COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine served as the opening speaker for the first-ever Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo.

The one-day conference, hosted by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), showcased ways to make Ohio’s businesses, communities, venues, and attractions accessible and inclusive for all Ohioans, including Ohioans with disabilities.

“Ohio's strength lies in its people, and we can't afford to leave anyone behind. Accessibility is a mindset that we should always be thinking about, from education and employment to recreation and civic engagement,” said Governor DeWine. “We're grateful for the positive impact individuals with disabilities have had on Ohio's workforce and communities. By breaking down barriers and providing opportunities, we tap into the tremendous potential of all our citizens.”

During his remarks, Governor DeWine discussed the Accessible Ohio initiative. Introduced in the FY2024-2025 state operating budget, Accessible Ohio Specialists offer personalized consultations to local partners to identify barriers, set goals, and provide funding information on ways to enhance accessibility.

“In recent years, businesses, organizations, and venues have come to us to ask how they can be more accessible to all Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “Through Accessible Ohio, our team of specialists provide free guidance to make accessibility a reality for more of our partners in more communities across our state.”

The hands-on approach is another example of Ohio's commitment to becoming a national leader in public accessibility and fostering more inclusive environments statewide, a top priority of the Governor since day one.

Moments after taking office, one of Governor DeWine’s first official actions was signing an executive order making the State of Ohio a Disability Inclusion State and Model Employer of Individuals with Disabilities.

“Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, we are creating meaningful employment opportunities and ensuring that recreational activities are fully accessible, enabling Ohioans with disabilities to thrive in their careers and enjoy all our great state has to offer,” said OOD Director Kevin L. Miller. “This comprehensive approach reflects our commitment to true inclusion and empowerment.”

The Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo featured keynote speaker Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D. A central Ohio native, Dr. Rossetti is an internationally recognized expert in disability inclusion, universal design, and accessibility.

Held at The Ohio State University’s Fawcett Center, the event included additional guest speakers, educational sessions and workshops covering workplace accessibility and inclusive public spaces, an accessibility marketplace, and more.