[Ohio-Talk] Candice Armstrong was Featured!

[Maggie Stringer]

Our very own Candice Armstrong was recently featured in OOD's bulletin in
recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities! To reade the
article is pasted below.

Candice Armstrong Thrives Serving Others
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at
12/03/2021 09:09 AM EST

ood header
Candice Armstrong Thrives Serving Others
Photo of  black woman and text: OOD helped me be the best version of myself
that I can be
Candice Armstrong has found her true passion and a fulfilling job at the
Warmline, a 24/7 support line that assists callers with low-level crises.
Each call on the Warmline is different. Some people come to Candice
requesting mental health resources, while others look for a supportive
person to listen to them.
Candice describes herself as a compassionate, positive person and says that
her own mental health disability helps her relate to individuals with
depression and anxiety. She most enjoys the feeling of being effective in
supporting those who need it.

Getting assistance and support for finding a fitting job helped Candice
come out of her comfort zone. Accepting herself as a person who is blind
was a long struggle that made getting a job difficult.
“I had to decide I was ready to work,” Candice explained. She feels that
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) provided a supportive
environment to experience new things safely. Candice was especially
encouraged by Paetra Flaspohler, her OOD Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselor.
“No one forced me into anything, but they [OOD] encouraged me along the
way. OOD helped me be the best version of myself that I can be,” said
Candice.
To help Candice prepare for work, OOD provided her with low vision services
and technology to maximize Candice’s limited vision. She also received
employment support from Karen Schoenharl, an access technology specialist,
Debra Simmons of CareWorks, and the Cincinnati Association for the Blind
and Visually Impaired.
“Hearing Candice speak with confidence and passion about her work is the
greatest gift I can ask for as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.  Her
journey to find successful employment is an inspiration to me and
reinforces my belief in the power of work,” Paetra said.

If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit
OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.
International Day of People with Disabilities
Graphic with six participant faces , OOD logo and text: International Day
of People with Disabilities
December 3 marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day
dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of people with
a disability and increasing public awareness, understanding, and
acceptance.  More information about the day is available at the United
Nations’ webpage.

Maggie Stringer
Phone: (443) 750-0070
Email: ravensfan784 at gmail.com
Community Service Facebook Page
<https://www.facebook.com/CommunityServiceDivision/>
NFB Website <http://www.nfb.org>
NFB Ohio Website <http://www.nfbohio.org>
“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."
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