OOD to Host 'Community & Workplace Inclusion' Webinar Series to Support Ohioans with Disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2025

(COLUMBUS, OH)-Today, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin L. Miller announced OOD's new webinar series for 2025, which aims to foster both community and workplace inclusion for Ohioans with disabilities.

"Everyone has a role to play in making sure people with disabilities are welcomed and supported in our communities and workplaces," said Governor DeWine. "This year's webinar series is another step forward in our ongoing efforts in Ohio to promote inclusion and accessibility, and to empower all people to reach their full, God-given potential."

"We invite you to join us for valuable insights on how to create communities and workplaces that are not only accessible but also embrace individuals with disabilities," said Director Miller. "The series culminates with three webinars designed to equip employers with the tools they need to foster disability-inclusive workplaces."

Webinar Schedule

• January 15: Accessible Communications
• February 19: Website Accessibility
• March 19: Utilizing ADA Tools
• April 17: All About Service Animals
• May 21: Technology in the Workplace
• June 18: Safety and Emergency Management
• July 16: All About Sensory Inclusion
• September 17: Disability-Inclusive Workplaces: Inclusive Leadership
• October 22: Disability-Inclusive Workplaces: Attracting Diverse Talent
• November 20: Disability-Inclusive Workplaces: Retaining Diverse Talent

All webinars begin at 10 a.m. and will be Microsoft Teams webinars. Each webinar will be recorded and archived for future viewing. More information and registration links to all upcoming webinars can be found at Employer Events. People who participate in these webinars can earn professional development credits. More information is included below.

The no-cost webinar series marks the latest example of the administration's commitment to making Ohio a national leader in accessibility.

Moments after taking the oath of office, one of Governor DeWine's first actions was signing an executive order establishing Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.

Under Governor DeWine's leadership, OOD also launched Accessible Ohio. Through this initiative, Accessible Ohio Specialists work directly with communities, businesses, and other local partners to identify opportunities to enhance accessibility.

Accessible Ohio is one of many ways OOD supports and promotes businesses that prioritize inclusivity. OOD offers a bevy of information for employers, including an Inclusive Employer Toolkit designed to help employers recruit, hire, and retain employees with disabilities and foster an inclusive workplace.

OOD also recently awarded its annual Governor's Inclusive Employer Award, which serves as an opportunity to spotlight businesses in Ohio that go above and beyond in supporting individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

Webinar Credit Information