
Voice: 330-438-0500
General fax: 614-985-9806
Toll-free: 800-248-4391
Counties served: Carroll, Holmes, Jefferson, Stark, Tuscarawas, Wayne
Cincinnati
Centennial Plaza III
895 Central Ave., 7th Floor
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Voice: 513-852-3260
General fax: 614-985-8682
Toll-free: 800-686-3323
Counties served: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Highland, Preble, Warren
Cleveland
14650 Detroit Ave., Suite 200
Lakewood, OH 44107
Voice: 216-227-3250
General fax: 614-985-7840
Toll-free: 866-325-0026
Counties served: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake
Columbus
4300 E. Broad St., Suite 200
Whitehall, OH 43213-1243
Voice: 614-466-4575
General fax: 614-985-7918
Toll-free: 800-430-6940
Counties served: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin
Dayton
1435 Cincinnati St., Suite 200
Dayton, OH 45417
Voice: 937-331-5000
General fax: 614-985-8682
Toll-free: 800-582-1589
Counties served: Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Logan, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Shelby, Union
Defiance
101 Clinton St., Suite 1100
Defiance, OH 43512
Voice: 419-866-5811
General fax: 614-985-9649
Toll-free: 800-589-5811
Counties served: Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Williams
Lima
924 N. Cable Rd.
Lima, OH 45805
Voice: 419-228-1421
General fax: 614-985-9649
Toll-free: 800-207-6047
Counties served: Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Mercer, Van Wert
Mansfield
800 Park Ave. W., Suite 105
Mansfield, OH 44906
Voice: 419-747-3000
General fax: 614-985-8370
Toll-free: 800-354-6271
Counties served: Ashland, Crawford, Knox, Morrow, Richland
Toledo
5241 Southwyck Blvd., Suite 200
Toledo, OH 43614
Voice: 419-866-5811
General fax: 614-985-9649
Toll-free: 800-589-5811
Counties served: Erie, Huron, Lorain, Lucas, Marion, Ottawa, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, Wyandot
Wheelersburg
8940 Ohio River Rd.
Wheelersburg, OH 45694
Voice: 740-354-7951
General fax: 614-985-7918
Toll-free: 800-637-9341
Counties served: Lawrence, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton
Youngstown
242 Federal Plaza W., Suite 403
Youngstown, OH 44503
Voice: 330-797-9980
General fax: 614-985-8370
Toll-free: 800-686-5145
Counties served: Columbiana, Mahoning, Trumbull
Zanesville
601 Underwood St., Suite C
Zanesville, OH 43701
Voice: 740-453-0673
General fax: 614-985-8370
Toll-free: 800-645-1094
Counties served: Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Licking, Muskingum, Noble
Finding Job Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Ohioans with disabilities have many support options during the job hunt process. The services offered by OOD include the support of a caseload assistant and a vocational rehabilitation counselor. OhioMeansJobs centers assist job seekers in finding jobs, obtaining training, and more. In addition, many job search sites, such as the Disability Job Exchange and Ability Jobs, are dedicated to listing jobs for people with disabilities.
Steps to apply for a job
Step 1: Self-Assessment
This will help an individual decide if he or she is eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, set goals for employment, create an action plan, and decide which job services and training may be necessary for the individual to get a job. Eligibility for vocation rehabilitation services is based on three factors:
- An individual has a disability that may include physical, mental health, intellectual, or sensory disabilities.
- The individual may benefit from services that lead to employment.
- The individual needs vocational rehabilitation to prepare for, obtain, keep, or regain employment.
Step 2: Create a Profile
During the application process, individuals will work with a caseload assistant and/or a vocational rehabilitation counselor. It’s important to bring the following records to the appointment:
- Vision exam reports
- Psychological records
- Hearing records
- School records or reports
- Medical records
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors and health care professionals the individual has been treated by
- Any other relevant reports
- State driver’s license or ID
- Social Security card
- Social Security award letter (SSI and/or SSDI)
Prior to the appointment, the individual should be sure to fill out the following forms:
- Health Assessment Questionnaire
- Consent to Obtain and Release
- Rights of Persons with a Developmental Disability
- Participant (Consumer) Acknowledgment
Step 3: Start Applying
There are multiple job sites dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities find employment.
Ability Jobs | The site has a resume bank of over 74,000 job seekers with disabilities. Since 1995, Ability Jobs has helped a wide range of individuals, from entry-level candidates to those with PhDs.
Disability Job Exchange | The site connects job candidates with employers and also provides resume and career advice.
National Industries for the Blind | The employment resource created by NIB, CareersWithVision, serves individuals who are blind and seeking employment with NIB-associated nonprofit agencies.
Disabled Person | This nonprofit organization helps individuals with disabilities find employment.
Getting Hired | This job search site lists jobs for people with disabilities.
The Sierra Group’s RecruitDisability.org | This job search site for individuals with disabilities offers a resume/CV builder tool and useful articles.
Think Beyond the Label | This job board lists companies actively recruiting qualified job candidates with disabilities.
Discover Ohio job center locations below:
OhioMeansJobs centers assist youths and job seekers with finding a job, training, and more. Finding jobs for people with disabilities may be just a phone call and appointment away.
Adams County
19221 State Rte. 136
Winchester, OH 45697
(937) 695-0316
Allen County
1501 S. Dixie Hwy.
PO Box 4506
Lima, OH 45802-4506
(419) 999-0360
Ashland County
15 W. Fourth St.
Ashland, OH 44805
(419) 282-5052
Ashtabula County
2247 Lake Ave.
Ashtabula, OH 44004
(440) 994-1234
Athens County
70 N. Plains Rd., Suite C
The Plains, OH 45780
(740) 797-1405
Auglaize County
12 N. Wood St.
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
(419) 739-6505
Belmont County
302 Walnut St.
Martins Ferry, OH 43935
(740) 633-5627
Brown County
406 W. Plum St.
Georgetown, OH 45121
(937) 378-6041
Butler County
4631 Dixie Hwy.
Fairfield, OH 45014
(513) 785-6500
Carroll County
55 E. Main St.
Carrollton, OH 44615
(330) 627-3804
Champaign County
1512 South US Hwy. 68, Bay 14
Urbana, OH 43078
(937) 484-1581
Clark County
1345 Lagonda Ave.
Springfield, OH 45503
(937) 327-1961
Clermont County
756 Old State Rte. 74
Cincinnati, OH 45245
(513) 943-3000
For more information about job opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities and the OhioMeansJobs centers, visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Ohioans with Disabilities Employment FAQ
The following disability employment FAQ section provides answers to questions about obtaining reasonable accommodation, determining eligibility for OOD services, and recognizing the types of questions an employer is prohibited from asking during the pre-offer period.
Frequent questions about disability employment:
Q. How does the ADA define an individual with a disability?
A. A person who:
(1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity
(2) has a record or history of a substantially limiting impairment, or
(3) is regarded or perceived by an employer as having a substantially limiting impairment.
Q. What is proof of disability documentation?
A. According to the United States Office of Personnel Management, proof of disability documentation may include:
(1) Statements, records, or letters from a federal government agency that issues or provides disability benefits
(2) Statements, records, or letters from a state vocational rehabilitation agency counselor
(3) Statements or letters on a physician’s/medical professional’s letterhead stationary
(4) Certification from a private vocational rehabilitation counselor or other counselor who issues or provides disability benefits
Q. Are there transportation options or accommodations available to people with disabilities?
A. Employers are required to provide “reasonable accommodation,” or changes and adjustments that are appropriate, but not those that would cause an “undue hardship.” For example, installing an elevator would be an undue hardship, but relocating the job interview to the first floor is a reasonable accommodation.
Q. What are some examples of “reasonable accommodations” that may be needed during the hiring process?
A. Reasonable accommodations can include:
(1) Providing written materials in large print, braille, or audiotape
(2) Providing sign language interpreters or readers
(3) Ensuring tests, interviews, and other types of recruitment efforts are held in accessible locations
(4) Providing or modifying devices or equipment
(5) Modifying or adjusting application policies and procedures
Q. What makes someone eligible for OOD’s services?
A. Eligibility is based on three factors:
(1) The individual has a physical or mental impairment that creates a substantial barrier to employment.
(2) The individual can benefit from OOD services in the process of searching for, obtaining, or regaining employment.
(3) The individual requires vocational rehabilitation services to gain or retain employment.
Q.How do I apply for vocational rehabilitation services in Ohio?
A. First, complete an application and submit it via telephone, email, or fax, or visit your nearest OOD office. An interview will be conducted to determine eligibility. Once eligibility is confirmed, a plan will be created for the delivery of vocational rehabilitation services.
Q. How do I apply for a job with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities?
A. Visit http://careers.ohio.gov/ to search for state government jobs.
Q. What are examples of questions that an employer cannot ask on an application or during an interview?
A. It is illegal for an employer to ask the following questions during the pre-offer period:
- Do you have a heart condition, asthma, or any other difficulties breathing?
- Do you have a disability that may interfere with your ability to perform the job?
- Have you ever received treatment for mental health problems?
- How many days were you sick last year?
- How long have you been working?
- Have you ever filed for workers’ compensation or been injured on the job?
For more information about disability employment, visit the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Sources:
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Leading Practices on Disability Inclusion
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Fact Sheet
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Frequently Asked Questions