Money is available to assist Ohioans with disabilities in pursuing educational opportunities through the OOD Education Support Funds.
The OOD Education Support Funds help students with disabilities pursue continued education. OOD will provide all eligible college and non-traditional students with disabilities up to $7,000 while participating in OOD services for tuition or educational expenses during the upcoming fall term. Students with disabilities participating in colleges, apprenticeships, trade schools, and credentialing programs can qualify.
About the OOD Education Support Funds
The OOD Education Support Funds build on numerous services to help students with disabilities 14+ prepare for post-secondary education and employment. From helping younger students explore job interests to supporting students in their first work experiences, providing Ohio College2Careers, and more, OOD helps Ohioans with disabilities transition into fulfilling careers.
Why does continued education matter? Overwhelming evidence suggests that individuals with a degree, certification, apprenticeship, or other credentials have more career options and greater lifetime earning potential than those without.
Eligibility
Students can qualify with:
- Physical Disabilities
- Learning Disabilities
- Mental Health Disabilities
- Sensory Disabilities
- Hearing Disabilities
- Vision Disabilities and more.
To take advantage of the OOD Education Support Funds, individuals must be:
- Eligible for vocational rehabilitation services
- Participating in a college, trade school, apprenticeship, or other credentialing program.
How to Apply
The process begins with an application for services. Visit OODWorks.com to get started, or call an OOD location near you.
For more information
For more information, visit the OOD website or contact:
Cincinnati / Downtown – Vocational Rehabilitation Office
895 Central Ave, 7th floor, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-852-3260
Toll-Free: 800-686-3323
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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What to Expect During the Application Process
During the application process, students will work with OOD staff to obtain proof of disability and to discuss how the disability may affect an applicant’s ability to obtain, regain, or maintain employment successfully. OOD staff will call the applicant and schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.
When Applicants Will Hear Back
The OOD agency strives to complete an eligibility decision for applicants within 30 days of the meeting with staff. Cooperation in helping obtain needed records, providing up-to-date contact information, and attending scheduled appointments will help make a timely decision on the case.
What to Bring to an Appointment
- School records or reports
- Medical records
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors and others an applicant seen for treatment
- Psychological records
- Hearing records
- Vision exam reports
- Any other relevant reports
- State Driver’s License or ID
- Social Security card
- Social Security Award Letter (SSI and/or SSDI)
If applicants have family, friends, provider staff, case managers, or others they would like to bring to discuss the unique situation, that is always helpful. The OOD agency understands if applicants do not have any records or reports to bring. However, students will need to bring the names and contact information of any providers (such as doctors or counselors) whom OOD may need to contact to request records or information.
At the time of the appointment, applicants will complete the required paperwork to finalize the application.
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 with OOD’s business relations team connect college students with disabilities to internship and permanent employment opportunities.
About Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is a State of Ohio agency whose mission is to empower Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determination, and independence. OOD helps connect the people of Ohio who have disabilities with the resources, support, and opportunities that fit their unique needs, abilities, and interests so that they can find and retain meaningful employment.
Related Article: Free Cincinnati Vocational Training Courses and Certification Program
Information provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
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