Taskforce
Governor John Kasich officially launched Ohio’s Employment First Initiative when he signed Executive Order 2012-05K on March 19, 2012. The Executive Order established statewide collaboration and coordination by creating the Employment First Taskforce and Advisory Committee and made community employment the preferred outcome for people with developmental disabilities.
The taskforce is charged with expanding community employment opportunities by reducing barriers and aligning state policy. Ohio Employment First taskforce members meet monthly for ongoing communication, collaborative planning, information sharing, and networking.
State Agency Partners
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
Provides support for individuals with disabilities to live, work and participate in their communities. DODD services are accessed through County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (CBDD).
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW)
Provides leadership, assistance and oversight to school districts and other entities that provide differentiated instruction for students with disabilities and gifted students through the Office for exceptional Children. The Department also coordinates 16 regional state support teams. State support teams assist district efforts in the areas of school improvement, preschool and special education.
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)
Assists Ohioans with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain community employment. OOD does this through two areas: Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) and Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI).
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council)
Works to create change that improves independence, productivity, and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. DD Council is part of a national network of state councils committed to self-determination and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.
Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)
Responsible for overseeing all Medicaid programs in Ohio. Medicaid programs provide health care coverage to individuals that meet eligibility requirements.
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS)
Funds evidence-based prevention efforts, quality treatment and recovery supports in communities statewide through a behavioral health system of county boards and local providers.
Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS)
Offers a wide range of assistance including workforce development, unemployment compensation, cash assistance, food assistance, childcare, child and adult protective services, adoption, and child support.
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Supports the state highway system and promotes transportation initiatives statewide.
Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
Offers a range of public health information, tools, and resources geared towards advancing the health and well-being of Ohioans.