#AdvocacyMatters: It Rages On

September 3, 2021 / #AdvocacyMatters

For 19 months, we’ve lived seemingly in limbo. As wave after wave of COVID-19 washed over our communities and across our state, we’ve watched… not knowing what exactly we’re supposed to do. Pundits and talking heads argued breathlessly about who’s to blame, while medicine and science quickly became weaponized as political issues. Dishearteningly, all along the way we’ve known just how disproportionally the pandemic was impacting people with disabilities. Throughout it all, our DRO team has been focused on providing factual data and resources to minimize that impact and help Ohioans with disabilities cope and carry on in this rapidly changing world. With the effects of the pandemic being felt in so many aspects of daily life – from healthcare and education to employment and housing – it’s difficult to know where to start.

Our COVID-19 Resource Center features specialized sections covering many different challenges facing people with disabilities throughout the pandemic. As hospitalizations increase and medical resources become scarce, it’s important to understand your rights in both Healthcare and Hospital Visitation situations. With schools in a constant state of change since the beginning of the pandemic – moving between in person and online learning, and with different rules about masks and social distancing seemingly in every town – our COVID-19 Education and Special Education resources can help ensure your student is receiving the education to which they are entitled. Vaccines are now widely available under three different brand names with different requirements, and our COVID-19 Vaccine sections explains your options and rights surrounding the vaccine.

To be clear: The pandemic isn’t over. Ohio’s new case numbers have reached levels not seen since early January, and the new Delta variant of the virus is spreading rapidly across the country. Our commitment to provide the tools, information, and resources to help Ohioans with disabilities throughout this challenging time remains as strong as ever. We know things are difficult now, but you aren’t alone. Because we believe that #AdvocacyMatters, our team is with you every step of the way.