State Programs For Disabled Ohioans Could Lose Millions Over Contractors

Programs for disabled Ohioans could lose 30 million dollars due to a dispute between federal and state officials over whether Ohio is complying with federal requirements for such programs. The dispute between the state's disabilities agency and the U.S. Department of Education involves spending by third-party contractors. A routine audit this year concluded the state was improperly using federal funds and some services performed by contractors did not benefit disabled clients. The October finding gave Ohio a month to terminate contracts. The director of the state's Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities office says Ohio is in compliance with federal requirements.