<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Good morning,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I wanted to be sure our friends at NFB of Ohio all knew the article was published in today’s OOD Works e-Newsletter. It follows in this email & can also be found online at <a href="https://lnks.gd/2/2q-L2z9" target="_blank">https://lnks.gd/2/2q-L2z9</a>. We appreciate the chance to highlight the partnership!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thanks & have a great weekend,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Kim Jump<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>OOD Chief of Communications <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style='border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>From:</span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'> Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities <<a href="mailto:ood.ohio@public.govdelivery.com">ood.ohio@public.govdelivery.com</a>> <br><b>Sent:</b> Friday, January 26, 2024 10:03 AM<br><b>To:</b> Jump, Kim <<a href="mailto:Kim.Jump@ood.ohio.gov">Kim.Jump@ood.ohio.gov</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> NFB of Ohio and OOD Partner to Serve Ohioans Who are Blind or Have Low Vision<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white'>Plus: Nearly $15 Million Allocated to Support Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN style='display:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt'><a name="gd_top"></a></td><span style='mso-bookmark:gd_top'></span></tr></table><span style='mso-bookmark:gd_top'></span><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0' id=flexible-abe-main-table><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;background:#EEEEEE;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td style='padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'></td><td style='padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><tr><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div id=abe-column-block-eaaf855d-3987-4f45-bf01-08543d42d8fa><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 3.75pt 3.75pt 7.5pt'><p align=center style='margin:0in;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#B4A8A8'>Having trouble viewing this email? <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYWNjb3VudHMvT0hPT0QvYnVsbGV0aW5zLzM4NzE3OGYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMTI2Ljg5MTg4MTUxIn0.Z_JctaTTELwgvg8iXgVpq9WxeFVGtfeAgIGHzXMG6es/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l">View it as a Web page</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=600 style='width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr id=abe-section-row-d2cd07cb-0a8e-4895-a9e1-802d0fe95a75><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><td valign=top style='background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=600 valign=top style='width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><div id=abe-column-block-4dfd0da9-d3a6-4cf9-a163-237887128f78><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:11.25pt 11.25pt 11.25pt 11.25pt'><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><img border=0 width=570 height=160 style='width:5.9375in;height:1.6666in' id="_x0000_i1054" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/OHOOD/2023/08/8023459/ood-works-header-1024x288-final-new-002-original_original.png" alt="OOD Works Newsletter"><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><h1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:8.05pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>NFB of Ohio and OOD Partner to Serve Ohioans Who are Blind or Have Low Vision<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=570 height=380 style='width:5.9375in;height:3.9583in' id="_x0000_i1053" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/OHOOD/2024/01/8875799/nfb_original.png" alt="Group of NFB and OOD members standing and smiling at the camera."><o:p></o:p></p><p class=gdcaption style='margin:0in'><i><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>From left to right: Beth Weinel, Joel Carson, Dr. Carolyn Peters, Richard Payne, Matthew Skira, Laurita Jones, Molly Brockman, and Izzy Noble.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is dedicated to expanding its reach, aiming to serve an additional 7,000 Ohioans with Disabilities annually, thanks to the generous support from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted's current operating budget. Their significant investments provide OOD with the maximum federal grant dollars available by the second year of the biennium, enabling the Vocational Rehabilitation program to assist more Ohioans with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>This milestone achievement wouldn't be possible without our incredible network of partners across Ohio. OOD is fortunate to collaborate with various entities, including schools, county boards of developmental disabilities, provider agencies, medical and mental health providers, other State of Ohio agencies, and many other valued partners. One such impactful partnership is with the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFB of Ohio). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>In December, several OOD staff members attended the NFB of Ohio—Miami Valley Chapter's meeting at Christ Episcopal Church. This long-standing partnership focuses on fostering independence for individuals who are blind or have low vision through meaningful employment opportunities. During the meeting, OOD staff members had the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group and highlight the array of services available through OOD's Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb29kLm9oaW8uZ292L2luZm9ybWF0aW9uLWZvci1pbmRpdmlkdWFscy9zZXJ2aWNlcy9ibGluZC1sb3ctdmlzaW9uLXNlcnZpY2VzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDEyNi44OTE4ODE1MSJ9.UYDO072bcXHyuHjZmRwWCPRuEqSnvWqG5ZK2PTfzdHE/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l"><span style='color:#5670D2'>BSVI</span></a>). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Maria “Izzy” Noble, OOD's Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation/BSVI Supervisor, emphasized, "The strength of our community lies in the connections we share. Maintaining robust relationships with organizations like NFB of Ohio results in increased referrals and a broader understanding of our mission to serve." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Richard Payne, President of NFB of Ohio, shared similar sentiments, stating, "It will take all of us collectively to address negative attitudes and barriers." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The Reverend Dr. Carolyn Peters, former chair of the OOD Council and current vice president of NFB of Ohio and president of its Miami Valley Chapter, emphasized the value of OOD's personalized services and training for individuals who are blind and have low vision in Ohio. She said, "I truly feel that NFB of Ohio's relationship with OOD is valuable because OOD provides individualized services and training for individuals who are blind or have low vision in the state of Ohio. These services prepare individuals to live the life they want and become employed, tax-paying citizens, which is the greatest reward." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Joel Carson is Dr. Peters' son. He explained, "My upbringing led me to teach young children early in my adult life, then to behavioral service, then as a direct support professional, and now as a Staff Development and Training Coordinator at Resident Home Association. OOD is important because the need for employment opportunities is essential." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Molly Brockman succinctly summarized her experience: "OOD helped me find a job, making my life more fulfilling." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>If you're interested in establishing a partnership with OOD, we encourage you to reach out to us at <a href="mailto:info@OOD.Ohio.gov" target="_blank"><span style='color:#5670D2'>info@OOD.Ohio.gov</span></a> today. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=1 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr></table></div><h1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:8.05pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Nearly $15 Million Allocated to Support Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=570 height=285 style='width:5.9375in;height:2.9687in' id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/OHOOD/2024/01/8875826/nearly-15_original.png" alt="Black and white sign with ISA pictograms"><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Director Kim Hauck recently <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZ292ZXJub3Iub2hpby5nb3YvbWVkaWEvbmV3cy1hbmQtbWVkaWEvZ292ZXJub3ItZGV3aW5lLWFubm91bmNlcy0xNC1taWxsaW9uLXRvLTY3LWNvdW50aWVzLXRvLXN1cHBvcnQtb2hpb2Fucy13aXRoLWRldmVsb3BtZW50YWwtZGlzYWJpbHRpZXMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMTI2Ljg5MTg4MTUxIn0.6mmjz9iVQW7-m2L6N0oe1AOlFc7eejzlFKOzgQDzdTw/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l"><span style='color:#5670D2'>announced</span></a> the allocation of $14.9 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds across 67 counties to enhance support for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>“These investments are truly going to make a difference for people with developmental disabilities and their families by giving them more access to the communities where they live,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “People with developmental disabilities deserve opportunities, a reliable workforce, and an accessible state to live, learn, work, and succeed in.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The funds, part of a $56 million total ARPA Home and Community Based Services allocation to DODD, were made available for county boards of developmental disabilities and Councils of Government to apply.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Projects include promoting independent living, improving community infrastructure, adding universal changing tables in public places, creating inclusive community experiences, ensuring inclusive conferences, and increasing outreach efforts. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The initiative, celebrated by advocacy groups like Changes Spaces Ohio, represents the largest state investment in universal changing tables. You can find a full listing of awarded applications and the latest on project developments at the <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vZG9kZC5vaGlvLmdvdi9hYm91dC11cy9vdXItcHJvZ3JhbXMvQVJQQSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAxMjYuODkxODgxNTEifQ.NG4k201GCO5-yJb9R9EEAFI169VyMAuHFlLTIbyIIw4/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l"><span style='color:#5670D2'>DODD’s ARPA projects webpage</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>With OOD’s Accessible Ohio initiative, more resources are now available to local communities and businesses looking to be more accessible. Learn more at the <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vb29kLm9oaW8uZ292L2FjY2Vzc2libGUtb2hpbyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAxMjYuODkxODgxNTEifQ.eEL7XAjiOYOFaB6cid5kjZyS0786_6zyEkTL3FMIzgM/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l"><span style='color:#5670D2'>Accessible Ohio webpage</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=1 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr></table></div><h1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:8.05pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>All About Accessibility: Birdability Supports Accessible Birding<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><img border=0 width=570 height=285 style='width:5.9375in;height:2.9687in' id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/OHOOD/2024/01/8875835/all-about_original.png" alt="Bird standing on fencepost in the snow."><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>Birdability exists to make sure everyone, no matter their abilities, can enjoy the wonders of birdwatching! They work hard to make sure birding spots are accessible for people with a variety of disabilities. Birdability wants to include everyone, from experienced birders to those who've never tried it before. They have three important goals: make birding spots accessible, create a friendly birding community, and introduce birding to people with different abilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>If you've ever wanted to spread your wings and discover the world of birds, visit <a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJpcmRhYmlsaXR5Lm9yZy8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMTI2Ljg5MTg4MTUxIn0.8pJXTD6iDGVoAre-Tw8WhBz6U-DZO41PldVKsZWxs2Q/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l"><span style='color:#5670D2'>Birdability.org</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%;border-spacing: 0'><tr><td width="100%" style='width:100.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=1 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr></table></div><h1 style='mso-margin-top-alt:8.05pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:15.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span style='font-size:22.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>In the News<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'><a 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style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>WEWS, 1-24-24<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LndmbWouY29tL3N0b3J5LzUwMzc2MzkyL3lvdW5nc3Rvd24tYXJlYS1qZXdpc2gtZmVkZXJhdGlvbi1hcnQtZ2FsbGVyeS10by1zaG93Y2FzZS1uZXctZXhoaWJpdC1jZWxlYnJhdGluZy1kaXNhYmlsaXRpZXMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwMTI2Ljg5MTg4MTUxIn0.nfx0lLX43lR05s55LbZLFsgZrhcDiwbKtUh65W4KTms/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l"><span style='color:#5670D2'>Youngstown Area Jewish Federation Art Gallery to Showcase New Exhibit Celebrating Disabilities</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p 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Disabilities</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The Post, 1-22-24<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndwc2Rsb2NhbDYuY29tL25ld3MvY2VzLTIwMjQtaW50cm9kdWNlcy1uZXctZ2FkZ2V0cy10by1oZWxwLXBlb3BsZS13aXRoLWRpc2FiaWxpdGllcy9hcnRpY2xlXzQwZmE3ZDgwLWI5NTktMTFlZS05MjVmLWUzM2FlNGM3NWVhYy5odG1sIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDEyNi44OTE4ODE1MSJ9.i_VMCx70POrKtzUDj3B6mhd8PPIKGNeBlNemaBzNtec/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l"><span 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style='color:#5670D2'>Special Olympics Makes a Comeback</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'>The Vindicator, 1-20-24<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin:0in;-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%'><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif'><a 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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) 2023, OOD received $105,851,906 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $28,648,610. Of these federal funds, $15,877,786 is set aside for Pre-ETS. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for the Supported Employment for Youth with a Disability Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of regular Supported Employment program costs up to the grant amount. In FFY 2023, OOD received $301,051 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $33,450 of the total costs. In FFY 2023, OOD received $301,051 in regular SE grant funds.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>For the purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2023 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2023, OOD received $1,159,083 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $128,787 of the total costs incurred under the OIB program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2023. In FFY 2023, OOD received $645,712 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $71,746 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div><div id=tagline><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span lang=EN><hr size=1 width="100%" align=center></span></div><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%" style='width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width="89%" style='width:89.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#757575'>This email was sent to <a href="mailto:Kim.Jump@ood.ohio.gov">Kim.Jump@ood.ohio.gov</a> using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities ˇ 150 E. Campus View Blvd ˇ Columbus, Ohio 43235<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width="11%" style='width:11.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3Vic2NyaWJlcmhlbHAuZ3JhbmljdXMuY29tLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDAxMjYuODkxODgxNTEifQ.kjOQY2it87lQelktGvetmgD2PCNShtn4XYcmMDdtOdw/s/2127340486/br/236056565206-l" target="_blank"><span style='text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=115 height=29 style='width:1.1979in;height:.302in' id="_x0000_i1042" src="https://content.govdelivery.com/images/govd-logo-dark.png" alt="GovDelivery logo"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAJEAAP///wAAAAAAAAAAACH5BAkAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAgEAAEEBAA7" width="1" height="1" alt="Web Bug from https://links.govdelivery.com/track?enid=ZWFzPTEmYnVsbGV0aW5yZWNpcGllbnRpZD0yMzYwNTY1NjUyMDYtbCZzdWJzY3JpYmVyaWQ9MjEyNzM0MDQ4NiZtc2lkPSZhdWlkPSZtYWlsaW5naWQ9MjAyNDAxMjYuODkxODgxNTEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMjQwMTI2Ljg5MTg4MTUxJmRhdGFiYXNlaWQ9MTAwMSZ0eXBlPW9wZW4mc2VyaWFsPTE2ODk3MjA4JmVtYWlsaWQ9S2ltLkp1bXBAb29kLm9oaW8uZ292JnVzZXJpZD1LaW0uSnVtcEBvb2Qub2hpby5nb3YmdGFyZ2V0aWQ9JmZsPSZtdmlkPSZleHRyYT0mJiY=" /></span><span lang=EN><br><br><br><br><b><span style='color:red'>CAUTION:</span></b><span style='color:red'> This is an external email and may not be safe. If the email looks suspicious, please do not click links or open attachments and forward the email to <a href="mailto:csc@ohio.gov">csc@ohio.gov </a>or click the Phish Alert Button if available. <br><br></span></span><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>Richard Payne, President</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>937/829/3368</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><a href="mailto:Rchpay7@gmail.com"><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#0563C1'>Rchpay7@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'>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.</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>