Katie Snyder loves helping students with disabilities overcome barriers to employment as a vocational rehabilitation counselor serving students at Ohio University Chillicothe, Ohio University Southern, and Shawnee State University. Through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities’ (OOD) Ohio College2Careers program, Snyder helps students access tools and resources to navigate their academic and career paths.
Snyder became a vocational rehabilitation counselor after a 15-year career as a pre-K special education teacher. Her transition into vocational rehabilitation was fueled by her desire to serve college students and her passion for working with people with disabilities. This shift allowed her to blend her expertise in education with her commitment to empowering students at a critical juncture in their lives.
“I wanted to work with college students,” she said. “Helping them overcome barriers to employment and education is incredibly fulfilling.” This passion drives Snyder to create meaningful relationships with the Ohio University students she serves, ensuring they feel supported and understood as they navigate their unique challenges.
The Ohio College2Careers program, part of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), aims to empower students by providing a range of services from career counseling and assistive technology support to resume building and job placement. The program recognizes that every student’s journey is different and seeks to provide customized solutions to meet their specific needs.
One of the program’s highlights is its ability to adapt and cater to the diverse needs of students. Whether it’s providing assistive technology to support notetaking or offering educational support funds to help pay for tuition, fees, laptops, or books, Ohio College2Careers ensures that each student receives personalized assistance. This individualized approach is essential for fostering an inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and professionally.
Snyder explained that many students may not realize that they are eligible for support from OOD. “It’s not just about physical disabilities,” she said. “We help students with ADHD, mental health conditions, and other health conditions that may be barriers to education.” This broad definition of disability is crucial in reaching out to Ohio University students who might feel isolated or overwhelmed by their circumstances. By understanding that support is available, more students can take proactive steps toward achieving their educational goals.
Looking forward, Snyder hopes to build awareness of the Ohio College2Careers program to ensure all students are informed about the services and support they can access through the program. She envisions a future where every Ohio University student knows that they have the resources available to help them succeed, regardless of the barriers they face.
Students and faculty interested in learning more about the Ohio College2Careers program or seeking support can text or call Katie Snyder at 220-246-2254 or email her at katherine.snyder@ood.ohio.gov. This open line of communication is vital for fostering a supportive community at Ohio University and ensuring that all students feel empowered to pursue their academic and career aspirations.
Any OHIO student with a disability can access services from OOD through the Ohio College2Careers program, which works with students at OHIO and other colleges and universities to ensure students with disabilities have the support they need to complete their degrees and/or credentials, earn higher wages, and meet the demands of tomorrow’s labor market. Snyder’s dedication to this mission is evident in her ongoing efforts to connect with students and provide them with the tools they need to thrive. Through her work, she continues to inspire hope and resilience in those she serves, making a lasting impact on their lives and futures.
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