Governor DeWine Highlights Support for Ohioans with Disabilities in State of the State Address

From left to right: First Lady Fran DeWine, Governor Mike DeWine, Kelsi Weaver, Second Lady Ellen Tressel, and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel following the State of the State address at the Ohio Statehouse on March 12, 2025.

In his State of the State address last week, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the importance of including individuals with disabilities in the state's workforce development. He stressed the role OOD plays in assisting individuals with disabilities to thrive in their careers, benefiting them and enhancing the Ohio economy.

"Let's look now at the Ohioans who we can help seize more opportunities by removing the roadblocks that slow them down. Let's start first with Ohioans with disabilities. We need them on our workforce team," Governor DeWine said in his address.

He highlighted how OOD is a valuable resource for people with disabilities: "Our state agency—Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities—serves Ohioans with disabilities and helps them get and keep jobs. Since the start of our Administration, we have helped almost 32,000 Ohioans with disabilities to reach their goal of employment."

The Governor's focus extends to students with disabilities across Ohio, and he also included a personal message to parents during his remarks: "We want your child to live up to their full potential and to know that we have the services to assist you and your child on a career plan and to achieve their goals."

In a powerful moment for Ohio students with disabilities, Governor DeWine introduced Kelsi Weaver, a former OOD participant who took advantage of the services throughout her journey to employment. Today she lives in Waterville and is a social worker at the Clearwater Council of Governments based in Oak Harbor, Ohio. Through OOD she received the support she needed to complete her college degree and pay it forward with a career focused on helping others.

OOD Director Kevin L. Miller and Kelsi Weaver at the Ohio Statehouse following Governor DeWine’s State of the State address.

Kelsi explained, "It was such an honor to have the Governor share my story, and I'm so blessed to have the opportunity! It's something I'll never forget."

 

We appreciate Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Tressel's commitment to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their full potential.