Education Support Available for Ohioans with Disabilities

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Up to $7,000 per person is available to Ohioans with disabilities for college, training and credentialing programs for the 2023 fall term.

The OOD Education Support Funds help students with disabilities in their pursuit of continued education. OOD will provide all eligible college and nontraditional students with disabilities up to $7,000, while participating in OOD services, to be used for tuition or educational expenses during the upcoming fall term. This includes students with disabilities participating in colleges, apprenticeships, trade schools and credentialing programs.

“Higher education and a successful future should be available for all students,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in announcing the funding Monday. “By supporting college and nontraditional students with disabilities through services from OOD and its partners, they are given a greater opportunity of success as they transition from education and training to in-demand careers.”

Students with disabilities (e.g., physical, learning, mental health, sensory, hearing, vision and others) can qualify for the OOD Education Support Funds through the following steps:

• Apply for OOD services online at OODWorks.com.
• OOD staff will call the applicant and schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.
• Complete the required paperwork to finalize the application.
• OOD staff will determine eligibility and help plan the next steps.

Vocational rehabilitation counselors with OOD assist students with disabilities with career exploration and counseling, assistive technology, resume and interview preparation and job placement. Staff members with OOD’s business relations team connect college students with disabilities to internships and permanent employment opportunities.

“OOD is dedicated to empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment and independence,” said OOD Director Kevin L. Miller. “As part of this commitment, the OOD Education Support Funds ease financial barriers while providing individualized career guidance, technology, tools, resources and connection to a large network of employer partners.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.