#AdvocacyMatters: Sharing Our Work

August 16, 2024 / #AdvocacyMatters

Throughout this year, we’ve hosted meetings with legislators and legislative staffers at the Ohio Statehouse to share our work and answer questions about our organization. Sessions so far have covered impactful topics like our investigation and monitoring activities at facilities throughout the state, systemic barriers preventing Ohioans with disabilities from being full and equal members of their communities, the state’s mental health service systems, and inequity in education. These forums have generated substantive conversations and an elevated understanding of our role as Ohio’s Protection & Advocacy System (P&A) for people with disabilities.

This summer we hosted additional sessions at the statehouse, with presentations and discussions led by our Social Security, Short Term Assistance, and Intake teams. While the work these teams do covers a broad range of topics, their direct interaction with clients and outcome-driven results helps maintain the “front door” of our organization.

“Some of my team has not done any outreach for the program before so they were all happy to be able to explain their job and how they help others,” shared Kara Myers, SSA Team Leader. “Answering questions from the legislative staffers renewed their pride in their jobs.”

Intake Team Leader John Ramsey reflected that the session “was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to share how we all work together as a team for the clients we serve.”

Our work is complex, but its importance is often best explained by the dedicated individuals who spend their time building towards our ultimate vision. By sharing the story of our work with those in positions of power, we hope to open a bridge where the voices of disabled Ohioans are truly elevated.

#AdvocacyMatters