[Ohio-Talk] FW: OOD Council Meeting Information - January 20, 2021
Smith, JW
smithj at ohio.edu
Sun Jan 17 00:55:23 UTC 2021
Great information both attached and below!
From: shirley.marchi at ood.ohio.gov <shirley.marchi at ood.ohio.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2021 12:24 PM
To: dr.carolyn.peters at gmail.com; matthew.sauer at uc.edu; Jegerhardt9 at gmail.com; margie.hegg at gmail.com; lisah at ocecd.org; carlo at loparopr.com; amckay at disabilityrightsohio.org; kevin.miller at ood.ohio.gov; Jeremy Morris <jmorris at ohiosilc.org>; Smith, JW <smithj at ohio.edu>; karis.spence at huntington.com; Taniya.George-Olds at ood.ohio.gov; JoHannah.Ward at education.ohio.gov; johnmoore at dsc.org; akramer at cityapparel.net; pmoore at opra.org
Cc: Kim.Jump at ood.ohio.gov; kevin.miller at ood.ohio.gov; Erik.Williamson at ood.ohio.gov; susan.pugh at ood.ohio.gov; Matt.Lampke at ood.ohio.gov; gregory.dormer at ood.ohio.gov; Kristen.Ballinger at ood.ohio.gov; shirley.marchi at ood.ohio.gov; Aprecia.Williams at ood.ohio.gov; lucille.twitty at ood.ohio.gov; Jennifer.Ezell at ood.ohio.gov; Eric.Muller at ood.ohio.gov; Marlena.Smith at ood.ohio.gov; bwendy at greenleafctr.org; maria.seaman at ood.ohio.gov
Subject: OOD Council Meeting Information - January 20, 2021
Hello Council members,
The OOD Council meeting is scheduled January 20, 2021 using Microsoft Teams. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Here's the phone number and Conference ID number for the meeting for those of you who may need to call in: +1 614-721-2972<tel:+1%20614-721-2972,,317547961> Conference ID: 317 547 961#
Please find below and attached the following materials for the meeting:
1. Agenda
2. Meeting Minutes
3. Written Public Comment: Competitive Integrated Employment and Special Wage Certifications under the FLSA14
4. OOD RSA 722 Report - State Comparison
5. BSVI Update
6. BVR Update
7. Customer Satisfaction Survey ( two documents are attached - one document is the text version; the other document is a graphic version)
8. EIS Update
9. OOD Council Subcommittees
Please let me know if you have questions or if you have trouble opening the attachments.
Thank you.
Shirley Marchi
Agenda
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council Meeting
January 20, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Agenda
The OOD Council meeting will be held using Microsoft Teams:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YjQ1NjQyNjgtNTI5ZS00N2Y4LWI4YjMtMDViODlhMjgyNjFm%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2250f8fcc4-94d8-4f07-84eb-36ed57c7c8a2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%222074f3d0-74e9-4067-a0ea-d8bea75e441e%22%2c%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3atrue%7d
[Profile picture of Williams, Aprecia.]
* Welcome and Introductions, Dr. Carolyn Peters, Chair
* Approval of November 18, 2020 Meeting Minutes, OOD Council Members
* Written Public Comments, OOD Council Members
* Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to Shirley.Marchi at ood.ohio.gov<mailto:Shirley.Marchi at ood.ohio.gov> by close of business on Friday, January 15, 2021.
* Council Subcommittees:
* Approval of Council Members to One of the Subcommittees (WIOA, VR Policies, Annual Report)
* OOD Status Update, OOD Director Kevin Miller
* Budget
* OOD RSA 722 Report- State Comparison, Matt Lampke, Chief Legal Counsel
* Vocational Rehabilitation Program Update, Greg Dormer, Deputy Director, Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired & Susan Pugh, Deputy Director, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
* Customer Satisfaction Survey Report
* Upcoming VR Policy Public Comment
* Informed Choice Policy Update
* Plans for Summer Programming for Students with Disabilities
* Expansion of Youth Leadership Forums
* Employer and Innovation Services Update, Kristen Ballinger, Deputy Director, Division of Employer and Innovation Services
* 2021Virtual Hiring Events
* The Employers' ADA Handbook 5-part Webinar Series
* Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) Survey of Individuals with Disabilities Component
* Chair's Comments, Dr. Carolyn Peters
* Council Members Reapply with Governor's Boards & Commissions
* Council Members Discussion/Comments, Council Members
* Public Comment, Dr. Carolyn Peters, Chair
* Adjourn, Council Members
If you have questions or need an accommodation, please contact Shirley Marchi at 614-438-1477 or shirley.marchi at ood.ohio.gov<mailto:shirley.marchi at ood.ohio.gov>
MATERIALS FOR THIS MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE OOD WEBSITE: https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/about-us/ood-council/ood-councils-meetings
The mission of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment, disability determinations, and independence.
Meeting Minutes
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council
November 18, 2020
Meeting Minutes
Council Members in Attendance: Dr. Carolyn Peters, Dr. Jo Hannah Ward, John Moore, Jane Gerhardt, Alison McKay, Jeremy Morris, Margie Hegg, Lisa Hickman, jw Smith, Kevin Miller, Taniya George-Olds, Dr. jw Smith
OOD Staff: Assistant Executive Director Erik Williamson, BVR Deputy Director Susan Pugh, Chief Legal Counsel Matt Lampke, EIS Deputy Director Kristen Ballinger, BSVI Deputy Director Greg Dormer, Chief of Communications Kim Jump, Program Administrator Shirley Marchi, Information Technology Eric Muller, Information Technology Jennifer Ezell, Marlena Smith, OOD Interpreter
Guests: Lena Smith, Interpreter, Montanna Stanley, CSCC Student Interpreter, Jordyn Derham, CSCC Student Interpreter, Mary Vannus, Interpreter, Harris Capps, Melissa Bacon, OCALI, Emily Turner, Ohio Association of Goodwills
Welcome and Introductions
Due to technical difficulties with Council Chair Peters, Council members appointed John Moore as acting Chair of today's OOD Council meeting.
Acting Chair John Moore welcomed everyone to the meeting. Everyone introduced themselves. Mr. Moore welcomed new council member Jo Hanna Ward to the Council.
Approval of Minutes
Council member Moore moved to approve the August 12, 2020 meeting minutes, seconded by Council member Gerhardt. Motion carried.
OOD Council Chair Peters was able to connect to the call. Acting OOD Council Chair Moore returned the gavel to Dr. Peters who took over the meeting as Chair.
Written Public Comment
Council members received a written comment from Harris Capps about Competitive Integrated Employment and Special Wage Certifications under the FLSA14. BVR Deputy Director Pugh addressed how OOD and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities work together. OOD partners with DODD who provides an array of services for individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. She stated in Fiscal Year 2020, which concluded September 30, 2020, OOD's vocational rehabilitation program served 8,575 individuals who are eligible for county board services and assisted 1,213 county board individuals who are eligible to obtain competitive employment. Ms. Pugh stated she will follow-up with Mr. Capps after the meeting.
2021 Council Meeting Dates
OOD Council members agreed to the following 2021 Council Meeting dates: January 20, 2021, April 21, 2021, August 18, 2021, August 18, 2020, and November 17, 2021.
OOD Council's Annual Report Subcommittee Update
Annual Report Subcommittee Chair Moore moved to approve the subcommittee meeting minutes, seconded by subcommittee member Gerhardt. Subcommittee member Smith abstained. Motioned carried.
Chair Moore provided the draft OOD Council's Annual Report letter for consideration to the full Council. The Annual Report letter is due to the Rehabilitation Services Administration by December 31, 2020. Council members recommended two minor changes.
Subcommittee member Smith moved to approve the OOD Council's Annual Report letter with the two minor changes, seconded by subcommittee member Gerhardt. Motion carried.
Shirley Marchi will make the changes and send to the Governor's Office and the Rehabilitation Services Administration.
OOD Status Update
OOD Director Kevin Miller thanked OOD staff for their commitment to provide quality services to individuals with disabilities. He stated OOD staff, leadership, and support from Governor DeWine has been phenomenal. OOD has placed over 3,100 individuals into jobs over nine months. The number continues to grow. In October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the job fairs were a tremendous success. Several employers wanted a specific hiring day just for them. We partnered with Meijer and had over 30 people hired in one day.
Director Miller stated OOD is providing technical assistance on how to improve working remotely.
In addition, Director Miller stated there are 300 plus providers in the community across the state, like the Independent Living Centers, CCDs, and Sight Centers. Everyone is pulling together. We have strengthened our relationships with our partners.
Furthermore, Director Miller stated he is very proud to say the OOD staff are engaged. To be more diverse and inclusive, OOD will be hiring someone to head up OOD's diversity ad inclusion efforts. We will constantly evolve and be committed to a direction of inclusion.
Council member Smith asked Director Miller what challenges keep you up at night? Director Miller responded he is very concerned that OOD does not go on a wait list. It takes days to get on a wait list and decades to get off the waitlist. Also, he is concerned with the level of stress that staff are under. Within the last 30 days, OOD had two staff members die. Also, people who need our services, they want to take a pause and are not ready to go out and work. Their level of anxiety is up, and they don't want to go out and expose themselves because they have secondary conditions. He is also concerned about how does OOD maintain our integrity to taxpayers and to our staff who have a partner who is unemployed, kids at home with school.
Council member Gerhardt stated OOD has done amazing work with Meijer. The hiring and everything they are doing. Great job the OOD staff are doing.
OOD Annual Appeals Report
OOD Chief Legal Counsel Matt Lampke reported on the Annual Appeals Report. He stated this past fiscal year, OOD received a total of 51 new appeals with a carryover of six from the prior fiscal. The total is 57 appeals this year, compared to 65 appeals last year. Mr. Lampke stated 32 of the 57 appeals were resolved. Seven of the appeals were resolved with a hearing officer decision. All decisions were resolved in OOD's favor that OOD followed all the RSA and OOD policies and regulations. There are an additional seven appeals carried over to this fiscal year.
In addition, Mr. Lampke reported with the assistance of IT his office began conducting remote meetings using Microsoft Teams. Approximately 75 percent of the individuals took advantage of remote options. For other individuals, due to connection issues we opened our conference room so they could appear in person.
Council member Smith asked if we get back to normal, will Legal continue to provide remote hearings? Mr. Lampke stated the model we adopted allows virtual and in-person meetings.
Council member McKay stated she noticed that the past two years the request for mediation has been remedial. Why isn't this being utilized more and how does Ohio compare with other states? Mr. Lampke said he will investigate this and follow-up with Council members at their next meeting.
Employer and Innovation Services Update
Employer and Innovation Services (EIS) Deputy Director Kristen Ballinger referred Council members to her report. She stated OOD hosted five virtual hiring events in several areas throughout Ohio to facilitate interviews for employer partners and OOD candidates. OOD facilitated 231 interviews for 165 job seekers with 35 employers throughout the state. There have been 29 confirmed hires to date. OOD also hosted a Meijer Hire Day to facilitate interviews for open positions throughout the state. Forty-eight interviews were conducted with 25 confirmed hires to date.
EIS Deputy Director Ballinger stated since May 2020, EIS has hosted free monthly web-based training for employers.
Ms. Ballinger stated the OOD Council members have received a link to a draft version of the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) survey for individuals with disabilities. She welcomes Council member's feedback.
Council member McKay asked, how do employers get connected with EIS? Ms. Ballinger stated, they can reach out to one of the five Business Relations Specialists (BRS) who will reach out to them and schedule a time to meet with them to develop a relationship. These five BRSs cover all 88 counties.
Council member Gerhardt stated the CSNA was very clear.
Vocational Rehabilitation Program Update
BVR:
BVR Deputy Director Susan Pugh referred Council members to the Remote Services report. Ms. Pugh reported in March 2020 OOD transitioned to serving participants remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, many of OOD's vocational rehabilitation providers also initiated the use of technology to deliver services to ODO participants. OOD recognized the need to do an assessment of this service delivery model. OOD provided stakeholder/outreach efforts by telephone/remote, an OOD provider survey, and remote services think tank. She asked the Council for their feedback.
Council member McKay asked if there were any trends on people who have jobs but due to the pandemic have new needs related to work environments. Are people reaching out to make them aware of OOD services? Ms. Pugh stated we developed our REACH service and included closed cases in process so we could reach out to people who we placed in a job to see if they are having any problems in the job. OOD has been working hard to get information out. Ms. Ballinger stated the EIS team is working with employer partners, for example, with a call center to a virtual environment and reaching out to help source candidates for that. Through training, EIS discussed disability accommodations considerations with employers in a remote work environment. EIS is supporting our employer partners. In addition, Ms. Pugh stated many of our vocational apprentices working in state government have transitioned into home site and have been able to continue in those positions.
Ms. Pugh referred Council members to the Customer Satisfaction Survey Report and asked Council members if they had any questions. Council member Smith asked that the survey be sent to all consumer outreach groups. He stated he likes the survey and is pleased with question five. However, questions 9-13 with neutral strongly disagree, they bear worth watching. Ms. Pugh stated we can get more information and make sure questions are tailored to meet what that person's experience was so that we can really understand better.
In addition, Ms. Pugh stated there is an upcoming VR Policy Public Comment about Comprehensive Assessment; Confidentiality; Custody; Guardianship and Power of Attorney; and Residence and Immigration.
Also, Ms. Pugh stated Administrative Rules 3304-2-53 and 3304-6 were filed with Joint Committee on Agency Rule (JCARR):
Lastly, Ms. Pugh stated, there is an upcoming Participant Focus Group on Informed Choice.
BSVI
BSVI Deputy Director Greg Dormer reported while the overall program numbers for the year were down, BSVI experienced a smaller decrease in performance numbers than many other states and saw a double digit increase in average hourly wages. BSVI also did a better job of moving eligible individuals into a plan in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2021 applications for BSVI services increased each month from July through September.
Berna King has moved into the BSVI Program Manager role previously held by Sarah Kelly. She has been meeting with partners and providers over the last few weeks and has begun reviewing the BSVI Multi Point Plan to update and help craft the direction of the division. Director Miller, Erik Williamson, Greg Dormer and Berna King presented an update on the program at the National Federation of the Blind Ohio Statewide Convention.
Further, Mr. Dormer stated BSVI staff held meetings in each of the five regions in August and September for all BSVI/ILOB counselors and their supervisors. These meetings were done in lieu of the annual BSVI Statewide Meeting this year.
Lastly, Mr. Dormer stated Katie Frederick is presenting at OCALI-Con on Thursday November 12, 2020 as part of a panel on "Travel Guide for Navigating Systems for Children with Deafness and Blindness."
Council member McKay stated Ohio used all its Supported Employment funding or relinquished that funding. What is the budget for that moving forward? Ms. Pugh responded the VR program is a formula grant, there is a certain amount determined by a formula for
each state to draw down. OOD did not draw down all its funds. We did not match it for the program.
Council member McKay asked if there is a budget process of how it projects money? Ms. Pugh responded that the state is currently going through the biennial budget process and OOD will know more once the Governor establishes or releases his executive budget.
Chairs Comments
Dr. Peters reminded Council members that the Implicit Bias Training was to be completed by November 9, 2020. She also reminded Council members to complete the mandatory Ethics training by December 31, 2020.
If Council members would like to have their emails on the OOD website to let Shirley Marchi know via email.
Dr. Peters stated she would like to have Council members think about participating in at least one subcommittee (WIOA, VR Policies, Annual Report). Council members are to send their preferred subcommittee choice to Shirley Marchi. This topic will be discussed at the next Council meeting.
Council members Discussion/Comments
BVR/BSVI/EIS Reports: Council member Dr. Smith requested that the reports be moved on the agenda so BSVI Deputy Director Dormer is not always last on the agenda.
Public Comments: Council members asked about verbal comments during a Council meeting. Council member Gerhardt stated maybe use comments in a chat. She has concerns about public comments getting out of control. The comments could be accepted over the phone and then brought up in the meeting.
Public Comment
As stated earlier, Mr. Harris Capps submitted comments. BVR Deputy Director Susan Pugh will contact Mr. Capps to discuss his comments.
Adjourn
Council members adjourned the meeting.
Written Public Comments
From: Harris Capps <harriscapps007 at gmail.com<mailto:harriscapps007 at gmail.com>>
Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2020 5:12 PM
To: Marchi, Shirley <shirley.marchi at ood.ohio.gov<mailto:shirley.marchi at ood.ohio.gov>>
Subject: Unanswered Question to the Board
Hello,
I am a parent, guardian, and advocate for my son Matt who has significant Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
I am also on the Board of Directors for a national disability organization; one that supports Special Wage Certificate employment.
There is one implied question that has yet, to the best of my knowledge, to be answered.
There is of course OOD's actions to implement Competitive Integrated Employment. Running in tandem with those actions by other organizations, are numerous attempts to phase out Special Wage Certifications under the FLSA 14 (c). OOD is no doubt in support of the elimination of Special Wage Certifications.
Assuming efforts like a legislative "add-ons" to the "Raise The Wage Act" and "Transformation to Competitive Employment Act" Bills are passed in the next congress, OOD will have a solemn responsibility.
That is, to place into competitive employment, persons with IDD and other disabilities who are unable, because of their more severe disabilities, to gain this type of employment.
This is not, as many well-intentioned but uneducated persons would paint an easy task. In fact, competitive employment for many will be unattainable. That is a fact... not well-intentioned vague promises for a job in the "great bye and bye".
So... As the OOD Council, what are your very specific plans to ensure "competitive employment" for people like my son, Matthew, who loves going to work at his Vocational Center?
My son does not understand the difference between a paycheck for one penny to a paycheck for one thousand dollars.
Again, the OOD Council must soon explain to all employees using FLSA 14(c) employment, what are you going to do? Are you going to relegate Matthew to a Day Services Program with little to do and NO Pay, or have him waste all day looking at TV? Both of these alternatives will undoubtedly cause negative behavioral issues to increase dramatically. And this will truly be discrimination against a class of disabled persons.
Regards,
Harris T. Capps, Parent, Guardian and Advocate
OOD RSA 722 Report - State Comparison
RSA 722 Report - State Comparison
State: AL - Mediation Requests: 0; Mediation Decisions: 0; Appeals Filed: 1; Informal Resolution: 0; IHO Decisions: 1; Civil Litigation: 0
State: MN - Mediation Requests: 1; Mediation Decisions: 0; Appeals Filed 2; Informal Resolution: 1; IHO Decisions: 0; Civil Litigation: 0
State: NY - Mediation Requests: 5; Mediation Decisions: 2; Appeals Filed 66; Informal Resolution: I3; HO Decisions: 9; Civil Litigation: 2
State: OH - Mediation Requests: 1; Mediation Decisions: 0; Appeals Filed 57; Informal Resolution: 39; IHO Decisions: 7; Civil Litigation: 2
State: OR - Mediation Requests: 0; Mediation Decisions: 0; Appeals Filed 0; Informal Resolution: 0; IHO Decisions: 0; Civil Litigation: 0
State: RI - Mediation Requests: 0; Mediation Decisions: 0; Appeals Filed 1; Informal Resolution: I; IHO Decisions: 0; Civil Litigation: 2
State: SC - Mediation Requests: 0; Mediation Decisions: 0; Appeals Filed 0; Informal Resolution: 0; IHO Decisions: 0; Civil Litigation: 0
State: SD - Mediation Requests: 1; Mediation Decisions: 0; Appeals Filed 2; Informal Resolution: I; IHO Decisions: 0; Civil Litigation: 0
State: TX - Mediation Requests: 25; Mediation Decisions: 5; Appeals Filed 29; Informal Resolution: I3; IHO Decisions: 10; Civil Litigation: 0
State: WA - Mediation Requests: 0; Mediation Decisions: 0; Appeals Filed 8; Informal Resolution: I; IHO Decisions: 4; Civil Litigation: 2
BSVI Update
OOD Council Briefing- January 20, 2021
Program Performance: The following table summarizes Federal Fiscal Year 2021 performance for the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired:
Metric: Eligibility Decisions: 258 (12/31/2019; 207 (12/31/20); Percent Change: -19.8%
Metric: Plans Written: 157 (12/31/2019; 158 (12/31/20); Percent Change: 0.6%
Metric: Eligible + Served: 1,544 (12/31/2019; 1,564 (12/31/20); Percent Change: 1.3%
Metric: Rehabilitations: 71 (12/31/2019; 82 (12/31/20); Percent Change: 15.5%
Metric: Average Wage: $14.35 (12/31/2019; $14.22 (12/31/20); Percent Change: -0.9%
Metric: Average Hours: 28.55 (12/31/2019; 27.9 (12/31/20); Percent Change: -2.3%
During reporting period 12/31/2019 through 12/31/2020, eligibility decisions decreased by 19%, plans written decreased by .6%, the combined eligible and served increased by 1%, rehabilitations increased by 15.5%, the average wage decreased by 1% and the average hours decreased by 2.3%.
We believe applications will increase as we continue to increase our active virtual outreach which in turn should increase eligibility decisions. It may take a bit longer to get medical records to determine eligibility when working remotely, as a lot of doctor offices will not accept anything but a wet signature. This forces us to mail consents to participants to be signed which takes more time.
Programmatic Updates:
* Berna King presented an update on the program at the American Council of the Blind Ohio (ACBO) Statewide Convention. She updated the group on BSVI and ILOB numbers for FY2020. Berna also discussed BSVI's desire to partner with consumer groups to get services to persons with visual impairment. She provided her contact information and invited ACBO leadership to reach out to me with suggestions or concerns they may have.
* Staff are piloting a new electronic form for processing PCA re-evaluations. The electronic forms should make re-evaluation quicker and more efficient by not relying on snail mail. OOD's IT division reviewed the process to make sure it was secure, so CPI is protected.
* Berna King has been assisting the VR Policy and Training Unit in updating the Informed Choice Policy and Procedure.
BVR Update
Program Performance: The following table summarizes Federal Fiscal Year 2021 performance for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. Due to COVID-19, new applications and plans are down significantly. The number served and closed with employment
are only down slightly. Average wage and hours worked have increased.
Metric: Eligibility Decisions: 5,004 (12/31/2019; 3,335 (12/31/20); Percent Change: -33.4%
Metric: Plans Written: 3,042 (12/31/2019; 2,329 (12/31/20); Percent Change: -23.4%
Metric: Eligible + Served: 24,320 (12/31/2019; 23,565 (12/31/20); Percent Change: -3.1%
Metric: Closed with Employment: 1,435 (12/31/2019; 1,433 (12/31/20); Percent Change: -0.2%
Metric: Average Wage: $11.83 (12/31/2019; $12.06 (12/31/20); Percent Change: 1.9%
Metric: Average Hours: 26.46 (12/31/2019; 26.8 (12/31/20); Percent Change: 1.3%
Programmatic Updates:
* The Rehabilitation Services Administration recently released the Annual Reports of all state VR agencies along with national averages. According to Ohio's report:
* 57.7% of individuals exiting the program in PY 2019 were working 2Q after exit, which is 6.4% above the national average of 51.3%
* 55.9% of individuals exiting the program in PY 2019 were working 4Q after exit, which is 12.3% higher than the national average of 43.6%
* OOD recently communicated to staff and providers about plans for Summer Youth programing for students with disabilities this year. Students will be able to select work experiences in the community and/or remote Pre-Employment Transition Services. A variety of flexibilities have been offered including reduction in the duration and/or the minimum number of hours per week for work experiences where needed, and an increase in the maximum number of hours for Pre-Employment Transition Services.
* ODO staff gathered feedback from VR participants regarding informed choice. In addition, discussions occurred with local field staff and supervisors conducted targeted case reviews on the topic. This information is being reviewed in preparation for updating OOD's Informed Choice Policy. This policy will go out for public comment in March.
* OOD's Vehicle Modification Administrative Rules were recently approved by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). These changes will eliminate the need for individuals to file appeals to get approval for certain types of modifications. We are also changing the bidding process to allow the time it will take a provider to complete the modification to be a selection factor.
Customer Satisfaction Survey
Customer Satisfaction Survey Results - Statewide - Quarter 1 FFY 2021 (10/1/20 - 12/31/20)
During the first quarter of Federal Fiscal Year 2021 there were 4,183 closure letters generated that included a link to the customer satisfaction survey. Those cases with email addresses (3,152) also received an automated email message with the toll-free number and survey link encouraging participants to share their experiences with receiving Vocational Rehabilitation Services from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. From those efforts, there were 147 respondents with the following results:
Question 1 - My current zip code (not graphed)
Question 2 - My current disability (Answered 147)
* Intellectual and Learning 42%
* Auditory and Communicative 17%
* Physical 33%
* Psychosocial and Psychological 37%
* Visual 12%
* Other 14%
Question 3 - My age range (Answered 147)
* 14-24 26%
* 25-34 13%
* 35-44 16%
* 45-54 16%
* 55-64 23%
* 65 and over 6%
Question 4 - It was easy for me to get to the meeting location (e.g. OOD office, library, Job Center) and to move around in the office space when meeting my counselor. (Answered 145)
* Strongly Agree 47%
* Agree 20%
* Neutral 6%
* Disagree 1%
* Strongly Disagree 1%
* N/A 25%
Why Disagree or Strongly Disagree was chosen for this question:
* Done virtually, and by phone due to COVID
* Do not always have a vehicle
* Had wrong address
* Bus limited /office 25 minutes away
Customer Satisfaction Survey Results - Statewide - Quarter 1 FFY 2021 (10/1/20 - 12/31/20) p.2
Question 5 - OOD Services were provided to me (check all that apply): (Answered 146)
* OOD Office 40%
* Alternative Location 41%
* Phone and/or Text 66%
* Email and/or Mail 37%
* Video Conferencing 25%
Question 6 - I have been satisfied with how OOD services are being provided. (Answered 146)
* Strongly Agree 61%
* Agree 23%
* Neutral 2%
* Disagree 8%
* Strongly Disagree 7%
Why Disagree or Strongly Disagree was chosen for this question:
* Quick turnaround time for services would be better
* Never got a job
Question 7 -Materials were given to me in my preferred format (e.g. large print, interpreters provided). (Answered 144)
* Strongly Agree 53%
* Agree 32%
* Neutral 13%
* Disagree 1%
* Strongly Disagree 1%
Why Disagree or Strongly Disagree was chosen for this question:
* No materials were given
* Would like materials sent by email
Question 8 - After my first meeting with my Counselor, Coordinator, or Caseload Assistant, I understood clearly that employment was the goal of the VR program. (Answered 147)
* Strongly Agree 62%
* Agree 30%
* Neutral 3%
* Disagree 1%
* Strongly Disagree 4%
Why Disagree or Strongly Disagree was chosen for this question:
* Communication lag
Customer Satisfaction Survey Results - Statewide - Quarter 1 FFY 2021 (10/1/20 - 12/31/20) p.3
Question 9 - VR staff were polite and professional. (Answered 146)
* Strongly Agree 66%
* Agree 25%
* Neutral 6%
* Disagree 1%
* Strongly Disagree 2%
Why Disagree or Strongly Disagree was chosen for this question:
* Return time on emails and phone calls
* Felt like just a number
Question 10 - VR staff helped me understand the kind of services that were available to me. (Answered 145)
* Strongly Agree 63%
* Agree 22%
* Neutral 8%
* Disagree 3%
* Strongly Disagree 5%
Why Disagree or Strongly Disagree was chosen for this question:
* Confusing and Stressful
* Not detailed
Question 11 - VR staff included me in the decisions about my case, including the services listed on the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE- my plan). (Answered 146)
* Strongly Agree 60%
* Agree 28%
* Neutral 5%
* Disagree 3%
* Strongly Disagree 4%
Why Disagree or Strongly Disagree was chosen for this question:
* Not able to move forward with plan
* Did not know what was going on
Question 12 - I was satisfied with the timeliness of the services that were provided to me from my plan. (Answered 147)
* Strongly Agree 55%
* Agree 25%
* Neutral 5%
* Disagree 7%
Customer Satisfaction Survey Results - Statewide - Quarter 1 FFY 2021 (10/1/20 - 12/31/20) p.4
* Strongly Disagree 7%
Why Disagree or Strongly Disagree was chosen for this question:
* Long gaps between contact
* Delays in call backs
* Delays in services
Question 13 - As a result of working with OOD, I have a job and (check all that apply). (Answered 142)
* Reached my employment goal 46%
* Job appropriate for disability 38%
* Satisfied with services from OOD staff 53%
* More financially independent 23%
* N/A- I do not have a job 31%
Question 14 - After working with OOD, I do not have a job and (check all that apply). (Answered 136)
* Satisfied with services from OOD staff 29%
* Chose not to continue with OOD services 16%
* Continuing job search independently 10%
* No longer interested in getting a job 9%
* NA- I do have a job 56%
Question 15 - What are the biggest barriers you experienced in working towards your employment goal? What could OOD have done differently to remove those barriers? (Answered 114)
* Not being able to drive/transportation
* Psychological issues
* Getting free medication
* Proving you could do the job to employers
* COVID 19/following protocols
* Too afraid to ask for help or questions
* Provide Laptop computer/computer equipment
* More in-person meetings
* Provide Legal services
* Better job coaching
Question 16 - Please share with us any comments that you would like about your vocational rehabilitation experience. (Answered 99)
* Great program, helpful
* Good Experience, positive
* Thankful
Customer Satisfaction Survey Results - Statewide - Quarter 1 FFY 2021 (10/1/20 - 12/31/20) p.5
* Staff nice, patient, informative, encouraging, professional, accommodating, caring, and easy to work with.
* Benefited from services
* Process frustrating in some ways and disappointing
Question 17 - I would recommend OOD to others with disabilities. (Answered 147)
* Yes 87%
* No 13%
EIS Update
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council Meeting
Division of Employer and Innovation Services Update
January 20, 2021
2021 Virtual Hiring Events
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is planning several Virtual Hiring Events throughout 2021. In February, an event specifically for employers with work-from-home positions will be held. These virtual interviews will include positions for customer service representatives in the financial, security, and insurance industries.
A transition-focused event is planned for Spring to facilitate interviews for graduating high school students and students interested in part-time non-permanent employment. Two events are planned in the Spring and the Fall for Ohio College2Careers students for internship and permanent employment. An event focusing on participants served through the Jobs for Recovery program is planned for June. Employer recruitment will prioritize those employers who provide second chance opportunities. OOD will also host events for major employers with a large geographic presence, including retail, food service, and distribution centers. OOD also plans to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October with regional virtual hiring events.
In 2020, OOD facilitated 460 interviews for 330 participants with 50 unique employers through multiple virtual hiring events.
The Employer's ADA Handbook Webinar Series
On January 13, 2021, The Division of Employer and Innovation Services hosted the first webinar in a five-part series, The Employers' ADA Handbook<https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/information-for-employers/employer-resources/Employers-ADA-Handbook-Title-I-Overview>, for 229 attendees. The first session, "Title I Overview," educated employers about their responsibilities under Title I of the ADA, and the protections afforded to all applicants and employees with disabilities to prevent discrimination in employment. Upcoming webinars in this series are as follows:
February 24 at 10 a.m.: Reasonable Accommodations and Undue Hardship
March 24 at 10 a.m.: Performance, Conduct, and Safety
April 28 at 10 a.m.: Resources and Funding
May 26 at 10 a.m.: Accessibility Hour with OOD
Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Survey
The Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Survey of individuals with disabilities will be distributed on January 19 via an email invitation to all participants with a Vocational Rehabilitation case closed between 10/1/18-9/30/20. A link to the survey will also be published on the homepage of the OOD website and promoted through OOD's social media channels. We are also requesting various organizations who serve individuals with disabilities, including individuals who have not received OOD services, to assist in distributing the survey.
OOD Council Subcommittees
Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA)
(Chair: Jeremy Morris)
Margie Hegg
Andrea Kramer
Karis Spence
VR policy
Alison McKay (co-chair)
Lisa Hickman (co-chair)
John Moore
Jw Smith
Jo Hanna Ward
Annual REPORT
Needs a new chair and members
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