Kelsi Weaver: Empowering Change Through Determination and Advocacy

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 10/25/2024 10:01 AM EDT

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Kelsi Weaver: Empowering Change Through Determination and Advocacy

Kelsi Weaver pictured during her Ohio University Eastern graduation.

Kelsi Weaver, a 23-year-old disability advocate with cerebral palsy, has recently achieved a significant milestone in her academic journey. In May 2024, Kelsi graduated from Ohio University Eastern with a bachelor's degree in social work, marking a triumphant culmination of her educational pursuits.

Kelsi's path to success began during her senior year of high school when she first connected with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). This early engagement set the stage for a comprehensive support system throughout her college career. Initially starting at Belmont College, Kelsi later transferred to Ohio University Eastern to complete her four-year degree.

Throughout her academic journey, OOD provided crucial services and support through its Ohio College2Careers program, including:

A career assessment before applying to college
Assistive technology assessment and an accessible home workspace
Pre-employment transition services focusing on self-advocacy and job readiness training
College and university training support, including OOD Education Support Funds toward tuition and books
Ongoing vocational counseling

Kelsi's determination is evident as she faces the challenges of spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. “Accessing support can be difficult due to the numerous steps involved and the patience required,” said Melissa Minto, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. “Kelsi consistently overcomes barriers by advocating for herself and diligently following through to tackle obstacles.”

With accommodations from her college and assistance from the Belmont Harrison Noble County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and OOD, Kelsi accessed an adaptive computer setup that significantly enhanced her ability to complete schoolwork.

Beyond her academic achievements, Kelsi has emerged as a powerful voice in disability advocacy. She serves on the Ohio Self-Determination Association (OSDA) board and the Council of Ohio Leaders (COOL), demonstrating her commitment to empowering others. Her blog, "Powerfully Disabled," serves as a platform to raise awareness and amplify the voices of individuals with disabilities.

Kelsi's aspirations extend beyond her recent graduation. With a goal of becoming a mental health counselor specializing in advocacy for individuals with disabilities, she worked with Danielle Perkin, OOD Job Developer, to transition from student to professional. They partnered on resume development, mock interviews, and targeted job searches.

Recently, Kelsi secured a position as a Support Administrator at the Clearwater Council of Governments. To facilitate her commute and ensure she can perform effectively in her new role, OOD is assisting her with vehicle modifications. This support includes obtaining necessary adaptations for her vehicle and conducting assistive technology assessments to identify accommodations required for her job.

Throughout her journey, Kelsi has consistently displayed remarkable strengths: self-advocacy, consistency, determination, and an unwavering positive attitude. These qualities, combined with her academic achievements and advocacy work, make Kelsi a shining example of resilience and compassion.

Kelsi’s journey exemplifies how determination, coupled with the right support systems, can overcome significant challenges and lead to remarkable achievements. She’s poised to make a lasting impact on others!

If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536.

OOD Council Meets on November 13

The OOD Council meeting on August 14, 2024.

The OOD Council will conduct an in-person meeting for OOD Council members and the public on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The meeting will take place at OOD’s central office at 150 E. Campus View Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43235. In-person meeting attendees who are blind or have low vision can use Aira to connect, for free, to a remote agent via a smart device. The agent can locate users through GPS, help access visual information (which is especially helpful for navigating a large, unfamiliar area), and direct them to places of interest.

A call-in number is available for members of the public who cannot attend the in-person meeting. The OOD Council meetings webpage has additional meeting information and the call-in number.

Public comments or correspondence should be submitted to info@OOD.Ohio.gov by the close of business on Friday, November 8, 2024.

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio to Host Convention

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio graphic.

The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio invites anyone interested in blindness to its 78^th annual Ohio convention: Unleashing Potential: Empowering Through Leadership. The event takes place November 14-17, 2024 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cleveland – Westlake.

This year’s convention will include general sessions, breakout seminars, technology workshops, an exhibit hall, and more.

Information about the convention, including hotel rates and reservation details, can be found at NFBOhio.org.

All About Accessibility: Accessible Meetings & Events

A group of individuals applauding a speaker during an accessible meeting.

When people come together for events—conferences, yearly staff meetings, festivals, parades, luncheons, and more—accessibility features empower everyone to participate equitably.

From finding a facility and identifying meeting rooms to providing materials and presenting information, the Accessible Ohio Accessible Meetings & Events resource highlights best practices for creating a culture of inclusion. The Accessible Meetings & Events Checklist can help organize and facilitate the planning.

Remember to consider accessibility and inclusion early in the process. Prioritizing accessibility from the start can help create a welcoming and inclusive environment for as many people as possible.

Everyone’s experience is unique and important. Use our Accessible Ohio resources to begin or advance your journey to accessibility.

In the News

Inaugural UC Adaptive Athletics Student Athletes Set to Begin Competition This Spring

University of Cincinnati News, 10-23-24

Independent Living Gets Powered by Technologies for Those Living with Developmental Disabilities in Northeast Ohio

The Land, 10-22-24

Katie Snyder Guides Ohio University Students to Success Through College2Careers

The Athens Messenger, 10-21-24

Art Exhibit “For Dear Life” Shows New Perspectives on Disability and Medicine in the U.S.

PBS News Hour, 10-18-24

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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) 2024, OOD received $166,384,030 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $45,031,510. Of these federal funds, $24,957,605 is set aside for Pre-ETS.

For purposes of the Works 4 Me program, OOD received 100% of its funding through the DOE Disability Innovation Fund grant. In FFY 2024, OOD received $716,175 for this program.

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 2024, OOD received $593,853 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $65,984 of the total costs. In FFY 2024, OOD received $593,853 in regular SE grant funds.

For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2024 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2024, OOD received $1,166,389 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $129,599 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 2024. In FFY 2024, OOD received $646,297 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $71,811 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.