In an effort to open employment doors for disabled individuals and to safeguard the Ohio minimum wage laws, the Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce (ODOC) may permit individuals whose earning capacity is impaired by physical or mental deficiencies or injuries to work for lower than the applicable minimum wages.

This is done by means of obtaining one of the following types of licenses:
Work Activity Center Program
Sheltered Workshop Program
On-The-Job Training Temporary Individual
Individual Regular Business or Industry
Individual Program Rate in a Facility


The ODOC Director, pursuant to section 4111.06, may authorize a special license for payment of less than the applicable minimum wage rate at wages which are commensurate with those paid non-disabled workers for the same type, quality, and quantity of work performed.

Applications for licenses may be copied from this site (link here) and must be returned to:
Ohio Department of Commerce, Wage and Hour Bureau,
77 South High Street, 22nd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215, (614) 644-2239

There is a great untapped reservoir of people in our state -- people who can work and want jobs. Physically and mentally disabled individuals have much to offer Ohio employers.

The above is a summary of section 4111.06. This summary does not include all of the requirements to obtain a handicapped license. Individuals should refer to Chapter 4111 for the specific requirements applicable to them for a particular type of license or contact the Ohio Department of Commerce, Wage and Hour Division. Information on this site is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed. The State of Ohio disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions.