TAKE ACTION: Protect Disability Rights Ohio's Independence
May 21, 2019 / legislation
call or email your state senator now
Ohio's budget is meant to make funding decisions, but instead, legislators decided to include a provision that retaliates against and intimidates DRO for its effective pursuit of the rights of people with disabilities. We work to protect those rights, including the right to live free of abuse and neglect, but now we need your help to maintain our independence and ability to do that work without the state interfering!
The language in the bill creates a new joint legislative committee that every two years would examine if a new entity should be designated as the state's protection and advocacy system (P&A). DRO has held the designation as Ohio's P&A since 1980, even as we transitioned out of state government in 2012 to be more independent. Federal law is clear: only the Governor has the authority to make the designation under the close watch of federal authorities. It does not give the Ohio General Assembly any power in this area.
State P&As were established across the country after investigations into state institutions found horrible conditions at Willowbrook in New York, and Orient and Apple Creek in Ohio. Congress was determined that these types of violations should never happen again. P&As are meant to be an independent and vital protection against abuse and neglect against some of our country's most vulnerable citizens.
Congress designed these systems to operate independently from the State in attempt to avoid unfair pressure just like this proposal.
This provision has already passed the Ohio House. DRO and several supporters provided testimony on May 16, asking the Senate to remove the language from the bill. Read those testimonies:
- Michael Kirkman, Executive Director of Disability Rights Ohio
- Walter Asbury, Chair of DRO's PAIMI Advisory Council
- Sue Willis, Member of DRO's Board of Directors
- Shelbi Hindel, DRO client
- Rebecca Syner, Mother of DRO client Sarah Syner
As state Senators consider amendments to their budget bill, we need you to tell them that now is the time to remove it. The amended bill is expected to be released next week, with a vote soon after.
Call or email your state Senator to send a strong message. You can use the scripts below as a starting point or craft your own. Your personal stories are powerful, so be sure to share them.
What to say when you call
My name is _____ and I am calling as your constituent to ask you to please remove section 5123.603 in the state budget because it could profoundly harm the rights of people with disabilities in Ohio.
Disability Rights Ohio is a private nonprofit corporation that receives no state dollars. No other private advocacy or legal organization is subject to this type of review. In fact, DRO already reports to federal regulators. It was the intent of Congress when they created organizations like DRO nearly 40 years ago that they be free from unfair state pressure.
DRO helps elevate the voice of self-advocates and gives individuals and organizations a resource they need to be effective in their advocacy. They have helped me with [insert your story].
I urge you to support people with disabilities and ask you to eliminate this damaging provision from the state budget.
Thank you,
[Your name]
What to say when you email
As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to please remove section 5123.603 in the state budget that creates senseless legislative oversight of a private nonprofit corporation, Disability Rights Ohio.
Disability Rights Ohio is an independent organization designated by the governor, regulated by federal law as the Protection and Advocacy system and Client Assistance Program in Ohio to investigate instances of abuse and neglect and to protect the rights of people with disabilities. No other private advocacy or legal organization is subject to this type of review.
DRO helps elevate the voice of self-advocates and gives individuals and organizations a resource they need to be effective in their advocacy. They have helped me fight for my rights as a person with disabilities / family member by [insert your story].
Disability Rights Ohio has been an invaluable organization fighting for my rights and those across Ohio. People with disabilities deserve an independent voice to uphold laws and fight against discrimination, without retaliation.
I urge you to support people with disabilities and ask you to eliminate this damaging provision from the state budget.
Thank you,
[Insert your name]
[insert your address]
Thank you for your support of the critical work we do.