Celebrating Seven Years of Disability Inclusion in Ohio
January 14th marked the seventh anniversary of Governor Mike DeWine signing Executive Order 2019-03D , which established Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and a Model Employer for Individuals with Disabilities. This order mandates all state agencies to enhance the recruitment, hiring, and advancement of individuals with disabilities.
A press release commemorating the fifth anniversary of this executive order highlighted its impact on Ohio and illustrated how the governor has continued to uphold the commitments made upon its signing.
Following the executive order, Governor DeWine appointed James Clinkscale as the state’s ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) coordinator – a new role aimed at establishing Ohio as a leader in disability inclusion.
Additionally, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), an organization that helps Ohioans with various disabilities gain, maintain, prepare for, or return to work and find independence, collaborated with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to create and implement web-based training for all State of Ohio employees on Disability Etiquette and Awareness. They have also enhanced the statewide training curriculum for management staff by adding “disability inclusion in the workplace.”
In 2019, OOD launched the Ohio Vocational Apprentice Program, designed to help students and adults with disabilities gain access to state government employment. The program’s aim is to assist apprentices in securing permanent roles within state government after completing their apprenticeship.
Introduced in 2021, the Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award recognizes employers who meet criteria for fostering an inclusive workplace for individuals with disabilities. OOD oversees the criteria for this award and encourages participation from Ohio employers.
In 2024, the Governor’s operating budget for OOD features a groundbreaking initiative called Accessible Ohio. This program focuses on enhancing accessibility and inclusivity across Ohio’s businesses, venues, attractions, and communities for individuals with disabilities. It aligns with Governor DeWine’s vision of prioritizing accessibility, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring equitable experiences for all. Accessible Ohio Specialists work with local partners to identify barriers, set accessibility goals, and provide information on funding resources to strengthen Ohio’s inclusive community.
To celebrate the seventh anniversary of the signing, OOD shared a post on its social media accounts affirming that the commitment established by Executive Order 2019-03D to expand recruitment, hiring, and advancement opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities continues to guide the agency’s work today and will do so for years to come.