#AdvocacyMatters: Year in Review
The end of another year brings with it time for gratitude and reflection. In this spirit, we recognize and celebrate some victories in our work before moving into 2025. Read more...
December 20, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Year of Conversations
Late last month, a contingent of advocates, experts, and DRO team members met with legislators and their aides to discuss systemic policy initiatives and inclusion in the decision-making process. Read more...
December 6, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Investing in Tomorrow
We need your help to continue to expand our work in this area to better meet the needs of students and families throughout our state. Read more...
November 22, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Planning for Success
The transition from youth to adulthood can be confusing. For students with disabilities, proper planning can go a long way in supporting a successful transition. Read more...
November 15, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Seeing it through
At the end of another election cycle, we’re proud to share our team’s work to advocate for equal access to the voting process. Read more...
November 8, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Preparing for the Polls
Election Day is almost here, and between the political ads, shifting rules, and extra noise, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Read more...
November 1, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Celebrating Empowerment
“Day in and day out we see so much incredible potential represented by individuals with disabilities who seek access to education or training or a workplace accommodation.” Read more...
October 25, 2024Read More
#VoterBlog: Two Weeks Away
The November 5th general election is just 2 weeks away, and your path to a successful voting experience starts by planning and preparing now. Read more...
October 22, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote
The November 5th General Election is just over 2 weeks away. No matter how you plan to participate, the path to a successful voting experience starts now. Read more...
October 18, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Supporting Your Voting Rights
All the work that we do each day outside of our elections is important work, but none truly matter without your voice. Read more...
October 11, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Informing our Path
Our work drives better outcomes when shaped and informed by the real, lived experiences of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
October 4, 2024Read More
#VoterBlog: Plan Your Vote
The November 5th general election is just 5 weeks away, and your path to a successful voting experience starts by planning your vote now. Use this rundown to help #PlanYourVote. Read more...
October 1, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Reflecting
While every day and every week bring new challenges and new victories, this past week has certainly kept us busy. Read more...
September 27, 2024Read More
DRO Files Class Action Lawsuit Against the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) took another step in its continued fight to enforce the rights of parents and students with disabilities at Warren County Educational Service Center Read more...
September 23, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Make a Splash
Each duck on the water is more than just a chance at prizes… every duck bobbing down the river represents an investment into the work our team does all across Ohio each and every day. Read more...
September 20, 2024Read More
Disability Rights Ohio’s PAIMI Advisory Council
15 member PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC), governed by a set of Operating Standards, advises DRO on priorities and issues important to people receiving mental health services in our state. Read more...
September 11, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote
An equitable society will not be achieved until the opportunity to vote is truly accessible to every individual. Read more...
September 6, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Building Equity in the Classroom
Increasing access and improving outcomes for students with disabilities are pivotal and foundational parts of our work. Read more...
August 30, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Dive In
The work we do - and the needs of people with disabilities all across Ohio - far outpaces the federal grant funding that supports our mission. Read more...
August 23, 2024Read More
DRO to host 4th annual Duck Derby
On Wednesday, September 25th, Disability Rights Ohio will be hosting our 4th annual Duck Derby fundraiser - and we need you to help make it a success! Read more...
August 21, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Sharing Our Work
Our work is complex, but its importance is often best explained by the dedicated individuals who spend their time building towards our ultimate vision. Read more...
August 16, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Are you ready?
Bright futures tomorrow start with educational access today, and our vision of a truly equitable society for people with disabilities won’t be possible until each student receives the resources, tools, and accommodations to learn successfully. Read more...
August 9, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Encontrarte Donde Estés (Meeting You Where You Are)
En todo lo que hacemos en DRO, intentamos proporcionar recursos que se adapten a las personas en su situación actual. Read more...
August 2, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: An Anniversary and Ableism
When accessibility tools and accommodations are weaponized as part of our political discourse, it signals to those living with a disability that their participation and the value of their voice is less important. Read more...
July 26, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Elevating Pride
Empowering and elevating the voices and lived experiences of people with disabilities all across Ohio is at the very center of our work. Read more...
July 19, 2024Read More
Criminalization Over Compassion
Late last month, the US Supreme Court issued a landmark decision on homelessness, opening the door for cities and states to criminalize sleeping outside. Read more...
July 12, 2024Read More
Admissions suspended at Youngstown's Youth Intensive Services, weeks after DRO investigative report
Last week, a month after DRO's investigative report was made public, OhioMHAS suspended admissions to YIS, effective immediately. Read more...
July 2, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Story of Our Work
At the core of what we do - in our work all across Ohio - two themes are run throughout: Equity and Empowerment. Read more...
June 28, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Raise Your Voice
Next week, we’re proud to be partnering with the ACLU of Ohio to host a Columbus Safety Collective Community Conversation, where attendees will be able to share their thoughts on community safety and discuss alternatives to policing in crisis situations. Read more...
June 21, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Is This Thing On?
The stories we tell and the ways we reach out really matter. No matter what language you speak, what zip code you have, or what your favorite family meal may be, it matters to all of us to be fully seen. We are striving to serve the people in our... Read more...
June 14, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Shaping Our Future
Our vision of an equitable Ohio is rooted in the real, lived experiences of disabled people all across the state and throughout the communities we serve. Read more...
June 7, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Calls for Help, Unanswered
“We were truly appalled by the issues exposed through our inquiry and we consistently reported our findings to OhioMHAS and YIS.” Read more...
May 31, 2024Read More
DRO launches 2025 Goals and Objectives Survey
DRO has launched their 2025 Goals and Objectives Survey, gathering input and information that will inform, improve, and shape the organization's work in the coming year. Read more...
May 30, 2024Read More
Disability Rights Ohio Concludes 16-month Investigation into Youth Intensive Services
Disability Rights Ohio releases the results of a 16-month investigation into Youngstown's Youth Intensive Services. Read more...
May 28, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: In The Spotlight
We’re always looking to grow our work and expand our reach, even in unusual ways. Read more...
May 17, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Clearest Picture
Our work is most effective when focused on and rooted in the real lived experiences of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
May 10, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Continuing the Discussion
Throughout 2024, we’ve met with legislators and legislative staffers at the Ohio Statehouse to share our work, host discussions about our advocacy, and answer questions about our organization. Read more...
May 3, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Importance of Support
Being able to bring our work and mission into communities across Ohio is central to realizing an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities, but it doesn’t happen on its own. Read more...
April 26, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Empowering through Education
For the last several years, DRO has partnered with Abdnour Weiker, LLP (AW law) and the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) to provide a Free Education Legal Clinic series for parents and guardians of children with disabilities. Read more...
April 19, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Leading the Discussion
Earlier this year, we began hosting sessions with members of the Ohio legislature and their staff members to better understand our organization and the work that we do. Read more...
April 12, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Comedy for a Cause
Connecting with communities and engaging with supporters is pivotal to expanding our reach and realizing our vision all across Ohio. Read more...
April 5, 2024Read More
DRO to host "Don't Call It Standup" Comedy Fundraiser
On Saturday, May 4th, Disability Rights Ohio will be hosting its second-ever "DON'T CALL IT STANDUP" comedy fundraiser. Read more...
April 3, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: LEAP Forward
The room was filled to the brim with legislative staff and people with disabilities. Read more...
March 29, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Beyond the Back and Forth
Beyond all this back-and-forth, at the root of this issue is a group of young people who have been deprived of educational opportunities for far too long. Read more...
March 22, 2024Read More
DRO Files Motion to Intervene in the Warren County Educational Service Center Lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Action is the latest in ongoing legal dispute to protect students’ rights and ensure that parents are kept informed and can pursue remedies if unhappy with services provided Read more...
March 20, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Election Resources Round Up
Sometimes election day can feel like boating on rough waters, but we want your voting experience to be nothing but smooth sailing. Read more...
March 15, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Explaining and Understanding
Earlier this year, we began hosting sessions with members of the Ohio legislature and their staff members to better understand our organization and the work that we do. Read more...
March 8, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote
With less than three weeks to go until Ohio’s March 19th primary election, the path to a successful voting experience starts now! Read more...
March 1, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: En Español
When you want to reach communities where they are, the best way to do that is to make sure those communities feel comfortable. Read more...
February 23, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Withholding Opportunities, Denying Transparency
"We do not condone ODEW’s handling of the situation and working behind closed doors to halt and reconsider the recommendation the agency itself endorsed." Read more...
February 16, 2024Read More
ALERT: DRO Files Due Process Complaint Against Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
The complaint outlines how ODEW, working with Warren County ESC, and the involved school districts violated state complaint procedures, the Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), and Ohio’s established operating standards for children with disabilities. Read more...
February 14, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Another Chance to be Heard
Civic engagement is a critical component to achieving an equitable society. Read more...
February 9, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Town Hall for All
We are holding firm to what has worked in our advocacy - meeting disabled Ohioans where they are. Read more...
February 2, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Bringing Awareness to Power
State legislation directly impacts our efforts to provide resources and support for Ohioans with disabilities. By connecting with legislators, we can increase awareness of our advocacy work, and in turn, reach individuals in communities that are otherwise limited in disability rights-related resources. Read more...
January 26, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Reflecting Our Community
Ohio - all 40,800 square miles of it - is incredibly diverse. Read more...
January 19, 2024Read More
NEWS: Court Awards Back Pay to Ohioans with Disabilities Paid Lower Wages
A federal judge this month affirmed a 2016 federal administrative finding that three Ohioans with disabilities should get back pay and damages to make up for the subminimum wage they were paid in a sheltered workshop. Read more...
January 18, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Worthy of a Fair Wage
We cannot approach true equity in a society where one’s disability can be used to deny them a fair wage. Read more...
January 12, 2024Read More
Court Ruling Affirms Decision Awarding Back Pay and Liquidated Damages to Individuals Who Were Unlawfully Paid Less Than Minimum Wage
"This court action is a clear victory for those working to reverse subminimum wage, and affirms our belief that having a disability does not make one unworthy of fair pay." Read more...
January 9, 2024Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Turn The Page
As we prepare to flip our calendars to a new year, it’s important that we pause, reflect, and appreciate the advocacy that carried us through 2023. Read more...
December 22, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Count Us In
Communities found at the fringe of society are often kept there by a lack of understanding of their needs and awareness of their existence. Read more...
December 15, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Dreaming of an Equitable Tomorrow
To welcome the new year, we are hoping to raise $24,000 before the calendar turns over. Even a small donation from you, if you’re able, can help us make these dreams of an equitable tomorrow a reality. Read more...
December 8, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Connecting to Communities
Our advocacy and resources are only effective when they reach those who need them. Read more...
December 1, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Calling For Change
This past Monday we stood with our allies outside Columbus City Council and called for the city’s leaders to deliver on their promises. Read more...
November 17, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Envisioning Equity
As we race towards the end of another year, we’re pausing to reflect and focus on the core of our mission: Envisioning Equity. Read more...
November 9, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: One Call Away
Election day, and the days right before it, can be a stressful time for Ohioans with disabilities. In Ohio, new voter ID laws, changes to curbside voting, and shortened absentee ballot timelines may cause significant barriers for voters in our state. We want to take some time today to lay... Read more...
November 3, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote
A truly equitable society cannot be achieved without the opportunity to vote being accessible to every individual. Read more...
October 27, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Engaging Our Community
As only the second ever person in her role, our new Community Engagement Coordinator (CEC), Brittanie Maddox, has hit the ground running. Read more...
October 20, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Celebrating Opportunities
October is recognized as Disability Employment Empowerment Month, a time to celebrate “the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees.” Read more...
October 13, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Refreshed Roadmap
Our work is most effective when it’s shaped and informed by the real, lived experiences of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
October 6, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: CAP Celebrates
Earlier this week, one of our most impactful programs hit its golden anniversary " 50 years. Read more...
September 29, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Modernizing a Legacy
This summer, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to update section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Read more...
September 22, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Rubber Ducks, Real Impact
More importantly, this event reinforced our commitment to reach directly into and engage with the communities we serve. Read more...
September 15, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: From The Starting Line
In just a few days, hundreds of rubber ducks will be turned loose on the mighty Muskingum River near Marietta, bobbing their way down to the Ohio River. Read more...
September 8, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Independence through Employment
Independence is a key component of an equitable society, and only when people have access to the tools and resources necessary to live, work, learn, and go where and how they choose can true equity come into focus. Read more...
September 1, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Making Connections
Our advocacy, our support, and our resources are only effective when they reach the communities and individuals who need them. Read more...
August 18, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Ferocity
Being fierce advocates - whether in working with an individual client or working on policy initiatives that impact every disabled Ohioan - can be challenging, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding. Read more...
August 11, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote
Voting is just one of many ways to advocate for a better future for us all. Vote today for a better tomorrow! Read more...
August 4, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Diving In
With a mission and ambitions that can often outpace our federal funding, creativity is key in raising the funds necessary to amplify our work and expand our reach across the state. Read more...
July 28, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: What Students Deserve
These completely free workshops are designed to help guardians and educators come to a deeper understanding of how they can make school best for their children and students. Each session will be held online and will feature a Q&A segment. Read more...
July 21, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Informing, Improving
Over the last several weeks, we’ve been collecting information from all across Ohio through our annual Goals & Objectives survey. Read more...
July 14, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Proud
July is Disability Pride Month " a time to celebrate the rights and achievements of disabled people; aiming to shift the narrative around disabilities from one of social stigma and ableist misconceptions to one of pride, acceptance, empowerment, and self-advocacy. July was chosen to align with the anniversary of the... Read more...
July 7, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote
A truly equitable society for people with disabilities won’t be possible until they have equal access and opportunities to participate in civil engagement. Read more...
June 30, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: How Free?
“Freedom” - the word - is something that is found everywhere, especially this time of year. From patriotic messages in the media to star-spangled t-shirts and bumper stickers, “freedom” as a part of our national brand is inescapable. Read more...
June 23, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Rooted in the Real
Our work is rooted in the real, lived experiences of disabled Ohioans across the state and throughout the communities we serve. Read more...
June 16, 2023Read More
DRO Launches 2024 Goals & Objectives Survey
Disability Rights Ohio has launched their 2024 Goals and Objectives Survey, gathering input and information that will inform, improve, and shape the organization's work in the coming year. Read more...
June 15, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Connecting Truth to Power
In the month of May alone, Alicia hosted three in person events and two virtual events for Dear Ohio Legislators events all around the state, where over 70 people were present to write to their legislators and come together in community action. Read more...
June 2, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: From The Top
Our mission, our vision, and our drive is rooted in the real, lived experiences of disabled Ohioans. Read more...
May 26, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Make Support a Career
Change never happens without people brave enough to act, and here at Disability Rights Ohio, we are committed to empowering people to make a difference. We have three exciting positions open for passionate, driven people who want to take a step in the direction of a fulfilling vision. Read more...
May 19, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A More Complete Picture
For our vision to ultimately become a reality, our work must remain rooted in the real, lived experiences of people with disabilities across Ohio. Read more...
May 12, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Small Victories, Senate Strides
In the Senate, you still have time to testify. On May 11th, the Senate Medicaid Committee is planning on accepting testimony. Even though the dates are unconfirmed, we anticipate the Senate Health Committee will be accepting public testimony on May 10th or 11th. Read more...
May 5, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Plan Your Vote
We’ve been trying to reach you about your….voting rights! Ohio’s newest election law, HB 458, makes voting harder for many Ohioans, especially those with disabilities. This new law limits they kind of ID you can use to vote and changed important deadlines for absentee voting. These changes create additional barriers... Read more...
April 28, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Elevated and Empowered
“Transformative work often happens in incremental moments.” Read more...
April 21, 2023Read More
Elevated and Empowered: Our 2022 Annual Report
With a sweeping new set of values created to best represent who we are and what we stand for, the organization is poised to be more effective and more impactful in addressing the needs of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
April 19, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Change Wages, Change Lives
Throughout this budget season, we rallied alongside disabled advocates in our community to highlight the need for lawmakers to #BudgetWithCare. The outpouring of support from the Ohio disability community and their supporters has created a united front calling for real solutions to the direct care workforce crisis. Read more...
April 14, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: New Vision, Familiar Face
While our work is informed and shaped though surveys and input from the communities we serve, it only comes about through the expertise and investment of our team. Read more...
April 7, 2023Read More
DRO Names Suzanne Musleh Legal Advocacy Director
Musleh, a veteran attorney, will lead a team of professionals dedicated to ensuring the highest quality legal representation for Ohioans with disabilities Read more...
April 5, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Doing More
Our work comes about in many ways. Read more...
March 31, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: More Than an Icon
“Until institutions were forced to accommodate us, we would remain locked out and invisible. And as long as we were locked out and invisible, no one would see our true force and would dismiss us.” Read more...
March 24, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Budgeting with Care
“Take four seconds and put your hand over your chest. Can you feel your heart beating? As I mentioned before, disability is only community you can join at any time. We too, those with disabilities, are human beings with a heartbeat, and without your investment in provider wages more people... Read more...
March 17, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Color of Justice
Discussing these issues is often uncomfortable, quieting conversations long before meaningful solutions can be identified. Read more...
March 10, 2023Read More
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