The Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, OOD has recognized grocery store, Kroger Co. as the 2020 Champion of Inclusion Award winner for their commitment to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workplace, and for being a leader of diversity and inclusion best practices in Ohio.

“Kroger is an exemplar and leader employer of individuals with disabilities,” said OOD Director Kevin Miller, just as October was marked as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“They set an example for other businesses looking to increase diversity and inclusion of Ohioans with disabilities in their workplace.”

Kroger has collaborated with OOD for several years to increase employment opportunities and job retention for people with disabilities throughout its grocery stores and distribution centers in Ohio.

Over the past year, Kroger has hired 217 OOD job seekers. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kroger took the initiative to create accessible communications to ensure the health and safety of its associates with disabilities.

“We thank OOD for acknowledging Kroger’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Tim Massa, Kroger’s senior vice president and chief people officer.

“Across the country, Kroger employs more than half a million associates from different races, cultures, lifestyles, and abilities. Being the leading company in our home state for providing uplifting career opportunities to individuals with disabilities is a prestigious recognition of our inclusive employment practices and dedication to our purpose to Feed the Human Spirit.”

The National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a campaign held every October to celebrate the many contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and raise awareness regarding the employment of people with disabilities.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is leading the state’s efforts across Ohio to promote the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the agency is hosting virtual hiring events to facilitate job interviews for OOD job seekers and employers with available positions.

“Ohio is home to approximately 870,000 working-age individuals who identify as having a disability,” according to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.

“Ensuring that Ohio’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities is vital to our economic recovery,” said Governor DeWine

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