Submitted by Ruth Montz, montz.11@osu.edu
Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) has announced The Ohio State University & The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center as the 2022 Governor’s Inclusive Employer Award winners for their commitment to individuals with disabilities in the workplace and being leaders of diversity and inclusion best practices in Ohio.
Moments after taking the oath of office, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-03D, which established Ohio as a Disability Inclusion State and a Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities. To reinforce his commitment to Ohioans with disabilities, H.B. 110 included presenting an award during October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to employers who meet the criteria for having a workplace inclusive of individuals with disabilities.
“Congratulations to The Ohio State University & The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. From their hiring practices to training opportunities, and from workplace supports to their marketing and communications materials, the university and the medical center are keeping their commitment to Ohioans with disabilities,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
“Ohioans with disabilities make excellent employees,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “Here in Ohio, we are creating jobs faster than we can find people to fill them, and leveraging this untapped talent pool is a winning strategy for businesses to ensure they have the workforce they need. I congratulate The Ohio State University & The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center on taking the proactive initiative that made them worthy of this important recognition.”
Ohio State demonstrated a clear commitment to building and maintaining a community that reflects diversity and improves opportunities for all, including all qualified individuals with disabilities. Each year, Ohio State provides numerous training opportunities to staff on topics related to disability etiquette, awareness, and inclusion. This commitment to disability inclusion begins at the first step of Ohio State’s hiring process. Information on the reasonable accommodation process is provided in each job posting, reviewed during onboarding, and is readily available to current employees who may have a need for an accommodation. Ohio State is committed to showing images of individuals with disabilities in their marketing and communications materials to “create accessible experiences where any Buckeye can envision themselves working”.