Partnership will recruit and retain individuals with disabilities for Ohio State University careers

The Ohio State University and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) have partnered to place an OOD career specialist exclusively at Ohio State. This will be the first time OOD has embedded an employee within a single organization to focus on enhancing the recruitment and retention of individuals with disabilities and best practices for creating an inclusive workplace environment.

Lucy Muchmore, a current OOD employee and Ohio State alumna, serves in the joint position. She began her new role on April 3. Muchmore will work closely with university leaders and human resource professionals to identify opportunities to enhance the hiring and retention rates of individuals with disabilities.

This joint, full-time position is supported by a three-year grant from the Poses Family Foundation. It formalizes a strong partnership between Ohio State and OOD, and establishes a dedicated resource for Ohioans with disabilities who seek an Ohio State career. Representatives from Ohio State and OOD collaboratively developed this innovative model as part of the grant proposal to the Poses Family Foundation.

“This is a fantastic example of an innovative university and state partnership that will create more career opportunities for Ohioans,” said Alison Mincey, associate vice president in Ohio State’s Office of Human Resources. “Together, Ohio State, OOD and the Poses Family Foundation are piloting a new model to provide better workplace opportunities and experiences for individuals with disabilities.”

OOD Director Kevin Miller says this unique partnership is breaking new ground. “This is an example of how Ohio State, Poses and our agency are leading the way in providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Incorporating one of our OOD vocational rehabilitation counselors into the university will benefit everyone involved by providing new and exciting employment opportunities.”

OOD, the state agency responsible for workforce development and placement of individuals with disabilities, and Ohio State have a rich history and shared commitment of securing university careers for individuals with disabilities. The two organizations also provide training to the Ohio State community on interviewing, hiring and working alongside individuals with disabilities.

The Poses Family Foundation is a New York City–based philanthropic foundation. The foundation puts its greatest focus on the one in five people with learning and attention issues. Believing in the power of collaboration to drive greater and faster progress, PFF works together with other foundations and nonprofits to encourage cross-field thinking and collective action.