David Bruggeman is legally blind, has seizures (wears a helmet when walking), and communication limitations. He lives in his home with roommates in the community, and they receive support from Champaign Residential Services, Inc. (CRSI).

In August 2018, the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Auglaize DD) referred David to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD).  Since David’s sight was quickly diminishing, OOD connected him to the Toledo Sight Center to learn home safety skills, receive training in using a white cane, and become familiar with assistive technology.
 
After learning new skills, David set a goal to work in the community. Working with Jené Frueh, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, David received assistive technology to help overcome disability challenges, especially visual. Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley helped David learn how to navigate his environment and gain skills for independence. We Can Too, which provides vocational habilitation services to people with developmental disabilities, helped David work on skills to prepare to work in the community. David also worked with Amanda Seigle, Auglaize DD Service and Support Administrator, who coordinated services with the team supporting David.

In September 2019, David worked with Bill Dellinger of Capabilities, and after looking for a job for only two months, David landed a part-time job at CJ’s Pizza. His primary duty was folding pizza boxes. After several months on the job, David received job coaching from Dave Grimm of Capabilities to learn expanded job duties, and OOD provided additional orientation and mobility services.

In March 2020, David decided that he would stop working temporarily due to living with others vulnerable to COVID-19. His employer allowed him to take time off and return to work when he was ready.

In June 2020, David decided to return to work, and CJ’s Pizza welcomed him back. Dave Grimm worked with David to ensure he remembered his job duties. To keep David successful on the job, OOD purchased a wireless doorbell so that as needed, he could request assistance from staff working in another room.

“It has been truly an honor to work with David and his amazing team, including Jené, CRSI staff, Auglaize Industries (provides transportation), We Can Too staff, and Dave with Capabilities. David’s case is an example of how everyone looked at his abilities and problem solved together to overcome every barrier to ensure David met his ultimate goal of getting a job in the community,” said Amanda.

“David’s commitment to his job and his work ethic is the reason for his accomplishment, but I’m proud to be a part of the team that helped him get there,” said Jené.
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If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536. 

CRSI is working diligently to ensure that both the individuals we serve and our team are taken care of through these challenging times. 

During this pandemic, we are in dire need of a few items for some of our most vulnerable.

1. Additional Staffing - Browse Our Employment Opportunities
2. Hand Sanitizer
3. Disinfectant Wipes/Disinfectant Spray
4. Forehead Thermometers

 
If you or someone you know has the desire to assist through employment or by sharing items you might have in excess, we would be very grateful. Please Contact Us or call 937-653-1320, pressing 0.

If you are unable to help with any of those needs, please know that we are very appreciative of your thoughts, prayers and support as well. Please help us spread the word by sharing our message.

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) remains dedicated to health and public safety as the department responds to coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
Here are the latest guidance messages and resources from DODD.
 
Guidance
Guidance: COVID-19 Prevention for Intermediate Care Facilities
Guidance: COVID-19 Prevention for Waiver Providers of Multiple Residents in a Single Home
Guidance: COVID-19 Prevention for Individual and Family Home Waiver Settings

As a DSP, you will make a difference in the quality of life for those individuals we support.

Full-time, part-time, and flexible schedules are available.

If you want an opportunity to provide respect, compassion, and emotional support then APPLY HERE.
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