#AdvocacyMatters: The Totality of our Work

June 25, 2021 / #AdvocacyMatters

As an organization dedicated to advocating for the human, civil, and legal rights of all Ohioans with disabilities, the ultimate mark of our success lies within the impact we have in our communities and the change we affect in the world around us. The essence of DRO is rooted in the empowerment of individuals and communities throughout our state, and sharing their stories and experiences with our allies and supporters is by far the best way to understand the totality of our work.

We are currently working to put the finishing touches on our annual report, and the scale and scope of our accomplishments is astounding. Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, our team fielded more than 6,800 requests for service last year. By responding to requests in all 88 of Ohio’s counties, we ensured our impact was felt from the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River. We performed investigation and monitoring activities at more than 90 different locations, utilizing a unique hybrid of remote and in-person visits.

Looking to grow our reach and amplify our mission, DRO provided training and support at 89 virtual conferences last year. Additionally, we provided comments, testimony, and advocacy to impact 25 different pieces of legislation. By maximizing our outreach and connecting with our community, we are affecting the world around us in ways that could never be accomplished alone.

When viewed this way, the totality of our work becomes clear. These results were only made possible by the dedication of our staff, the steady hand of our leadership, the commitment of our board members, and the unwavering partnership of our allies and supporters. We can’t wait to share the rest of these results with you, because they show just how much #AdvocacyMatters to us.