In their latest effort to champion diversity and support for individuals with disabilities, the State of Ohio is gearing up to roll out a comprehensive webinar series. Announced today by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin L. Miller, the 2025 series aims to promote inclusivity and practically assist Ohioans with disabilities in both community and professional settings.
"Everyone has a role to play in making sure people with disabilities are welcomed and supported in our communities and workplaces," Governor DeWine said, according to an OOD news release. Director Miller encourages public participation, highlighting the importance of "valuable insights on how to create communities and workplaces that are not only accessible but also embrace individuals with disabilities." The series is designed to fully equip employers with the tools they need to embrace disability-inclusive workplaces comprehensively.
Starting on January 15 with a session on Accessible Communications and spanning various relevant topics such as Website Accessibility and All About Service Animals, the webinars impart knowledge across diverse facets of inclusivity. The schedule includes discussions centered around Technology in the Workplace, Safety and Emergency Management, and Sensory Inclusion. Advanced sessions focus on building disability-inclusive workplaces through leadership and attracting and retaining diverse talent. Each webinar is set to begin at 10 a.m. and will be recorded and archived for those who cannot attend the live Microsoft Teams events. For more details and to register for the webinars, participants can visit the Employer Events page on the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) website.
These efforts represent an ongoing commitment by the DeWine administration to establish Ohio as a leading example in accessibility. The Governor promptly signaled this commitment by signing an executive order to establish Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities upon assuming office. Director Miller underscores this commitment by discussing OOD's launch of Accessible Ohio, where specialists collaborate with local entities to boost accessibility. The initiative is part of OOD's array of resources, including an Inclusive Employer Toolkit, which aids businesses in creating a supportive environment for employees with disabilities. Adding to these efforts, OOD also recently awarded its annual Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award to Ohio businesses recognized for exceptional support of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, as reported in the OOD news release.
