Reimagining Employment: Beyond Piece Rate and Sheltered Workspaces

Nick Speaks

Nick Speaks is a podcast dedicated to empowering adults and young people with disabilities. Join me as I share insights and experiences from my own journey of self-discovery and advocacy. Tune in and find your voice!

Reimagining Employment: Beyond Piece Rate and Sheltered Workspaces

S1 E60 • Oct 14, 2025 • 52 mins

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock welcomes Kodey Kreglow, who delves into his journey in disability services and advocacy. Kodey shares his personal connection to the field, challenges in employment for the disabled, and issues like sub-minimum wage. He highlights success stories and the impact on disability employment rates. The discussion emphasizes the role of public speaking, networking, and collaboration with organizations like Best Buddies. Kodey also reflects on his transition to Ohio State Mansfield and stresses the importance of self-advocacy and accommodations in college. He offers advice for students with disabilities entering college.

Key Points

Self-advocacy is crucial for students with disabilities in college, as they must self-disclose their needs to access accommodations.
Employment navigation programs help bridge the gap between education and competitive community employment for individuals with disabilities.
Building a supportive and inclusive community is essential for the success and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

Kodey Kreglow is an Accessibility Specialist at The Ohio State University at Mansfield, where he is dedicated to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments for students with disabilities. Through collaboration with faculty and staff, Kodey works to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full academic potential and experience meaningful personal growth.

His professional background includes roles with the Richland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Crawford County Children Services, and the National Youth Advocate Program—reflecting a career-long commitment to advocacy and support for diverse populations.

Kodey holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Findlay and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Mansfield, continuing his service to the community both inside and outside the classroom.

GET THE BOOK: Trailblazing and Transforming: Success Stories of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities https://amzn.to/4k0mNs4

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Speakers

Kodey Kreglow

Guest • 56%

Nicolas Comstock

Host • 44%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction to self-advocacy in college and guest Kodey Kreglow
1:03	Sponsor: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio
2:31	Kodey Kreglow's background and journey to disability services
6:15	Kodey's personal connection to disability advocacy
9:28	Challenges and responsibilities in employment navigation for the disabled
14:43	Addressing sub minimum wage and sheltered workshops
16:14	Success stories from Kodey's career in employment navigation
20:13	The broader impact of employment navigation on disability employment rates
22:19	Leveraging public speaking and networking in advocacy
24:31	Overcoming frustrations in disability employment navigation
28:43	Reflections on advocacy panels and collaborations with Best Buddies
34:10	Inclusivity lessons and Kodey's transition to Ohio State Mansfield
36:20	Enhancing college experiences with accommodations and services
44:38	The critical role of self-advocacy in higher education
47:04	Addressing housing accommodations on campus
49:50	Final advice for students with disabilities entering college
50:44	Sponsor mention: Columbus Restorative Massage and Wellness Studio

Transcript

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