Ohio Department of Education and Career Development
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) focuses on employment outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities. Career development and resulting adult employment is the single most important goal of education. Many state agencies work together with ODE to support youth to begin their career journey early in life. The OCALI Transition Guideline Series reviews more details on career development during the school years in the guideline, “Transition Planning and the IEP”. Please review this guideline to learn more.
Secondary Transition and Workforce Development for Students with Disabilities
In Ohio, students with disabilities ages 14 or younger, if appropriate, formally enter into the secondary transition planning process. A truly successful transition process is the result of comprehensive planning that is driven by the student’s preferences, interests, needs, and strengths. This comprehensive planning moves students toward successful future outcomes in competitive, integrated employment, education, and independent living.
Below are a few links that review information related to ODE and pre-employment efforts within the school curriculum and through agency partnerships.
Career Connections
Career Connections is a joint initiative among the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, Ohio Board of Regents, OhioMeansJobs and Ohio Department of Education. Career Connections offer practical ways for teachers and school counselors, families and community members to show students, as early as in kindergarten, the types of jobs possible for them.
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Ohio Career Tech refers to high school juniors and seniors enrolled in programs leading to careers in such areas as engineering, construction, health and agriculture. Emphasis is on workforce development to meet the needs of Ohio’s top industries. All Ohio students have access to career technical education. Every Ohio public school district and community school belongs to a Career-Technical Planning District, which provides this programming to students.
Ohio Transition Support Partnership
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are partnering to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities, beginning at age 14 through the OTSP program that increases access to pre-vocational services.
OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal
Ohio high school students can earn recognition by showing they are prepared to contribute to the workplace and their communities. The OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal is a formal designation students can earn on their high school diplomas and transcripts indicating they have the personal strengths, strong work ethic and professional experience that businesses need.