Employment Supports

Employment is a goal for many people, including those with developmental disabilities. And many businesses have found that hiring people with developmental disabilities is extremely beneficial for their culture, as well as their bottom line.

The Miami County community offers a variety of careers for people with developmental disabilities to explore. In accordance with the Employment First program and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), our objective is to help the people we serve obtain and keep meaningful jobs in our community. We value our partnerships with local businesses, as well as employment service provider partners, and do what we can to ensure those we serve are successful in their employment journeys.

MCBDD has 2 dedicated Employment Navigators, who specialize in helping job seekers with developmental disabilities access the funding and services they need in order to succeed. There are many paths to employment, and each person’s journey is unique. Below are some options our Employment Navigators tap into to assist those we serve along their way.

Disability Employment Awareness

Training & Support

We partner with state agencies like Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and local service providers to create meaningful experiences for everyone. Job coaches from our provider partners ensure the people we serve have the training and support they need to meet their responsibilities and grow as an employee.

Career Planning
Career Planning helps people find jobs in the community and includes activities like job development, career discovery, interview preparation, self-employment and more.
Vocational Habilitation
Vocational Habilitation provides learning and work experiences, including volunteer work, that lead to integrated employment.
Group Employment Support
Group Employment Support gives people the chance to learn new skills, including learning to work with others, be on time, have a work-ready appearance, and more.
Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)
From Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), YLF is a 5-day career training program for high school juniors and seniors.
Explore

The Explore Program at the Upper Valley Career Center is a unique opportunity designed to help students experience different careers through the career technical programs offered through the school. The goal is to help facilitate each student’s ability to secure employment that suits them. Continued career pathways may include entry into a Career-Technical Program offered at Upper Valley Career Center, LAUNCH, or direct and supported job placement.

Growing Network
We continuously work with local employers to expand employment options for the people we serve. With a growing network of employment partners, we help find meaningful jobs for those we serve. We are proud to partner with Miami County businesses who recognize that hiring people with developmental disabilities is good for business.
Disability: IN Ohio
A peer-to-peer network of Ohio employers committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Disability:IN Ohio provides employers with information and resources to support their disability initiatives. They also offer networking events, employer-focused training and webinars.
Employer Toolkit

OOD's guide to help recruit, hire and retain workers with disabilities. People with disabilities are dedicated, conscientious and productive workers. This guide from OOD covers inclusive employment practices, tax incentives for hiring people with disabilities and more.

If you are interested in learning more about employment supports through the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities, speak to your SSA or contact us for more information.

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