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Professional Development

DODD MyLearning


The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities MyLearning platform offers a variety of online learning at no cost for providers, county board staff, and people with developmental disabilities. Register for free here

Several courses have been developed to support Employment First including:

Orientation to Supported Employment- This course introduces the competencies for effective Supported Employment including: history, legislation and funding, roles and rights, career planning, vocational assessment, marketing, job development, job analysis, and job coaching strategies.

Foundations of Employment Services- This course reviews why having a job matters for people with developmental disabilities and how to support them in finding meaningful work. The training covers important laws, helpful services, and ways to create more job opportunities in the community.

Integrated Employment Services- This training introduces integrated employment services, through covering the topics of the Plan, Match, Support model, customized employment, the discovery process, social capital, the elements of job analysis, the role of a job coach, employer engagement, including establishing relationships, keys to successful communication, and best practices.

Engaging Business in the Job Development Process- This course explains how working with employers helps people with developmental disabilities find the right jobs, and shares ways to build strong employer connections for better results.

Engaging Families in the Employment Process- This training explores the vital role families play in the lives of people with developmental disabilities and how service providers can build strong partnerships with them. This training covers strategies for reducing tension, improving communication, and working collaboratively toward shared goals.

Job Development and Customized Employment- This course covers how job development focuses on building relationships with businesses and creating roles that match a job seeker's strengths. This training explains why a personalized approach leads to better, longer-lasting employment for people with developmental disabilities.

Getting to Work: Transportation and Coordination of Supports- This course describes how Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities work together to support the needs of people the agencies support. It also discusses how to find local resources for transportation needs.

Informed Choice and Community Employment- This course reviews how professionals can promote informed choice for transition-age youth and adults by guiding open discussion, sharing information about the benefits of community employment, facilitating experiences that help people understand their employment options, and coordinating employment resources that move a person along their path to community employment.

Employment First Resources- This resource page contains documents, links, and other materials around transformation and building innovative supports around employment, community engagement, and Career Discovery.