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Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) will help students with disabilities invest in their futures and pursue their passions. The OOD Education Support Funds are a financial investment in students with disabilities on their educational journey.
Why does continued education matter? According to OOD there is “overwhelming evidence that individuals with a degree, certification, apprenticeship, or other credentials have more career options and greater lifetime earning potential than those without.”
Overview
All eligible college and nontraditional students with disabilities will receive up to $7,000 while participating in OOD services, to be used for tuition or educational expenses during the 2023 fall term.
This includes students with physical, hearing, vision, learning, mental health, and sensory disabilities who are participating in colleges, trade schools, apprenticeships, and credentialing programs.
These are funds only for individuals with disabilities receiving OOD services that are in addition to any scholarship funds students may be receiving.
Application
The process begins with an application for services. Visit OODWorks.com to get started, or call an OOD location near you.
A team member will reach out to schedule an in-person or online appointment with you to finalize your application and answer any questions.
Eligibility
After completing the application process, OOD will review everything to ensure you qualify for OOD services. Then you’ll get a call from OOD to see if you’re eligible.
To take advantage of the OOD Education Support Funds, individuals must be 1) eligible for vocational rehabilitation services and 2) participating in a college, trade school, apprenticeship, or other credentialing program.
Planning
Once approved for OOD services, a vocational rehabilitation counselor can work with you to take advantage of all OOD has to offer students with disabilities.
OOD helps students with disabilities explore potential careers, benefit from assistive technology, learn how to build effective resumes, prepare for interviews, find a job that fits their interests and talents, and other related assistance.
OOD’s business relations team also connects students to internship and permanent employment opportunities.
Spread the word to students with disabilities.
