[Ohio-Talk] Fwd: Annette Lutz: Ohio Entrepreneur in a Landmark Anniversary Year

[Andra Stover]

Delcina,

Thanks for sharing this, congratulations Annette.
Andra

Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
________________________________
From: Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Delcenia Brown via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, 26 June 2026 13:29:55
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement List <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Delcenia Brown <delcenia at prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: [Ohio-Talk] Fwd: Annette Lutz: Ohio Entrepreneur in a Landmark Anniversary Year

Congratulations Annette!
Delcenia


________________________________
From: Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Shane Popplestone via Ohio-Talk <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2026 1:19 PM
To: NFB of Ohio Announcement List <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Shane Popplestone <spopplestone.nfb at gmail.com>
Subject: [Ohio-Talk] Fwd: Annette Lutz: Ohio Entrepreneur in a Landmark Anniversary Year


I thought this might be of interest to you all.

See below my signature.

Shane Popplestone
Member, NFB Committee on Federation Web Coordination
Communications committee, NFB of Ohio
Legislative committee, NFB of Ohio
spopplestone.nfb at gmail.com<mailto:spopplestone.nfb at gmail.com>
234-716-2208
You can live the life you want!


-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject:
Annette Lutz: Ohio Entrepreneur in a Landmark Anniversary Year
Date:
Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:02:27 +0000
From:
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities <ood.ohio at public.govdelivery.com><mailto:ood.ohio at public.govdelivery.com>




Plus: Celebrating Ohio’s Leadership in Blind Education for America’s 250th Birthday


Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Faccounts%2FOHOOD%2Fbulletins%2F41db6bf/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/Q_OanD3RaVAq1nrlgUtNMonC9yxJZPr5jmHj9pXGw9E=452>.

[Banner has OOD logo which is shape of Ohio and "Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities" and text "OODWorks.com"]
________________________________
Annette Lutz: Ohio Entrepreneur in a Landmark Anniversary Year
[Annette smiling at a rest area. “Blind people  can do anything we put our minds to as long as we have the opportunity and accessibility to do so.”]

Annette Lutz at the new I-70 rest area in Madison County.

Nearly 30 years ago, Annette Lutz entered the Business Enterprise (BE) Program as a single mother on public assistance seeking stability and a better future for her daughter. She began as a cashier, enrolled in BE training, became a licensed operator, and built a long, successful career as an entrepreneur who is blind. Annette often says the program “changed her life,” giving her independence, confidence, and pride in her work.



Over the years, Annette has grown into a respected business owner with strong technical knowledge, exceptional customer service skills, and a statewide and national network of fellow entrepreneurs who are blind. She is also a passionate advocate for the program—serving in leadership roles, mentoring peers, and helping shape the future for the next generation of BE Operators. Annette credits OOD’s partnership for supporting her from the very beginning and throughout every stage of her career.



While Annette is currently operating the revamped Madison County rest area, she views this assignment as just a small part of her larger story. She continues to use every opportunity to refine her business approach, support fellow Operators, and highlight the value and professionalism that blind entrepreneurs bring to Ohio’s travel system.



Annette’s work was recently featured on The Loop, a show by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), where she discussed the importance of accessible opportunities and the role of BE Operators in serving travelers. Her segment begins at 2:09 on ODOT’s YouTube channel<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv=6QJAupii1GE%26list=PL0SPTxSVmT4ivxV3mCKgA-jD16UpBP9X3%26index=2/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/8pbknTnX3jgosABX2CtpbXX2HlC2dhSu85yCuUaXLFM=452>.



Watch Now<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fsi=XDLmRsVoqDD-p8zb%26v=6QJAupii1GE%26feature=youtu.be/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/jnH82gQQ5rks7p4nMOd1pvSWqUYJzfUx7mPmK63sJ3c=452>

This year adds special significance to Annette’s story as the nation celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Randolph‑Sheppard Act. Signed into law on June 20, 1936, the Act granted priority to entrepreneurs who are legally blind to operate vending facilities on federal property—opening doors to stable employment and economic independence at a time when opportunities were extremely limited. Major expansions in 1954 and 1974 broadened the scope of the program from simple vending stands to include cafeterias, snack bars, and full vending routes, laying the foundation for today’s nationwide network of blind‑owned businesses.



For generations, including Annette’s, the Randolph‑Sheppard Act has created meaningful pathways to entrepreneurship, financial security, and leadership. Its impact continues to define the Business Enterprise Program today—and Annette’s story stands as one of the many powerful examples of what is possible when opportunity meets determination.



To learn more about BE opportunities, please visit the BE Program webpage<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Food.ohio.gov%2Finformation-for-individuals%2Fservices%2Fblind-low-vision-services%2Fbusiness-enterprise/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/zZhPHaVw83J808XwfiULCnIG8iX0t8W9b97aC13XKtY=452>.



________________________________
DeafBlind Awareness Week
[Black and white photo of Helen Keller. "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence."]

June 25 – July 1, 2026 is DeafBlind Awareness Week. We reflect on the contributions of Helen Keller, born on June 27, 1880. This trailblazer devoted her life to advancing the rights of people who are blind or DeafBlind. To learn more about her accomplishments, read an article by the Perkins School for the Blind<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.perkins.org%2Fstories%2Fq-a-a-factual-look-at-helen-kellers-accomplishments/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/b_1lYgyxHrLrD-elHxU7v7Iwe0rzADjGJ7n91S9eWQU=452>.



For more information, visit the American Association of the DeafBlind<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.aadb.org%2F/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/CXCPQeCYKYvAVcrUH6PRrlb1wlKE2Ozoo3ykWJvvwrQ=452>, Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths & Adults<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.helenkeller.org%2Fhknc/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/Xmek2j468eEBX-SqLmSUliR6vOa8P4RRa72a7i8t778=452>, National Center on Deafblindness<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.nationaldb.org%2F/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/gsr-l9GPyxF-Du3LezcdUCChDy5MabOBfKf9_00wrww=452>, and the Ohio Association of the Deaf-Blind Facebook Group<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F341930782504997%2F/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/vG215Egsa5FKBEUfvNWnDGNY2DNrWsASlhtbmLPGPKk=452>.



________________________________
Celebrating Ohio’s Leadership in Blind Education for America’s 250th Birthday
[Zach and the Governor standing together in the school library.]

Zach Groves-Hagedorn, an Ohio State School for the Blind alumnus, and Governor DeWine.

As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Ohio is reflecting on the many ways our state has shaped America’s story—including its pioneering work in education for students who are blind or have low vision. A new America 250‑Ohio blog post<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Famerica250-ohio.org%2F2026%2F01%2Fohios-legacy-of-leadership-in-blind-education%2F/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/RV_WEWEt9DRQol4dL62X-jO65BQ1KZ2Sm2mdpWRWX1c=452> highlights this legacy, tracing the history of the Ohio State School for the Blind and the innovative leaders who helped expand opportunities for generations of students.

The article also explores how Ohio’s commitment to accessibility and disability inclusion continues today—through modern educational tools, expanded learning environments, and statewide partnerships focused on ensuring all Ohioans can participate fully in their communities.

Read the full post<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Famerica250-ohio.org%2F2026%2F01%2Fohios-legacy-of-leadership-in-blind-education%2F/2/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/HPD0nHK8j99LpXnnIwYrZZ7-3WfYetJuFm3Vji19DTQ=452> by Eric Duffy, OOD Accessibility Coordinator.



________________________________
Applications Open for Disability-Inclusive Employer Award
[Skyline, Seal of Ohio, and text: Governor's Inclusive Employer Award]
Watch Now<https://player.cloudinary.com/embed/?public_id=ood.ohio.gov%2FVideos%2FGovernors%20Award%20videos%2FGovernor_s-Inclusive-Employer-Award-Solicitiation_Video_1920x1080_2026_V2&cloud_name=stateofohio&secure_distribution=dam.assets.ohio.gov&private_cdn=true&profile=cld-adaptive-stream&player%5bcolors%5d%5bbase%5d=%23000000&player%5bcolors%5d%5btext%5d=%23FFFFFF&player%5bcolors%5d%5baccent%5d=%23000000&source%5btextTracks%5d%5boptions%5d%5btheme%5d=player-colors&source%5btextTracks%5d%5boptions%5d%5bfontSize%5d=1.5rem&player%5bhideContextMenu%5d=false&player%5bfloatingWhenNotVisible%5d=false&player%5bshowJumpControls%5d=true&player%5bfullscreenToggle%5d=true&player%5bposter%5d=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fstateofohio%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Food.ohio.gov%2FVideos%2FGovernors%20Award%20videos%2FGovernor_s-Inclusive-Employer-Award_1920x1080_2026.jpg&source%5btextTracks%5d%5bcaptions%5d%5blabel%5d=English&source%5btextTracks%5d%5bcaptions%5d%5blanguage%5d=en&source%5btextTracks%5d%5bcaptions%5d%5burl%5d=https%3A%2F%2Fdam.assets.ohio.gov%2Fraw%2Fupload%2Food.ohio.gov%2FVideos%2FGovernors%2520Award%2520videos%2Fsrt_2026-Governor_s-Inclusive-Employer-Award-Solicitation-DirectorV2.en.US.vtt&source%5btextTracks%5d%5bcaptions%5d%5bdefault%5d=true&player%5bchaptersButton%5d=true>

Moments after taking the oath of office, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-03D, establishing Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and a Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. To reinforce his commitment to Ohioans with disabilities, H.B. 110 included presenting the Governor's Inclusive Employer Award each year during October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to employers who meet the criteria for having a workplace inclusive of individuals with disabilities. OOD is responsible for determining the criteria for the award and promoting participation by Ohio employers. OOD will review applications and make recommendations to Governor DeWine for the selection of the Award recipient(s).



Businesses of any size are encouraged to apply for this award. OOD invites Ohio employers to complete this to be considered for the award. More information and a PDF of the application are available on the employer awards webpage<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Food.ohio.gov%2Finformation-for-employers%2Femployer-awards%2Femployer-inclusion-awards/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/fCcGxoLXLm6u6LrLOl2S_tE1VhXkX3PXlHwFMsi9iiU=452>. The deadline for submission is 11:45 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026. Only one application may be submitted for each company. Winners will be announced in October 2026.



Watch a video requesting nominations<https://player.cloudinary.com/embed/?public_id=ood.ohio.gov%2FVideos%2FGovernors%20Award%20videos%2FGovernor_s-Inclusive-Employer-Award-Solicitiation_Video_1920x1080_2026_V2&cloud_name=stateofohio&secure_distribution=dam.assets.ohio.gov&private_cdn=true&profile=cld-adaptive-stream&player%5bcolors%5d%5bbase%5d=%23000000&player%5bcolors%5d%5btext%5d=%23FFFFFF&player%5bcolors%5d%5baccent%5d=%23000000&source%5btextTracks%5d%5boptions%5d%5btheme%5d=player-colors&source%5btextTracks%5d%5boptions%5d%5bfontSize%5d=1.5rem&player%5bhideContextMenu%5d=false&player%5bfloatingWhenNotVisible%5d=false&player%5bshowJumpControls%5d=true&player%5bfullscreenToggle%5d=true&player%5bposter%5d=https%3A%2F%2Fres.cloudinary.com%2Fstateofohio%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Food.ohio.gov%2FVideos%2FGovernors%20Award%20videos%2FGovernor_s-Inclusive-Employer-Award_1920x1080_2026.jpg&source%5btextTracks%5d%5bcaptions%5d%5blabel%5d=English&source%5btextTracks%5d%5bcaptions%5d%5blanguage%5d=en&source%5btextTracks%5d%5bcaptions%5d%5burl%5d=https%3A%2F%2Fdam.assets.ohio.gov%2Fraw%2Fupload%2Food.ohio.gov%2FVideos%2FGovernors%2520Award%2520videos%2Fsrt_2026-Governor_s-Inclusive-Employer-Award-Solicitation-DirectorV2.en.US.vtt&source%5btextTracks%5d%5bcaptions%5d%5bdefault%5d=true&player%5bchaptersButton%5d=true> from OOD Director Kevin L. Miller.



________________________________
All About Accessibility: Rental Assistance
[An apartment unit with an Ohio logo and text: Housing Finance Agency. 811 Project Rental Assistance Program.]

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency partners with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health to provide extremely low-income households composed of one or more adults with a disability to live in an integrated setting with access to rental subsidy and supportive services through the Ohio 811 Program. Apartments are available to low-income individuals ages 18 to 61 with a disability who are eligible for Medicaid or Medicaid waivers. An individual must be connected to a referral agent to be placed on the 811 waiting list. The Ohio Department of Medicaid referral agents include HOME Choice transition coordinators, Home and Community Based Services waiver case managers, MyCare case managers, or Managed Care staff with housing or transition responsibilities.



Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities referral agents include county boards of developmental disabilities, and Ohio Department of Behavioral Health referral agents include ADAMH boards. Many boards serve as referral agents, although participation is voluntary.



The Ohio Housing Locator (ohiohousinglocator.org) maintains a listing of affordable rental housing properties throughout the state. OHFA also provides links to HUD eviction guidance and legal resources on the Housing Assistance Information page<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Fohiohome.org%252Fhousingassistance.aspx%26data=05%257C02%257CKim.Jump%2540ood.ohio.gov%257C07f9b02828f0499069cb08deb1f9a7fa%257C50f8fcc494d84f0784eb36ed57c7c8a2%257C0%257C0%257C639143883149090203%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=%252Bm8Ai2UTnmtc5PXhJefMN8Fdq7WyTvCC4sDWaV%252FKAWU%253D%26reserved=0/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/vlEoWY-Pn8mc8ey44B3VlMVKaVW5g8af2-tfL2CXSe0=452>. You may also contact the Metropolitan Housing Authority<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl=https%253A%252F%252Faffordablehousingonline.com%252Fhousing-authorities%252FOhio%26data=05%257C02%257CKim.Jump%2540ood.ohio.gov%257C07f9b02828f0499069cb08deb1f9a7fa%257C50f8fcc494d84f0784eb36ed57c7c8a2%257C0%257C0%257C639143883149112692%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata=b2AASt26lNQF4fLv5jn0fDX8vCUb9eGkKbGPyXvgtHI%253D%26reserved=0/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/MJHf2To-yyfPC0gMCLu-PjIC-GunBsDDRJqsIdbK72w=452> for your county regarding Section 8 rental assistance or other affordable housing programs that may be available.



At the end of Fiscal Year 2025, 411 units were leased through the program, and another 300 units are in the 811 pipeline. If you have questions about the 811 Program, please email 811Program at ohiohome.org<mailto:811Program at ohiohome.org>.



________________________________
OOD Works e-Newsletter Returns July 10
[Dad and son wear sunglasses and hold an American flag. Text: Happy Independence Day.]

Happy Independence Day! The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, July 10. Stay tuned!



________________________________
In the News

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Toledo Museum of Art Exhibit Showcases Work by 50 Disabled Women Artists<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.13abc.com%2F2026%2F06%2F22%2Ftoledo-museum-art-exhibit-showcases-work-by-50-disabled-women-artists%2F/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/KjgSfLeTyqFp_1jcKjd3roXiaBfoqxSrtDluJ4p67yw=452>

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Special Olympics Games at Ohio State Campus a Summer Tradition for Decades<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dispatch.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Fhistory%2F2026%2F06%2F21%2Fspecial-olympics-ohio-was-created-in-1975-four-years-after-first-games%2F90406019007%2F/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/Ucxi7waic2wd4i0h8t31AmVrcgIB10lLJgHEVJ531pw=452>

Columbus Dispatch, 6-21-26



Inclusive Playground – with Wheelchair Accessible Trampoline – Being Built in Northwood<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fbgindependentmedia.org%2Finclusive-playground-with-wheelchair-accessible-trampoline-being-built-in-northwood%2F/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/NFpPaJkvOUH6IenvV3GUqbB4QZZAC8KunUXHw9-IUP8=452>

BG Independent News, 6-21-26



Job Skills Training Expands for Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities<https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fspectrumnews1.com%2Foh%2Fcolumbus%2Fnews%2F2026%2F06%2F19%2Fjob-skills-training-expands-for-ohioans-with-developmental-disabilities-/1/0101019f043d3243-af3a9ece-3d55-47f9-a18f-b73304d71afc-000000/sojLzBzFpt2dDb-kFZIcYU2CpUMU2RBPY6--kNJoDF4=452>

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Dutchman Hospitality News, 6-4-26




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Help us support more individuals with disabilities by forwarding this email.

Programs provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are funded, in whole or in part, with federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), OOD received 78.7% of its funding through the DOE VR grant. In federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025, OOD received $177,897,297 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the state covered 21.3% of the total costs, or $48,147,553. Of these federal funds, $26,684,595 is set aside for Pre-ETS.

For purposes of the Works4Me Program, OOD received 100% of its funding through the DOE Disability Innovation Fund grant. In FFY 2025, OOD received $1,793,225 for this Program.

For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for this Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of the regular Supported Employment Program up to the grant amount. In FFY 2025, OOD received $446,137 for SE Youth with a Disability, and state-appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $49,571 of the total costs. In FFY 2025, OOD received $446,137 in regular SE grant funds.

For purposes of the Independent Living Services Older Blind (ILOB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2025 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the Program. In FFY 2025, OOD received $1,129,124 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the state paid the 10% required match, or $125,458 of the total costs incurred under the ILOB Program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2025. In FFY 2025, OOD received $640,682 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the state paid the 10% required match, or $71,187 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.

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