#AdvocacyMatters: An Investment in Change
In encounters with police, the intersection of race and disability all too often ends in tragedy. Read more...
February 10, 2023Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Jynette's Story
So, now I am at my wits end with all of this, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t receive the care I need, or the help to be able to figure it all out. Read more...
February 8, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Care in Crisis
Without direct care, people are at risk of serious injury, death, or being forced into institutional settings. Read more...
February 3, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Opportunities Withheld
In any set of circumstances, navigating the systems and procedures of special education can be an overwhelming experience. Read more...
January 27, 2023Read More
Investigation Finds Multiple Violations of Special Education Law at Warren County Educational Services Center
New report cites numerous violations of the rights of students at the county’s Educational Service Center and recommends comprehensive corrective measures Read more...
January 25, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Equipping Advocates
Equipping advocates to be their most effective amplifies our shared ideals, bringing the vision of an equitable society one step closer to reality. Read more...
January 20, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Building Bridges
Throughout the year, some of our most impactful events are the ones that further connect the Ohio disability community with their legislators. Read more...
January 13, 2023Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: 2022 Wrapped
As we move forward into 2023, we can’t wait to see what new genres of disability justice we have in store. Read more...
December 16, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Victory for One, Victory for All
Education should be for everyone, including disabled Ohioans like Hunter. Our #AdvocacyMatters to the Hunters of the world, who can better fight for their individual needs in light of this decision. Read more...
December 9, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: On Connecting and Understanding
Continuing to create opportunities like these will help build relationships, successfully advocate, and achieve a deeper level of understanding… impacting and informing policy, and shaping a more equitable future. #AdvocacyMatters Read more...
December 2, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Vicki's Story
Ultimately, Vicki asks for her situation to not go unnoticed and for those in charge to address the problems within the current care system and workforce crisis. “I’d be fine if I got the help I was supposed to get...they need to listen to what I want, what I need,”... Read more...
November 30, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: More to be thankful for
With the giving season in full swing, we’re proud of all that we’ve accomplished this year. Read more...
November 18, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Maria's Story
I have been my own advocate, as well as an advocate for individuals with disabilities across the nation, my entire life. If these programs were not in place, individuals with disabilities would be forced into institutions with no chance of ever leading a fulfilling life. Read more...
November 17, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Virtual barriers, Real-world Implications
In the wake of billionaire Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, members of the company’s Accessibility Experience and Human Rights teams reported that both had been disbanded and their employees fired. Read more...
November 11, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Policing Alternatives and Disability Justice
"Police violence disproportionately impacts individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and we know that a person’s disability, particularly a psychiatric disability, also increases the likelihood of harm occurring." Read more...
November 4, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Marcus and Cindy
Cindy is defeated and depressed and feels that she has been put in a room to die, all because of a lack of home health aides and a lack of aides in the nursing home itself. I think the entire system for elderly care is broken. Read more...
November 2, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Our Duty
Recently, Kyle and DRO Legal Advocacy Director Kevin Truitt joined the Ohio DD Talks Podcast to discuss voter outreach and share information and resources on the upcoming November 8th election, for which early voting has already begun. Read more...
October 28, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Our State, Our Mission
The work that we do… our advocacy, our resources, our outreach… touches every corner of Ohio: From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, across the broad plains and through the rolling hills. Read more...
October 21, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Plan Your Vote
A truly equitable society cannot be achieved without the opportunity to vote being accessible to every individual Read more...
October 14, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Allie's Perspective
Despite the challenges of the direct care work crisis, Allie feels lucky: she recognizes her privilege compared to others with less support, access, or income. Read more...
October 12, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Coming into focus
The breadth and depth of our work can make it difficult at times to explain exactly what Disability Rights Ohio does. Read more...
October 7, 2022Read More
Disability Rights Ohio adopts new Mission, Vision, and Values
The Disability Rights Ohio Board of Directors recently approved and adopted new mission, vision, and values statements. Read more...
October 6, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Allie's Story
Domestic Violence Survivors with disabilities face enormous hurdles to access care. Read more...
October 5, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Listening and Learning
Our work is most effective when it’s shaped and informed by the real, lived experiences of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
September 30, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Julie's Story
“The staffing crisis didn’t stop, it’s worse now that we’re not in service.” Read more...
September 28, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Education for Everyone
To support Ohio parents, DRO will continue to provide Special Education Legal Clinics in partnership with Albeit-Weiker LLP and the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities. Read more...
September 23, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: BC's story
“My goal was for him to live independently, be employed, and have community connections... And that has not worked out very well. It’s been a very long road.” Read more...
September 21, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: On Location
Connecting directly with the communities we serve is the only way for our bold vision to come to life… rooted in the real, lived experiences of people with disabilities across Ohio. Read more...
September 16, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Real Wages for Real Work
The rights enjoyed by the majority should be enjoyed by all… and one of these most basic rights is receiving a fair wage for work completed. Read more...
September 9, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Staying Connected
Our work is only effective if firmly rooted in the realities and lived experiences of the communities we serve. Read more...
September 2, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Latisha's Story
Today, Latisha receives daily living, transportation, and financial support from her direct care workers. In order to receive all the care she needs, there must be available staff that can assist her. She enjoys living independently because it offers her the freedom to go where she wants. Moreover, it allows... Read more...
September 1, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Face to Face
In the complex world of advocacy, one of the biggest challenges can be making direct connections with those who wield the power to shape policy. Read more...
August 26, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Luke and Heather
Even if Luke was able to get his 5 hours of care consistently covered, Heather feels it wouldn’t be enough. Heather’s relentless advocacy has increased Luke’s care to 10 hours per week, but she feels frustrated that the officials who are determining what Luke needs are not the people that... Read more...
August 25, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Making A Splash
Connecting directly with communities across Ohio is a pivotal part of bringing our mission to life. Read more...
August 19, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Christine's Story
Currently, she has not had an aide since March 2022. “Basically, my mom has been my aide… and it’s really hard on her because she is in her sixties. It is not easy for her to do this stuff and she basically has to do it all by herself,” notes Christine. Read more...
August 15, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: [ to OVERCOME ]
“Being able to turn the page on an incredibly challenging year and still share success stories like these is a remarkable accomplishment,” Sjoberg continues. “With the promise of a new year, new advocacy, and new challenges ahead, we can’t wait to see what’s in store.” Read more...
August 12, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Cara and Corey
Cara wishes that people understood the impact of having direct care workers coming and going on the people they are caring for as well as their families. She describes it as a strange experience to have someone constantly in your home that you don’t know. She also highlights the impact... Read more...
August 8, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Ask An Advocate
Oftentimes, access to story-sharing takes a route not travelable by disabled advocates, leaving a space with stories left untold. With inspiration from recorded oral history like the stories of Clevelanders captured by John Leoni, and produced by Linking Employment Abilities and Potential (LEAP), Alexia set forward with a specific vision... Read more...
August 5, 2022Read More
Update: Notice of Data Breach
We are writing to tell you about a data security breach with the e-mail system at Disability Rights Ohio. The data security breach may have included your personal information. DRO takes the protection and proper use of your information very seriously. We are contacting you to explain what happened and... Read more...
August 1, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Everyone Deserves Care
Equal access to care is a critical and essential component of a truly equitable society. Read more...
July 29, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: JW's Story
Without intentional change, JW and others like her will continue to lose their freedom, including their ability to live independent and productive lives. JW wants to live like every other adult. “I enjoy doing what every other 35-year-old does. I just need a bit of help.” Read more...
July 27, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Vision of Change
“This moment demands more. It requires a bold vision that truly invests in evidence-based interventions that address the demands of our community.” Read more...
July 22, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Daniella and Roxanne
“To have a field where there are no benefits and no good compensation and to expect that people will work in that field and do a good job is a huge hindrance to both the people with disabilities and the people who want to help people with disabilities,” Read more...
July 21, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Page by page
Our mission of a truly equitable society requires accessibility as a foundational principle, and this is an area we are constantly striving to improve. Read more...
July 15, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: LC's story
“A lot of people take for granted that they have a 26-year-old, they’re good to go, right? They can go to church. They can go to the store. They can maintain their employment. Those are luxuries for me.” Read more...
July 13, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Lending a Paw
Our mission of a truly equitable society can only begin to be realized with the understanding that the work is much, much bigger than us. Read more...
July 8, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: This Is Us
As you can see, my 39 years have been challenging, but none of it prepared me for the last two years. Read more...
July 6, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Dangerous Steps Backwards
Regardless of one’s personal views on abortion, the overturning of Roe was a dangerous attack on rights, equity and healthcare access. Read more...
July 1, 2022Read More
Disability Rights Ohio Condemns Supreme Court's Rollback of Abortion Rights
Disability Rights Ohio condemns in the strongest way last week’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, restricting reproductive freedom and jeopardizing health care options for people across the country. Read more...
June 30, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Cynthia's Story
“It was just like a whole new world. I was on a vacation that didn’t stop." Read more...
June 29, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Path of Opportunities
The availability of programs and services alone isn’t enough to move us forward… for only through their accessibility can outcomes toward equity be achieved. Read more...
June 24, 2022Read More
#EveryoneDeservesCare: Robert's Story
“I like to think that in a better world, not a perfect world, in a better world, I could get enough care to take care of my medical needs and still be able to work at least part time, if nothing else, from home.” Read more...
June 22, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Celebrating Juneteenth
Today - because our #AdvocacyMatters - we elevate Shari Cooper’s blog, The Power of Juneteenth. Read more...
June 17, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Making Connections
In a society where barriers sprout up between marginalized communities and those in power - both by indifference and by design - it can be incredibly difficult to get the ear and the attention of those able to make changes. Read more...
June 10, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Broadening Our Impact
The journey to effective advocacy is often fraught with landmines and barriers for many oppressed communities. Read more...
June 3, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: In The Aftermath
In the face of tragedy we must elevate ourselves beyond the convenient excuses, and instead relentlessly pursue truth. Read more...
May 27, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: More Than A Guide
Equity in our communities and across our state cannot be achieved until each person has access to the tools and information they need to be successful. Read more...
May 20, 2022Read More
DRO releases "RISE UP," a resource guide for young adults with disabilities
Resources for young adults with disabilities transitioning to adulthood are often confusing or simply non-existent. This new resource aims to provide more practical advice to young people. Read more...
May 18, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Next Generation of Advocates
Movement towards a truly equitable society will only carry forward if our focus rests not just on today’s challenges, but also on preparing for those ahead. Read more...
May 13, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Oversight and Oversteps
The ongoing battle towards a fair and equitable society is complex, and often overwhelming. Simply advocating and pushing for improved access and service systems isn’t enough, as there are active efforts to undermine the victories that have already been secured. Read more...
May 6, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Barriers at the Ballot Box
Our vision of a truly equitable society can only become reality once all people - including those with disabilities - have free and fair access to the election process. Read more...
April 29, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: An unusual approach
These events can bridge the gap between our organization and the communities we serve, allowing all to enjoy a shared sense of purpose and joy. Read more...
April 22, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Pleas for change
Someone amid a mental health crisis far too often falls victim to dangerous, ablest stigmas… in many cases not just delaying the necessary help, but impeding it. Read more...
April 15, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Opportunity Knocks
Our advocacy is most effective when we are able to bring it directly into the communities we serve. By connecting on a local level with our partners and allies, we can most effectively reach broader audiences with new resources, new tools, and new opportunities. Read more...
April 8, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Ballot Barriers
Our vision of a truly equitable society will only be possible when people with disabilities are in the rooms where decisions are being made… from the board room to the voting booth. Read more...
April 1, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Leading the Way
Those who pave the way often create better opportunities not just for themselves, but also for those who come behind them. Read more...
March 25, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Become Certified in Mental Health First Aid
First aid training in mental health helps participants learn to assess for risk of self-harm, listen nonjudgmentally, and encourage the appropriate professional help. It also provides needed connection to local providers, community services and national resources available for support. Read more...
March 18, 2022Read More
#LaDefensaImporta: Obtenga la certificación en Primeros Auxilios para la Salud Mental
Los kits de herramientas y las habilidades para la atención durante una crisis de salud mental son de vital importancia para la comunidad colectiva en Ohio y más allá, y merecen la misma atención que la capacitación básica en primeros auxilios. Read more...
March 18, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Uplifting voices, envisioning outcomes
Despite representing only 20 percent of the population, those with disabilities make up 30 to 50 percent of individuals subject to police use of force. An estimated one-third to one-half of people killed by police are people with disabilities. Read more...
March 11, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Community and the Power of Disabled Voices
We believe that people with disabilities need to be included in decision-making positions, and that organizations need to make space for disabled voices. Read more...
March 4, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Seat at the Table
Our goal is to ultimately promote recovery efforts for Ohio citizens with mental illness by bringing the challenges they face to the table. It has been encouraging to see firsthand that mental illness does not define a person and that recovery is possible.” Read more...
February 25, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: More than a spot to fill
The “work” of DRO is done many ways, by many people… people with the skills, the background, and the passion to push our vision forward. Read more...
February 18, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Parental Empowerment, Student Success
How do parents know that their student is receiving the education that they deserve? Read more...
February 11, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Short Term Assistance, Long Term Solutions
For many people with disabilities facing challenges, it can be difficult to know where to look for help. Read more...
February 4, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Identifying Obstacles, Amplifying Solutions
For nearly two full years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a disruptive force in education. Read more...
January 28, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Because of You
When we asked you to join us, you answered the call. Read more...
January 21, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Closed Chapter, Opening Doors
Nearly six years ago, DRO took a major step in giving life to our mission by filing the landmark class action Ball vs. DeWine lawsuit on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities who were unnecessarily segregated in residential facilities or at risk of segregation. Read more...
January 14, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Coalition For Transformation
Recently, DRO joined a number of local organizers, activists, and groups in forming the Columbus Safety Collective - a coalition that is working to push the city of Columbus to transform the recently announced pilot program to a permanent anti-racist, trauma-informed, non-policing response system for people experiencing mental health crises. Read more...
January 7, 2022Read More
Landmark Class Action Lawsuit That Led to Over 1,000 Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities Moving Out of Institutions Resolved
Filed in 2016, the federal lawsuit aimed to better inform Ohioans with developmental disabilities about their options for living and working in the community and connect them to needed services and supports Read more...
January 6, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Unprecedented Challenges, Unique Solutions
The unique challenges of today’s reality require unique solutions. Read more...
December 17, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: New Year, New Vision
One of the unique characteristics of DRO is the makeup of our board: Most have experienced life through the lens of a person with a disability or a relative of a person with a disability. Read more...
December 10, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Just the Facts
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact people with disabilities in unique ways. Read more...
December 3, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Thoughts and Thankfulness
There’s no telling how different 2021 would have been without our supporters and allies. Read more...
November 24, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: When The Skies Aren't Friendly
Remarkably in July 2021 alone, 834 wheelchairs were reported to have been damaged by US-based airlines. Read more...
November 19, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Answers and Access
By amplifying the facts around #VaxAccess, you can help build safer, better-informed communities. Read more...
November 12, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Every Election is a Big Election
When it comes to equity in access to the voting process our team won’t stop picking up the phone. Read more...
November 5, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters- Forward: Together
As our world struggled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our work continued. Beyond just getting through, we pushed forward. Read more...
October 29, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Brick by Brick
We must recognize that this system has failed for far too long, inflicting trauma on the very lives they claim to be helping. Read more...
October 22, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: On Intersections and Injustice
Our mission may be to advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of Ohioans with disabilities, but we understand that this work does not happen in a vacuum. Read more...
October 15, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Headed Home - Phillip's Story
After years living in the same community, there was simply nowhere else that Phillip could call home. Over the last year, Phillip has been staying in the hospital, and he was nervous"yet thrilled"to return home after significant time away. However, Phillip had different needs than when he left; most notably,... Read more...
October 8, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Engagement for Empowerment
This new set of Goals and Objectives highlights DRO’s commitment to empower all Ohioans with disabilities through advocacy, support, and outreach. Read more...
October 1, 2021Read More
DRO Launches 2022 Goals and Objectives
Every year, we seek community input to focus our advocacy on issues of the highest importance to Ohioans with disabilities and strategies where we can have the most effective impact. Read more...
September 30, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: New Perspectives - A Spotlight on Disability Rights Ohio's Board of Directors
The work of Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) demands a high bar for our Board of Directors. Our board sets our strategic plan and advocacy goals and provides oversight to ensure DRO operates with the highest integrity. This Friday is the board’s annual meeting, and our newest members are raising the... Read more...
September 24, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Sequel Pomegranate Health Systems Update
ust last week, we received news that Torii Behavioral Health Systems"the for-profit corporation’s new name for Sequel Pomegranate"voluntarily relinquished all of its OMHAS licenses and certifications, including its license to operate a private psychiatric hospital. Read more...
September 17, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Care Work in Crisis
For many Ohioans with disabilities, home- and community-based services (HCBS) and the direct care workers that provide them are crucial to everyday life. Direct care workers help people with anything from personal care tasks"like bathing or getting dressed"to complex medical needs. Read more...
September 10, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: It Rages On
Our commitment to provide the tools, information, and resources to help Ohioans with disabilities throughout this challenging time remains as strong as ever. Read more...
September 3, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Meaningful Conversation
Our mission only comes to life when it’s rooted in the reality of our communities. As our work doesn’t exist in a vacuum, this information will ensure that our plans align with the actual needs being faced by Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
August 27, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: New Year, New Challanges
As summer draws to a close and big, yellow school busses begin to appear in the morning fog, we sit at the outset of the third school year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more...
August 20, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Our Path Forward
Earlier this year, you answered our calls and stood beside us in fighting against a budget bill amendment we saw as harmful and threatening to our work. You made countless phone calls and sent hundreds of emails to your representatives on our behalf asking them to remove this amendment. Read more...
August 13, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Shape Our Future
Each summer, Disability Rights Ohio embarks to develop our goals and objectives for the upcoming year. This goal-setting process connects us to Ohioans with disabilities, allowing our team to understand the scope and impact of the latest issues facing our communities. Let’s be clear: The most important piece of this... Read more...
August 6, 2021Read More