#AdvocacyMatters: Informing our Path

October 4, 2024 / #AdvocacyMatters

Our work drives better outcomes when shaped and informed by the real, lived experiences of Ohioans with disabilities. Every year, we survey advocates, allies, experts, and community members to bring the clearest picture of life for Ohioans with disabilities into focus. This feedback is used to develop our organization’s annual Goals and Objectives, guiding our work in the coming year.

This past Tuesday kicked off a new fiscal year for our organization, marking the official beginning of these new Goals & Objectives. Our new goals have been informed by nearly 500 surveys completed by Ohioans with disabilities - including hundreds directly from people living in facility settings - and input from our PAIMI Advisory Council.

• These new goals include pillars like:
• Strengthening and expanding access to community supports and services;
• Increasing positive educational outcomes for students with disabilities;
• Supporting disabled people to participate in advocacy and policymaking to address major, systemic issues that directly impact their lives;
• Promoting equity and increasing positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities to prepare for, enter, and remain in the workplace.

You can read our full list of Goals & Objectives at disabilityrightsohio.org/goals

This new roadmap will help inform and shape our work and allocate our limited resources in the coming year. Of course, none of this work would be possible without the advocates and allies – like you – who speak up, push back, and support our mission across Ohio.

Because #AdvocacyMatters, we know that together this work will move us closer to our ultimate vision: Voices Elevated. People Empowered. Equity Achieved.