Director Kevin Miller of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) presented a compelling case for the agency's 2026-2027 biannual budget during the Ohio Senate Medicaid Committee meeting on April 29, 2025. Highlighting significant progress in empowering individuals with disabilities, Miller reported a 14.8% increase in services provided, reaching over 42,000 Ohioans in the past year alone.

Miller emphasized the state's commitment to becoming a "disability inclusion state," a designation made by Governor Mike DeWine shortly after taking office. The OOD's initiatives, including vocational rehabilitation and educational support, have shown impressive results, with nearly 60% of program participants remaining employed a year after exiting, placing Ohio ninth nationally. Furthermore, the agency's training programs have led to a remarkable 73.8% of participants achieving measurable skill gains, significantly exceeding the national average.

The budget proposal includes a state investment of $43.9 million, aimed at enhancing employment opportunities and reducing reliance on government benefits. Miller underscored the importance of collaboration with local businesses and educational institutions, noting that OOD has established 214 partnerships to improve accessibility across the state.

In response to questions about federal disability determinations, Miller acknowledged ongoing challenges but reassured committee members that Ohio continues to process claims efficiently, maintaining a decision timeframe of under 100 days. He expressed concerns about potential federal funding uncertainties but remained optimistic about the agency's ability to adapt and support Ohioans with disabilities.

The meeting concluded with a call for support of the proposed budget, which Miller believes will further empower individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and contribute to Ohio's economy.