Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) has recognized The Ohio State University as an inclusive workplace and acknowledge the university’s innovative recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities.
OOD’s annual Champion of Opportunity Award honors companies that have gone “above and beyond” in their commitment to an inclusive culture and who serve as statewide examples of what it means to provide quality employment opportunities and increased independence for individuals with disabilities.
In a first-of-its-kind effort, the university partnered with OOD in April 2017 to place a full-time OOD career specialist at Ohio State, which has helped enhance the recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities.
“The OOD Champion of Opportunity Award further recognizes Ohio State’s dedication and commitment to an inclusive work environment for people of all abilities,” said Susan Basso, Ohio State senior vice president for talent, culture and human resources. “We are proud of the opportunities this partnership has created and grateful for the contributions individuals with disabilities have made to the university.”
Ohio State recently hosted the OOD Job Fair and Employer Showcase, where Ohio State recruiters joined numerous central Ohio employers in the ongoing effort to recruit individuals with disabilities. The university plans to partner with OOD to host the event annually.
Additionally, Ohio State is a member of the Ohio Business Leadership Network, an affiliate of the national organization that promotes the business imperative to include people with disabilities in the workforce using a business-to-business model.
In recognition of the importance of an inclusive workplace, Ohio State offers trainings to educate the university community about working with individuals with disabilities. Additionally, Ohio State has resources to support individuals with disabilities, such as the Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings (TOPS) Program that provides educational, career and social opportunities to individuals ages 18 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Learn more about the university’s disability resources from the ADA Coordinator’s Office, Office of Student Life Disability Services and the College of Arts and Sciences Disability Studies.
