Buckeyes with Disabilities have multiple options when it comes to careers and accessibility

On Feb. 3, a Disability Services Panel spoke to students at The Ohio State University at Mansfield, sharing their goals of assisting students with current and future employment tips, academic lives and a sense of what belonging in the workplace should mean and feel like.

The panel consisted of representatives from service organizations and employees who have successfully navigated the challenges of job searching.

This panel included Jenn Hughes, a representative from Highland Software, who manages the trainers at Hyland Software in Ohio; Christine Lynch, a social worker at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD); and Kodey Kreglow, an accessibility specialist at Ohio State Mansfield.

The panel also featured Andrea Wittmer, the head librarian at Ohio State Mansfield; Patrick Arnold, a FedEx worker in Ohio; and Chris Sexton, an employee at the Mansfield YMCA. All three of these employees successfully overcame the challenges of job hunting and turned obstacles into opportunities.

Employment Tips and Opportunities

So, what tips and opportunities were shared? Christine shared that Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities aims to “remove barriers” and can help find part-time employment both during and after college.

Christine also mentioned that she works with Disability Services and Career Services, where there are people available to assist with resume writing, interviewing and things of that nature to help students find employment after school. “They work to help you gain access, maintain access, and advance in your access to schooling and employment,” she said.

Christine also shared an interview tip: 

Jenn encouraged job seekers to “dig into” the company's culture. What are their values? Are their reviews positive? How long are the employees staying there? What are their policies? “The more information you get about a company's culture the better! You want them to value everything diversity related,” she said.

Academic and Campus Accommodations

What types of accommodations are offered on Ohio State Mansfield’s campus? Kodey Kreglow assists with a ton of accommodations, ranging from someone's academic career to their campus housing situation.

Some available accommodations include exams, assistive technology, sign language, transcribing, housing, dining and more. Kodey is your go-to person, working with faculty and staff to make your accommodation(s) known.

He’s also a Buckeye Pantry Coordinator. There’s a pantry on campus that students can access, when they have a need for food.

What Should Belonging in the Workplace Look Like?

Jenn believes that “the biggest thing is collaboration and respect.” She added, “You should look forward to going to work because your co-workers respect you and your background.”

Christine ended the panel by saying, “Belonging is a feeling, you should feel like you belong there. Not all disabilities are visible; you should feel respected regardless.”

Helpful Resources

· What is Student Life Disability Services and How to Register: https://mansfield.osu.edu/disability-services 

· What Accommodations does Disability Services Offer: https://slds.osu.edu/

· How does Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Support Your Needs: https://ood.ohio.gov/information-for-individual