Ohioans With Disabilities Can Get up to $7,000 in Education Support

• Ohioans with disabilities can receive up to $7,000 to help with educational expenses this fall.
• Funding is available to students who participate in Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) services.
• Eligible students can be attending college, as well as credentialing and other training programs.
• OOD services include career counseling, resume and interview preparation, and job and internship placement.

Ohioans with disabilities can receive up to $7,000 to help with tuition and other educational expenses for college, credentialing, and training programs this fall.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) announced last month that state funding of up to $7,000 per person for people who participate in Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) services, according to a release. Students with disabilities who are participating in apprenticeships, trade schools, credentialing programs, or going to college are eligible for the funding, according to the release.

“OOD is dedicated to empowering Ohioans with disabilities through employment and independence,” OOD Director Kevin L. Miller said in the release. “As part of this commitment, the OOD Education Support Funds ease financial barriers while providing individualized career guidance, technology, tools, resources, and connection to a large network of employer partners."

Students with disabilities can qualify for the funding by applying for OOD services online. Staff will then call the applicant to schedule an appointment to complete the paperwork, finalize the application, and determine eligibility, according to the release.

OOD offers counselors who can help students with disabilities explore career options and connect them with assistive technology to help with their education. Other services include resume and interview preparation and job placement via a connection with internships and permanent employment opportunities, according to the release.

“Higher education and a successful future should be available for all students,” DeWine said. “By supporting college and non-traditional students with disabilities through services from OOD and its partners, they are given a greater opportunity of success as they transition from education and training to in-demand careers.”