#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
#AdvocacyMatters: A Cause for Celebration
Now that the dust has settled on a chaotic " and at times disappointing " state budget cycle, we would be remiss to not recognize and celebrate the many victories our advocacy and partnerships were able to bring about. Read more...
July 30, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: On Barriers and Ballots
During a whirlwind of a year, 2020’s primary and general elections presented an abundance of opportunities and challenges for the disability-rights community. Read more...
July 23, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Diligent Observation, Fierce Protection
While the global COVID-19 pandemic complicated seemingly all aspects of our daily lives, the lasting impacts magnified the need for many of the essential functions performed by our organization. Read more...
July 16, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Lighting Our Path
From fighting for community living to advocating for safe returns to work, DRO empowered Ohioans with the tools to advocate for the life they deserve. All year long, their stories lit our path. Read more...
July 9, 2021Read More
We Rise: DRO Highlights Challenges, Victories in 2020 Annual Report
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disability Rights Ohio was faced with a stark reality, their work on behalf of Ohioans living with disabilities was needed more than perhaps ever before. Read more...
July 7, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Different Independence Day
Galvanized by how disposable our work appears to be to Ohio’s elected leaders, we are fueled to move forward by those for whom we advocate. Read more...
July 2, 2021Read More
DRO Calls on Governor DeWine to Veto Harmful and Retaliatory Amendment, Protecting Nonprofit’s Mission to Advocate on Behalf of Ohioans with Disabilities
Amendment in state budget bill conflicts with DRO’s independence as the designated federal protection and advocacy system, compromising its ability to protect the rights of people with disabilities Read more...
June 28, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Totality of our Work
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. Read more...
June 25, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: You Aren't Alone
When families are trying to understand and protect their student’s right to an appropriate education, we believe that they shouldn’t be alone. Read more...
June 18, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: In Their Own Voices
This week, the Ohio Senate added an amendment to the state budget with undue and retaliatory oversight of the state’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization that could have a chilling effect on DRO’s ability to protect the rights of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
June 11, 2021Read More
Urgent: Amendment will detrimentally impact all Ohioans living with disabilities
In the next 24-48 hours Ohio Senators will vote on budget legislation that includes an amendment that will detrimentally impact Ohioans living with disabilities. Read more...
June 8, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Floating to the Finish Line
Perhaps you heard the faint quacking earlier this week as more than 300 rubber ducks paddled down the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers near Marietta. Or, more likely, you heard us cheering along the shores, following the ducks progress and, moreover, proud to have successfully “spread our wings” with our first... Read more...
June 4, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Forming Partnerships, Filling Needs
Of all the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some of the most concerning surround the interrupted educational opportunities and their impact on students who depend on special education services. Read more...
May 28, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Pushing Back, Pressing Forward
A proposed amendment to Ohio’s biennial budget presents dangerous, retaliatory complications that would jeopardize DRO’s ability to maximize our team’s work. Read more...
May 21, 2021Read More
Leading Advocates Testify, Warn Legislators That Proposed Amendment Will Unduly Harm Ohioans Living with Disabilities
Disability Rights Ohio’s Executive Director and teen activist testify in front of lawmakers, urging them to reject the proposed Protection and Advocacy Transparency Amendment Read more...
May 18, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Home Stretch
Over the last several months, Disability Rights Ohio’s work has revolved around the state’s biennial budget as we advocate to Ohio’s legislature for the rights of people with disabilities. Read more...
May 14, 2021Read More
Disability Rights Ohio Urges State Lawmakers to Act Responsibly and Reject Senseless Retaliatory Amendment
The proposed Protection and Advocacy Transparency Amendment would not only detrimentally impact Disability Rights Ohio’s daily work, protecting the rights of Ohioans with disabilities, but go well beyond the congressional intent of the system itself Read more...
May 11, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Spreading Our Wings
By spreading our wings, connecting with our communities, and trying new things, we hope it’s clear just how much #AdvocacyMatters to our team. Read more...
May 7, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Magnifying the Moment
By partnering with allies and like-minded organizations across the country, our work can grow and our impact can be amplified. Read more...
April 30, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Matter Of Appreciation
“It's a privilege to sit at the table with other advocates for Ohioans with disabilities and to have the opportunity to offer a voice to those our society has tried to silence.” Read more...
April 23, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Human Connection
Recently, we began transitioning our intake system to return to live specialists answering the phones instead of the voicemail prompt. Read more...
April 16, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Sky Is No Longer The Limit
Stories and headlines, in attempting to project inspiration, often remark on “overcoming” or “moving past” one’s disability. Read more...
April 9, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Why we never gave up
Five years ago, we embarked on a legal journey to improve access to Home and Community-Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more...
April 2, 2021Read More
Home and Community-Based Services Funding in the American Rescue Plan Act
Last month, Congress enacted the new federal COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). This package includes a number of bills aimed to help Americans with the lasting effects of COVID-19. From $1,400 stimulus checks to increases in SNAP benefits, the package covers a multitude of... Read more...
April 1, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Empowering People, Accelerating Change
As part of Disability Rights Ohio’s mission to advocate for the human, legal, and civil rights of Ohioans with disabilities, our work this month has focused on Ohio’s biennial budget. Read more...
March 26, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Month of Awareness, A Year of Work
In March, we recognize Development Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month. To our team, this period of recognition isn’t a time to stop and reflect… it’s a time to speak louder, push harder, and fight more effectively. Read more...
March 19, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Challenges and Changes
As we meet the grim anniversary of COVID-19’s arrival and the devastation it brought to our communities, the struggles and loss experienced over the past year won’t have been in vain. Read more...
March 12, 2021Read More
One Year Later
While we aren’t out of the woods yet, we are confident now more than ever in the fortitude of our staff, the importance of or work, and the vitality of our advocacy. Read more...
March 10, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Speaking Up For Better
Moving towards a society of equity " where people with disabilities are free to live, work, learn, and go where and how they choose " isn’t a dream. This is the guiding force behind our work and the righteous drive behind our fight. There is no “good enough” when it... Read more...
March 5, 2021Read More
Disability Rights Ohio Submits Interested Party Testimony in Budget Review Process
In support of their vison of fostering a society where people with disabilities are free to live, work, learn, go, and receive services where and how they choose, this week Disability Rights Ohio submitted interested party testimony to the Ohio House Finance Subcommittee as part of the budget review process. Read more...
March 3, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: An Attitude of Empowerment
A society of inclusion and equity cannot be possible when so often a diagnosis strips away one’s opportunity to choose where they live and receive care. Read more...
February 26, 2021Read More
DRO Works To Help Residents Of Intermediate Care Facilities Understand Their Options For Community-Based Services
DRO remains committed to helping Ohioans with disabilities who want to live in the community get access to the services and supports that allow them to do so. Read more...
February 24, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: An Uphill Battle
A troubling new study is shedding light on just how deeply-rooted implicit biases may be within our system of healthcare against people with disabilities. Read more...
February 19, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Symptoms and the Cause
When faced with a serious diagnosis, common sense dictates that addressing only the symptoms and not the disease is not a cure. Read more...
February 12, 2021Read More
Black History Month: Ends and Beginnings
The fight for racial equity and the fight for justice for those with disabilities don’t exist in separate vacuums, as reaching one goal cannot happen without the acknowledgement of the other. Read more...
February 5, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Hanging in the Balance
Every two years, the state of Ohio goes through an important, priority-altering task: setting the state’s budget. Read more...
January 29, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Shot of Hope
Since the arrival of effective, approved vaccines at the end of last year, the monumental task of production, distribution, and prioritization has been underway. Read more...
January 22, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Giving Voice To The Silenced
As imperfect as our systems of justice may be, we believe that the principles behind them- liberty and justice for all- are inherently good. Read more...
January 15, 2021Read More
Protecting Your COVID-19 Relief Check
With a new round of Government COVID-relief payments hitting bank accounts in the new year, it’s important for people with disabilities, and especially people living in long term care facilities, to understand their rights when it comes to those payments. Read more...
January 14, 2021Read More
DRO Announces Results of Probe into Cuyahoga County Corrections Center
DRO’s recently published policy paper, “Pervasive Healthcare and ADA Compliance Issues at Cuyahoga County Corrections Center,” outlines its findings established through site visits, meetings with administrators, and more than 160 inmate interviews. Read more...
January 12, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Reflections Of A Dark Day
This week, we all watched in horror as an armed mob overtook the U.S. Capitol building for the first time in more than 200 years. Read more...
January 8, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Glancing Back, Charging Forward
There’s little doubt that this past year was the most challenging most of us have lived through. From the first days of 2020, however, we had much to celebrate as we stepped ever closer towards our vision of a truly equal society. Read more...
December 23, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: In All Fairness
As the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Ohio, one question is on everyone’s mind: who is in line? Read more...
December 18, 2020Read More
DRO Advocates for Rapid Inclusion of All Ohioans With Disabilities as State Develops Its COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
Disability Rights Ohio and its partners urge the Ohio Department of Health to consider its recommendations as it formulates the state’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Read more...
December 15, 2020Read More
NEWS ALERT: DRO Applauds Action Taken to Shut Down Sequel Pomegranate
“DRO has been aware of the systemic failures at Sequel Pomegranate for some time. It’s why we worked hard to ensure the children were removed from the facility.” Read more...
December 14, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Amplifying Change
While not a topic an organization like ours has focused on in the past, we believe it is incredibly important to acknowledge that a free and equal society cannot be realized until these mechanisms of systemic discrimination are diagnosed and eliminated. Read more...
December 11, 2020Read More
NEWS ALERT: Hospital Visitation and COVID-19
If you have a disability, hospitals are required to make reasonable accommodations to their visitor policy for you. Read more...
December 9, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The dark before the dawn
As we move into what could be a dark winter, there are several actions that people with disabilities can take to help alleviate complications down the road. Read more...
December 4, 2020Read More
NEWS ALERT: What to know about rationing of care and COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to set new records for cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, it’s incredibly important for all Ohioans with disabilities to understand their rights when it comes to receiving care. Read more...
December 2, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Forward Together
As we enter this time of appreciation and giving and prepare to send off a year that many would rather forget, it’s important that we pause and reflect on all that was accomplished in 2020. Read more...
November 25, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Better at Home
The Home and Community Based system in Ohio needs additional funding from the state to continue supporting the independence and safety of older Ohioans and people with disabilities. Read more...
November 20, 2020Read More
DRO, other organizations form Home and Community-based Services Coalition
Advocates call for a system that affords all Ohioans the opportunity to thrive and stay connected and engaged in their communities. Read more...
November 18, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Needed Change
The facts are inescapable: Data shows that marginalized groups are at high risk for police use of force and death by police"including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and people with disabilities. Read more...
November 13, 2020Read More
Disability Right Ohio Examines the Impact of Police Use of Force on People with Disabilities
Newly published policy statement sheds light on ways that large police budgets can be reinvested into community-based services and supports that address the root cause of systemic oppression Read more...
November 12, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Answering the Call
We don’t measure our success in election outcomes, we measure it in election participation. Read more...
November 6, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: This Is It
Over the last few months, we’ve committed a great deal of our team’s time and energy to ensuring each and every Ohioan with a disability has an opportunity to be heard in this election. Read more...
October 30, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Eleven Days
The decisions we make in eleven days will have an impact for years to come. With so much at stake, it’s critical that every voice is heard and every vote is counted. Read more...
October 23, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Empty Classrooms, Unique Solutions
Adapting to online school can be hard for all children, but what if your child’s academic success depended on seeing their teachers and peers face-to-face? Read more...
October 16, 2020Read More
Helping Us Rise
All of this life-changing work wouldn’t have been possible without our army of supporters. As we continue to maximize the impact we can make on the lives of people with disabilities in Ohio, we’re ready to tackle whatever challenges come our way. Read more...
October 14, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Taking Action, Not Sides
Through the haze of negative campaign ads and catchy one-liners, it can be difficult to figure out exactly where the candidates stand issues of importance to Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
October 9, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Listening, Learning, Adjusting
Every day that goes by brings with it new challenges and new obstacles for Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
October 2, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Safer at Home
Thousands of Ohioans face barriers leaving institutions in favor of community care. Read more...
September 25, 2020Read More
DRO Joins 50 Organizations and Individuals to Send Letter to Governor DeWine Advocating for Expanded HCBS Services
Advocates express need to expand in-home care for older adults and people with disabilities as long-term care facilities struggle to combat COVID-19. Read more...
September 23, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Plan Your Vote
We want to ensure that every voice is heard once the ballots are counted, and PLAN YOUR VOTE will help Ohioans across the state participate in this historic election. Read more...
September 18, 2020Read More
Disability Rights Ohio reacts to controlling board decision
Our organization has serious concerns as to the negative impact this decision will have on election access for thousands of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
September 14, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Fighting for Peace of Mind
Earlier this year, a concerned family reached out to Disability Rights Ohio on behalf of their son Tanner, who has autism. Read more...
September 11, 2020Read More
Disability Rights Ohio calls for paid postage for Absentee Ballots
Disability Rights Ohio recently reached out to members of the Ohio Controlling Board to express the importance of prepaid postage for absentee ballots in the upcoming general election. Read more...
September 10, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Decoding Medicaid Managed Care
Much like parents, managed care providers can have trouble working through the complex Medicaid managed care system. Read more...
September 4, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Back to School, Far from Ordinary
When a child’s future is at stake, no decision should be taken lightly. Read more...
August 28, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Calm in the Crisis
By rallying our allies, engaging our stakeholders, and partnering with state leadership, we were able to affect real changes and protections. Read more...
August 21, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Growing Our Impact
It’s often said that challenges create champions. The hardships we’ve seen in our clients’ experiences, our communities, and our own homes over the last 6 months haven’t deterred us Read more...
August 14, 2020Read More
DRO names new Legal Advocacy Director
In this role, Kevin Truitt will provide leadership and strategic direction for all of DRO’s advocacy work including planning, leading and coordinating complex litigation, serving as lead counsel on significant legal actions, and supervising attorney team leaders. Read more...
August 13, 2020Read More
DRO names new Policy Director
Advocacy group taps experienced analyst with keen understating of state and federal legislation and issues impacting policy decisions Read more...
August 12, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Advocacy Through Research
A deeper understanding of any problem creates better solutions. We’re proud to have just announced the results of a three-year study we completed with our partners at the Ohio Brain Injury Program on people with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) living in Ohio nursing facilities. Read more...
August 7, 2020Read More
DRO and the Ohio Brain Injury Program Collaborate on Three-year Study of Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Residing in Nursing Homes
Data provides key recommendations to policymakers to help TBI patients overcome barriers and live in their communities with support Read more...
August 5, 2020Read More
Help Shape Our Future: Fill Out DRO's Priorities Survey
Disability Rights Ohio strives to provide support to as many people as possible. In order to maximize our impact with the resources available, we seek community input every year to focus our priorities on issues where we can have the most effective impact. Read more...
July 31, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Another Year of Differences Made
The strength of an organization lies in its results, and 2019 was a historic year for Disability Rights Ohio and the communities we serve. Through advocacy, assistance, and action our work made it possible for more Ohioans to live, work, learn, and go where they wanted. Read more...
July 24, 2020Read More
Disability Rights Ohio releases 2019 Annual Report
We will continue to work tirelessly advocating for all Ohioans with disabilities, no matter what else comes our way. Read more...
July 21, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Leading the Charge to Protect Equal Access to Care
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, there have been very serious concerns across the country about equal access to life-saving health care for people with disabilities. Read more...
July 13, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: When keeping her family together was at risk, we helped her fight
Angela didn’t give up and neither did we, because #advocacymatters. Read more...
July 2, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Bringing Abuses to Light
Earlier this week, we released the results of our nine-month investigation into Sequel Pomegranate, a residential treatment facility for children in Columbus. Our findings were shocking: Serious and systemic cases of abuse and neglect, violations of safety and treatment standards, inappropriate use of restraint, peer-to-peer bullying and staff intimidation, and... Read more...
June 26, 2020Read More