[Ohio-Talk] A Voice for the Voiceless

Sun May 9 18:36:30 UTC 2021

Thank you President payne for sharing. Cheerfully, Carolyn Peters

Sent from my iPhone

On May 9, 2021, at 10:17 AM, Richard Payne via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

A Voice for the Voiceless

Dr. Carolyn Peters uses her voice to speak for individuals with disabilities
who cannot speak for themselves. She speaks up and advocates for their
rights so that they are treated fairly. She speaks out to ensure they have
access to the opportunities that will help them become independent, live
productive, and fruitful lives. Not surprisingly, Dr. Carolyn Peters is the
voice that leads the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council.

ABOUT Dr. Carolyn Peters (Photo of Dr. Carolyn Peters)

While Dr. Carolyn Peters currently resides In Dayton, Ohio, her roots can be
traced to Monroe, Georgia. In fact, it was on a trip home that she began
experiencing loss of vision resulting in two surgeries and ultimately being
determined legally blind. During this same time, she lost her cheerleader,
encourager, supporter, caregiver, her beloved mother. Rather than letting
the challenges she faced stymie her, Dr. Peters, with the help of her social
work colleagues, developed a plan and received services from the Ohio State
Rehabilitation Commission (now known as Opportunities for Ohioans with
Disabilities), where she received mobility and technology training. Later,
she retired from her employment as a Social Worker/ Medical Social Worker,
enrolled in Tabernacle Institute, and obtained her Doctorate in Theology.
Using her doctoral research, Dr. Peters published her first book "Knowing
When to Go" based on Ruth, a book in the Bible. It was through the
introduction to a local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind that
Dr. Peters became involved and assumed leadership positions in local, state,
and national organizations. These experiences affirmed for her that she
could do anything she put her mind to and that has been the message that she
voices as she mentors and inspires others. Her abilities have been
recognized by Ohio's Governor John Kasich who appointed her to the Ohio
Civil Rights Commission and the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Council, currently serving in her second term as Chair. Faith is an integral
part of Dr. Peters life. She is an active member of the College Hill
Community Church, where she serves as a lay member and ruling elder.

Dr. Carolyn Peters life epitomizes a commitment to transforming the lives of
individuals with disabilities and communities. She represents the embodiment
of hope, love, determination, and a servant's heart. 

"You can do anything you set your mind to do."

Q: Tell Us about the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council
(ODD)

A: The purpose of the OOD Council is to provide feedback to OOD on the
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. The VR program, through OOD's Bureau
of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually
Impaired (BSVI), assists individuals with disabilities to obtain and
maintain employment.

The ODD Council consists of 16 members. The makeup of the Council follows
criteria established by the federal government, including that a majority of
the members on the Council have a disability. Other seats on the Council
include an individual who has applied for or received vocational
rehabilitation services; an individual who represents community
rehabilitation program service providers; an individual who represents an
organization that advocates on behalf of individuals with physical,
cognitive, sensory, or mental abilities; and four representatives of
business, industry, and labor. Members are appointed by the Governor.

The current priorities of the OOD Council include providing input into OOD's
Vocational Rehabilitation program policies. We have made recommendations on
informed choice, confidentiality, administrative rule language.

During the pandemic, the OOD Council meetings have been scheduled virtually
on a quarterly basis. The OOD Council's subcommittee meetings meet on an as
needed basis and are also scheduled virtually.

Q: What are OOD's outreach efforts to ensure people with disabilities from
un/underserved populations receive the services they need?

A: The OOD Council members participate in OOD's job fairs, provide input to
the Consumer Satisfaction Survey, Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment,
and Ohio Combined State plan to ensure all individuals with disabilities are
represented. Council members presence in Ohio's 88 counties gives us
personal insight into the needs of the individuals with disabilities who
reside in these communities. For example, in our rural communities, we are
aware of the transportation restraints and limited support and employment
opportunities which can have a potentially long[1]term consequence of losing
independence, resulting in institutional placements. This heightens the need
for innovative, non-traditional solutions in these communities. On the other
hand, it was invigorating to hear the hope expressed by 300 young people
seeking employment in a Cincinnati Focus Group and witness some of them
getting hired on the spot. As Ohioans come to understand that you.

"can't count people out because of your personal bias,"

we have seen an increase in employment of individuals with visual
impairments. A 

ODD provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities to assist
them to attain and maintain competitive integrated employment. OOD works
with adults seeking to enter the workforce or retain a job, and with youth
beginning at age 14.

ODD has a team of Business Relation Specialists who work throughout the
state to raise awareness of OOD and out mission with employer partners to
promote and support the hiring of individuals with disabilities. Through
OOD's network of employer partners, OOD Business relations Specialists (BRS)
identify job opportunities that match job seekers' skill sets and
experience, and also provide services and resources that promote an
inclusive and diverse work environment.

In addition, our Independent Living Older Blind program assists older
Ohioans who are blind meet their specific needs by providing independent
living skills.

Q: How can providers of services to people with disabilities who are
un/underserved benefit from OOD? 

A: A video and additional resources
<https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/information-for-providers>  are
available to help providers learn about getting started with OOD. 

Q: How can people with disabilities who are un/underserved and their family
members benefit from OOD?

A: Individuals with disabilities who want to work can apply for services at
https://oodworks.com/ or call 800-282-4536. In addition, individuals can
find more information about OOD at
https://ood.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ood/.

NOTE: This interview was facilitated by Patricia Larkins Hicks, Ph.D., Reach
Out e-Diversity Newsletter Grantee, the Outcomes Management Group, LTD

Shirley Marchi, Community Relations Liaison

Richard Payne,  President

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

937/829/3368

<mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> Rchpay7 at gmail.com

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

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