04/24/2023

State Tour Focuses on Transformational Efforts for Ohioans with Disabilities

OOD Director Miller to Provide Budget Testimony on April 25

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) Director Kevin L. Miller recently wrapped up a tour with members of his executive team, visiting staff and stakeholders throughout the state. With the OOD principle of “Listen First” in mind, the team heard directly from individuals working firsthand with Ohioans with disabilities. 

Director Miller shared how Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted’s biennial Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 highlights their dedication to making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.   

“Professionals doing the important work day-to-day have the best ideas for how we can continue to do even more for Ohioans with disabilities,” explained Director Miller. “We’ve come a long way as an agency over the years. These important conversations inform how we innovate and expand our services.”  

Director Miller has been bringing together OOD senior leaders to guide and plan OOD’s transformation. With feedback from staff and stakeholders, they are creating an overarching strategy, plan, and timeline for the next two years of transformation. “What we’re putting into place will have a positive impact on Ohioans with disabilities well into the future,” explained Director Miller. 

The team traveled a total of 1,602 miles, spent 26.5 hours in cars, and held 14 meetings.  

Director Miller added, “I appreciate our staff and partners across the state who participated in these conversations on how we can achieve transformational change and impact even more Ohioans with Disabilities. Stay tuned to learn more as our planning and efforts take shape.” 

** SPECIA NOTE:  OOD Director Miller to Provide Budget Testimony on April 25 -- Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted’s biennial Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 highlights their dedication to making Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.  OOD Director Kevin L. Miller will provide budget testimony to the Senate Health Committee on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. The committee is expected to begin at 9:00 a.m. and end by noon. His testimony will take place toward the beginning of the session. The Ohio Channel will livestream the event. To watch, visit The Ohio Channel and click on the “Senate Health Committee” option when it becomes available. The session will also be made available on-demand following the live broadcast. A link to the archived testimony will be added to OOD website.