[Ohio-Talk] Candice Armstrong was Featured!

[Suzanne Turner]

Congratulations Candace,

What a honor! You are inspiring and you have the support of your Ohio family. It is always gratifying to here what our members are doing and their accomplishments. Serving the public is a privilege and your clients I am sure will benefit from your skillset.

Congratulations again!

Suzanne

-----Original Message-----
From: Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Maggie Stringer via Ohio-Talk
Sent: Saturday, December 04, 2021 9:48 AM
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Maggie Stringer <ravensfan784 at gmail.com>
Subject: [Ohio-Talk] Candice Armstrong was Featured!

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
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NFB Ohio Website <http://www.nfbohio.org> “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."