DOE nominee DeVos set for vote Tuesday, Jan. 31
President Trump has nominated Betsy DeVos to lead the U.S. Department of Education. In her hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) on January 17, she testified that enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a federal law, “is a matter best left to... Read more...
January 30, 2017Read More
Disability Rights Ohio Joins Effort to Encourage Governor and Legislative Leaders to Focus on Accessible, Affordable, and Sustainable Public Transit Options
Disability Rights Ohio Joins Effort to Encourage Governor and Legislative Leaders to Focus on Accessible, Affordable, and Sustainable Public Transit Options Read more...
December 14, 2016Read More
Update on House Concurrent Resolution 32 (HCR 32), the ADA Education and Reform Act: What you need to know
Update on House Concurrent Resolution 32 (HCR 32), the ADA Education and Reform Act: What you need to know Read more...
December 8, 2016Read More
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered: 2016 Voter Experience Survey
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered 2016 Voter Experience Survey Read more...
December 7, 2016Read More
Disability Rights Ohio Issues Report and Recommendations to Improve Outcomes for Ohio’s Youth in Residential Treatment System
The report provides a detailed review of the barriers to effective treatment that currently exist in Ohio, and offers specific recommendations for improvement. Read more...
December 1, 2016Read More
Giving Tuesday: Join the Movement and Give Back
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Read more...
November 29, 2016Read More
"My main goal the whole time was to get back to work, and here I am."
Army veteran, Lisa, contacted Disability Rights Ohio when her service dog, Beau, was banned from the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) hospital where her employer's office was located. Read more...
November 18, 2016Read More
Please Take this 2016 Voters with Disabilities Experience Survey
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) needs your help to learn more about your voting experience for the 2016 Election. Read more...
November 17, 2016Read More
Disability Rights Ohio and Advocates for Basic Legal Equality team up to protect rights of students and their families to access educational programs and activities
Due to legal action by DRO and ABLE, ODE must develop a language assistance plan so that all parents and students receive information about available educational programs Read more...
November 15, 2016Read More
Voter Alert: What are your voting rights if you can't get to the polls?
If a person is unable to travel from his or her home (including an institution, like a nursing facility or hospital) to the voting location on Election Day because of a physical illness or physical or mental disability, he or she may request an absentee ballot from the county board... Read more...
November 1, 2016Read More
Voter Alert: Voting under guardianship and getting help in the voting booth
AM I ALLOWED TO VOTE IF I HAVE A GUARDIAN? Yes. Having a guardian does not mean a person cannot vote. A probate court must declare a person incompetent for voting purposes before his or her right to vote can be taken away. Read more...
October 21, 2016Read More
DRO, ABLE praise agreement requiring Columbus City Schools to provide language translation services to parents with limited English proficiency
Thanks to an administrative complaint filed by Disability Rights Ohio and Advocates for Basic Legal Equality in January 2015, a new agreement between the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Columbus City Schools will provide parents and guardians with limited English proficiency (LEP) with the... Read more...
October 19, 2016Read More
Blind student Aleeha Dudley and U.S. Department of Justice resolve Miami University of Ohio discrimination case
Attorneys for Aleeha Dudley have reached an agreement with Miami University after the school failed to provide Ms. Dudley with equal and meaningful access to her curriculum to help her attain educational success as a blind student studying zoology. Read more...
October 17, 2016Read More
Early, In-Person Voting and Absentee Voting by Mail Starts Today!
Election Day in Ohio is Tuesday, November 8, but registered voters in Ohio can vote early, either in person or by mail until Monday, November 7. Read more...
October 12, 2016Read More
Ohio's voting registration deadline is Tuesday, October 11
First, check to make sure that you are registered and that your name and address are correct. You can use the My Voter Information website to check your registration. It is especially important that you do this if you have not voted in the past four years. Read more...
September 27, 2016Read More
DRO files federal lawsuit against juvenile detention facility for denying DRO access to detained youth
Today, Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) filed a federal lawsuit against the Multi-County Juvenile Detention Center (MCJDC) in Lancaster, OH, after the facility repeatedly denied DRO private and confidential access to the youth in residence there, in violation of state and federal law.MCJDC houses alleged delinquent youth from Fairfield, Hocking, Licking... Read more...
September 22, 2016Read More
Watch for Absentee Ballot Applications in the Mail
If you are registered to vote, you should receive an application for an absentee ballot in the mail shortly after Labor Day. If you want to vote by mail here is what you need to do: Read more...
September 6, 2016Read More
Election Day is November 8 - Are you ready?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8 and the deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 11. Make sure you are ready to vote! Read more...
September 1, 2016Read More
DRO, legal partners seek class certification in lawsuit on behalf of people with developmental disabilities
Today, Disability Rights Ohio (DRO), the law firm of Sidley Austin, the Center for Public Representation (CPR), and attorney Sam Bagenstos filed a motion for class certification in Ball v. Kasich, the lawsuit the group filed in March 2016. The suit alleges that state officials are violating federal law by... Read more...
August 22, 2016Read More
DRO supports release of report on low-income housing
Disability Rights Ohio supports the state's legal aid societies and fair housing agencies in their request that the Ohio Housing Finance Agency critically examine the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to ensure that there are housing options available to low-income families in areas with access to high-performing schools, good... Read more...
August 16, 2016Read More
Disability Rights Ohio and Legal Partners Respond to State Officials Seeking to Dismiss Class Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities
Today, Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) and its legal partners - the law firm of Sidley Austin, the Center for Public Representation (CPR), and attorney Sam Bagenstos - forcefully responded to recently filed motions to dismiss its class action lawsuit charging state officials with violating federal law by administering a service... Read more...
July 27, 2016Read More
Legislative Update on H.R. 3765, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2015
The U.S. House of Representatives, Judiciary Committee will soon be reviewing and voting on H.R. 3765, controversial legislation that would make significant changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). H.R. 3765 would make it more difficult for people with disabilities to file law suits when someone violates the Americans... Read more...
July 6, 2016Read More
DRO, DD Council, SIL release new transportation survey
Disability Rights Ohio, The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and Services for Independent Living have released a survey to seek input from people with disabilities about transportation. Read more...
June 14, 2016Read More
DRO to hold education rights training June 23 for Youngstown parents of students with disabilities
Disability Rights Ohio, in collaboration with the NAACP Youngstown Branch, will hold a training session for parents of students with disabilities in the Youngstown City Schools from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 23, 2016, at the NAACP Youngstown Branch office, 1350, Fifth Ave., Suite 202, Rose Room. Read more...
June 14, 2016Read More
Disability Rights Ohio and ACLU Propose Sweeping Reforms to Solitary Confinement
Today Disability Rights Ohio and the ACLU of Ohio issued a report urging extensive reforms to the use of solitary confinement in Ohio's prisons, especially for individuals with mental illness. Read more...
May 25, 2016Read More
Statement from Michael Kirkman, Executive Director, Disability Rights Ohio on the amendment to House Bill 547 to 'redefine' The Correctional Institution Inspection Committee
As Ohio’s designated system to protect and advocate for the rights of Ohioans with disabilities, we are deeply concerned about an amendment that was added to House Bill 547 that would significantly limit the effectiveness of the Correctional Institution Inspection Committee (CIIC). Disability Rights Ohio urges the Ohio General... Read more...
May 25, 2016Read More
New fact sheet addresses timing questions for DRO's class action lawsuit
DRO has received many questions since March 31, when we and our partners filed a class action lawsuit against the state of Ohio over its illegal service system for people with developmental disabilities in Ohio. Read more...
May 10, 2016Read More
DRO releases new publication on civil commitment
Disability Rights Ohio has developed a new publication that outlines your rights during the civil commitment process. Civil commitment is a legal process for a probate court to order a person into treatment for their mental illness. It is sometimes called "court-ordered treatment," "involuntary commitment," or even "being probated." Read more...
April 29, 2016Read More
House Concurrent Resolution 32: What you need to know
House Concurrent Resolution 32 is not a bill that would make changes in Ohio law; Rather, if passed, the Ohio General Assembly would call upon the United States Congress to take action and pass a federal law; Read more...
April 13, 2016Read More
DRO to provide education rights training, advocacy support for Youngstown parents of students with disabilities
Disability Rights Ohio, in collaboration with the NAACP Youngstown Branch, will hold a training session for parents of students with disabilities who attend East High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 at the Main Library, 305 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH 44503. Read more...
April 6, 2016Read More
Page created to track important information about DRO's class action lawsuit
Disability Rights Ohio has created a page that includes important information related to our class action lawsuit filed on March 31, 2016, on behalf of people with developmental disabilities in Ohio. Read more...
April 1, 2016Read More
DRO and Partners File Class Action Lawsuit On Behalf of Ohioans with Developmental Disabilities
Today, Disability Rights Ohio (DRO), the law firm of Sidley Austin, the Center for Public Representation (CPR), and attorney Sam Bagenstos filed a class action lawsuit against the state of Ohio, including the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio Department of Medicaid, and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. Read more...
March 31, 2016Read More
DRO's February-March 2016 newsletter is now up!
The February/March 2016 edition of News from Disability Rights Ohio is now up! Read more...
March 30, 2016Read More
DRO's Voter Hotline will be open Tuesday, March 15!
Election Day in Ohio is Tuesday, March 15, and the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. DRO's Voter Hotline will be open the same hours, with lawyers available to answer your questions and provide assistance if your voting rights are being violated. Read more...
March 10, 2016Read More
New Disability Rights Ohio report highlights lack of enforcement of Ohio Department of Education's restraint and seclusion rule
A new report released today by Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) outlines gaps in enforcement of the Ohio Department of Education's (ODE) rule regulating restraint and seclusion in schools. The report also makes recommendations to improve oversight of schools' implementation of the rule. Read more...
February 8, 2016Read More
Disability Rights Ohio, National Federation of the Blind, and Autistic Self Advocacy Network Celebrate Landmark Decision Ordering Fair Pay from Sheltered Workshop
In a precedent-setting opinion issued by an administrative law judge from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), three clients have been awarded minimum wage going forward and back pay from Seneca Re-Ad, a sheltered workshop run by the Seneca County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The original petition was filed by... Read more...
February 3, 2016Read More
DRO applauds successful termination of lawsuit challenging Franklin County jail's use of Tasers
After five and a half years of legal advocacy by Disability Rights Ohio on behalf of inmates who had been victims of inappropriate use of Tasers, the case of Shreve v Franklin County has reached a successful resolution. On Monday, December 28, 2015, the United States District Court granted a... Read more...
December 30, 2015Read More
Are you currently on a waiting list for waiver services? DRO would like to talk to you.
More than a year ago, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center published a study that analyzed waiting lists for home and community-based waiver programs in Ohio's developmental disabilities system. Read more...
December 16, 2015Read More
ABLE, DRO file federal lawsuit seeking changes to Dayton Mall bus stop policy
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) today filed a federal lawsuit against the Dayton Mall and several of its anchor stores--Macy's, Sears, and Elder Beerman--seeking a policy change that would enable people with disabilities who ride public transportation to have effective and equal access... Read more...
December 15, 2015Read More
Disability Rights Ohio lawsuit claims Ohio Secretary of State's voting services violate the ADA
Disability Rights Ohio and the law firm of Brown, Goldstein, & Levy, LLP, have filed a federal lawsuit against the office of Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted. The suit, filed on behalf of three blind Ohio voters and the National Federation of the Blind, alleges that some voting services... Read more...
December 7, 2015Read More
Ohio House Bill 394: What You Need to Know
H.B. 394 is legislation sponsored by Representative Barbara Sears that is currently being considered by the Ohio House Insurance Committee. The bill would make significant changes to Ohio’s unemployment compensation program. Read more...
November 25, 2015Read More
Disability Rights Ohio and Other Advocates File Complaint on Behalf of Sheltered Workshop Employees
After working for an average of $2.50 an hour for more than three years, three Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) clients are asking for fair pay from Seneca Re-Ads, a sheltered workshop run by the County Board of Developmental Disabilities in Seneca County. Read more...
November 19, 2015Read More
Disability Rights Ohio, Legal Aid Society of Columbus file joint Amicus Brief in support of woman attempting to challenge her guardianship
Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) and the Legal Aid Society of Columbus (LASC) have submitted a joint Amicus Brief (also known as a Friend of the Court brief) in a case involving a woman who is currently under guardianship in Marion County. Read more...
November 13, 2015Read More
With DRO’s Help, Veteran Returns to Work after VA Banished Her Service Dog
Army veteran Lisa Wilson just wanted to go back to work. But her job with the veterans service organization Disabled American Veterans was located inside the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati, and the center had banished Wilson’s service dog, Beau, from the premises. Read more...
November 11, 2015Read More
DRO's Voter Hotline to be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3
Disability Rights Ohio's Voter Hotline will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. DRO's team of attorneys is available to answer voting questions or advocate on your behalf if your voting rights are being violated. Read more...
November 2, 2015Read More
Call DRO if your private duty nursing services are being cut, eliminated
Recently, many people getting PDN services have learned that their services will be reduced or even eliminated. This creates many problems for people and their families and may even be illegal under Medicaid law and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Read more...
October 8, 2015Read More
August-September 2015 newsletter is now up!
The August-September 2015 edition of News from Disability Rights Ohio is now up! Read more...
September 30, 2015Read More
Voters with Disabilities: We want to hear your stories
Voters with disabilities should be able to vote independently and privately, just like people without disabilities. Disability Rights Ohio wants to hear your stories about problems you have had when trying to vote or registering to vote. Read more...
September 22, 2015Read More
Central Ohio parents can get help with IEP process
Central Ohio parents of students with disabilities: Do you need help getting the IEP services your child needs? Read more...
September 1, 2015Read More
DRO's July 2015 newsletter is now up!
The July 2015 edition of News from Disability Rights Ohio is now up! Read more...
July 31, 2015Read More
Disability coalition thanks Ohio policymakers for removing language that would have weakened DD Bill of Rights
Today, a coalition of 11 disability organizations sent a letter to Governor Kasich and key members of the Ohio General Assembly, thanking them for removing language from the state budget bill that would have changed the Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights without the input of people with disabilities. Read more...
July 21, 2015Read More
Our June 2015 newsletter is now up!
The June 2015 edition of News from Disability Rights Ohio is now up! Read more...
June 30, 2015Read More
Don't miss DRO's April / May 2015 newsletter
The April / May 2015 edition of News from Disability Rights Ohio is now up! Read more...
May 29, 2015Read More
Special Education: Release of Student Records in Doe v. State of Ohio in Toledo, Cincinnati and Cleveland School Districts
Doe v. State of Ohio is a class action lawsuit that was filed in federal court in 1993 as part of another lawsuit about funding and providing education in the State of Ohio. Read more...
May 22, 2015Read More
People with Disabilities and Advocates: Raise Your Voice!
The Ohio Senate will be meeting at 1 p.m. tomorrow to review the Ohio budget and decide how much money will be provided for services and programs that allow people with developmental disabilities to live in the community. Read more...
May 13, 2015Read More
Support People with Disabilities at the Ohio Statehouse!
The Ohio Senate Medicaid Committee will be hearing from government officials and the public about the Department of Developmental Disabilities budget at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Read more...
May 8, 2015Read More
Eleven Disability Organizations Send Joint Letter to Ohio Legislators
Some of the changes to the DD Bill of Rights in H.B. 64 might be seen as modest updates to the law, but others are seriously troubling. Read more...
May 6, 2015Read More
Individuals with Disabilities and Advocates: Tell Your Stories!
Tell your state lawmakers that you want people with disabilities to have the services and supports they need to live in the community. Read more...
May 5, 2015Read More
DRO releases full, combined report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
The full, combined version of Disability Rights Ohio's three-part report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities is now available. DRO will be presenting the report at the Attorney General's Two Days in May Conference on Victim Assistance on May 4. Read more...
May 3, 2015Read More
Ohio Senate's Medicaid Committee sets public state budget hearing schedule
Right now Ohio lawmakers are in the middle of the state budget process. They are choosing how much money to spend on supporting people with disabilities to live in their own communities. Read more...
April 27, 2015Read More
DRO releases third in three-part report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Today Disability Rights Ohio is releasing the third and final part of its report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Brief Three discusses the gaps in the statewide criminal justice system that prevent full enforcement and prosecution against abusers. Read more...
April 24, 2015Read More
DRO releases second in three-part report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Today Disability Rights Ohio is releasing the second of a three-part report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Brief Two focuses on support services for individuals with developmental disabilities who experience sexual abuse and provides recommendations for ways to improve those services in Ohio. Read more...
April 22, 2015Read More
Cincinnati, Toledo and Cleveland public school teachers: DRO needs your help
Disability Rights Ohio is looking for volunteers to participate in an interview as part of Doe v. State of Ohio, a class action lawsuit brought by Disability Rights Ohio on behalf of all preschool and school-age students with disabilities in the state. Read more...
April 21, 2015Read More
DRO releases first in three-part report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
oday Disability Rights Ohio is releasing the first of a three-part report on Sexual Abuse of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Brief One explores the factors in Ohio’s developmental disabilities system that contribute to individuals’ vulnerability to sexual abuse and provides recommendations to address these factors. Read more...
April 20, 2015Read More
Cleveland-area parents invited to share their special education experiences April 29
The Arc of Greater Cleveland and Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) invite you to a family forum to discuss your child’s experiences with special education services. Read more...
April 2, 2015Read More
Read DRO's March newsletter
The March 2015 edition of News from Disability Rights Ohio is now up! Read more...
March 31, 2015Read More
Comment on DRO's work on behalf of individuals with mental illness
Public Forum Notice: We want to hear from you! Read more...
March 24, 2015Read More
DRO, NAMI Urban Greater Cincinnati Network on Mental Illness Denounce Hamilton County Complaint Against Widow
In response to a civil rights lawsuit filed against Hamilton County in the wrongful death of Gary Roell, Sr., Hamilton has now filed a complaint against Mr. Roell’s widow, who was his legal guardian. Disability Rights Ohio and NAMI Urban Greater Cincinnati Network on Mental Illness denounce Hamilton County’s... Read more...
March 11, 2015Read More
New DRO Report Examines ODE's Restraint, Seclusion Data
Based on advocacy efforts by Disability Rights Ohio and a host of other stakeholders, including the ACLU of Ohio and parents and students with disabilities, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) adopted Rule 3301-35-15: Standards for the implementation of positive behavior intervention supports and the use of restraint and seclusion. Read more...
March 11, 2015Read More
Governor proposes changes affecting independent providers of home care
Many people with disabilities receive home and community-based services (for example, a personal care aide, a home health aide, or a nurse) through Medicaid, which allow them to receive the support they need in the community and to avoid unnecessary institutionalization. Read more...
March 5, 2015Read More
News from DRO - February 2015 is now up!
The February 2015 edition of the DRO newsletter is now up! Read more...
February 27, 2015Read More
DRO offers overviews of budget proposals from key state agencies
On Friday, February 6, Disability Rights Ohio held an Ohio Disability Policy and Advocacy Briefing, bringing together advocates from organizations throughout the state to discuss the state budget process, advocacy strategies, and Governor Kasich’s budget proposals. Read more...
February 10, 2015Read More
Read DRO's January newsletter
Disability Rights Ohio's January 2015 newsletter is now up! Read more...
January 30, 2015Read More
Toledo-area parents invited to share their special education experiences Feb. 13
Family Voices of Ohio, The Arc of Northwest Ohio and Disability Rights Ohio will host two open forums on Friday, February 13, at Toledo Children's Hospital, in the Croxton Auditorium of the Legacy Building. Parents of students with disabilities are invited to discuss their child's experiences with special education services,... Read more...
January 28, 2015Read More
DRO, ABLE file complaint with Department of Justice on behalf of Spanish-speaking parents, students
Today, Disability Rights Ohio and Advocates for Basic Legal Equality filed an administrative complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of Spanish-speaking students with and without disabilities and their families. Read more...
January 27, 2015Read More
DRO raises concerns about state Transition Plan for CMS rule changes
The state of Ohio last month released its proposed Transition Plan for home and community-based services (HCBS) in response to new federal rules issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Read more...
January 16, 2015Read More
FFY 2015 Priorities detail DRO's work for the year
Each year, Disability Rights Ohio makes decisions on the kinds of work that will be its priority in the coming year. The Federal Fiscal Year 2015 Programmatic Priorities have now been posted, along with a printer friendly PDF version. Read more...
January 6, 2015Read More
National Federation of the Blind class action lawsuit against ATM company will have hearing in May
The following is a notice for a class action case against ATM manufacturer Cardtronics. The state of Massachusetts, the National Federation of the Blind and several individual blind people have alleged that Cardtronics' ATMs are not accessible for blind people. Read more...
December 31, 2014Read More
DRO's December newsletter is now up!
Disability Rights Ohio's December newsletter is now up! Read more...
December 30, 2014Read More
Disability Rights Ohio document addresses common concerns about DD system changes
Throughout the month of October, Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) traveled the state with its partners from The Arc of Ohio, holding family focus groups for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families. The forums gave those families an opportunity to express their concerns about DRO's efforts to change the... Read more...
December 22, 2014Read More
Ohio legislature responds to DRO, other advocates to extend seclusion and restraint rules to charter schools
DRO is pleased that the Ohio House of Representatives agreed with the Ohio Senate to pass a bill containing language that will provide protections for students with disabilities in charter schools. Read more...
December 18, 2014Read More
Disability Rights Ohio encourages public to comment on state Transition Plan
Yesterday the state of Ohio released its proposed Transition Plan for home and community-based services (HCBS) in response to new federal rules issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Within five years, states will only be allowed to spend Medicaid waiver money on services that are in... Read more...
December 16, 2014Read More
The DRO November newsletter is up!
Want to read about the work we did in November? Check out our newsletter! Read more...
December 4, 2014Read More
Cincinnati-area parents invited to discuss special education experiences Friday, Dec. 5
Disability Rights Ohio and the University of Cincinnati University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UC UCEDD) will host two open forums on Friday, December 5, at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Medical Office Building, 3430 Burnet Ave., in rooms 602 and 601 on the fifth floor. Read more...
December 1, 2014Read More
Disability Rights Ohio's Voter Hotline open until 7:30 p.m. today!
Disability Rights Ohio's Voter Hotline is open today until 7:30 p.m., when the polls close. DRO's team of attorneys is available to answer voting questions or advocate on your behalf if your voting rights are being violated. Read more...
November 4, 2014Read More
Doe v. State of Ohio seeks funding, good outcomes for special ed students
In 1993, Ohio Legal Rights Service, now Disability Rights Ohio, joined Doe v. State of Ohio, alleging that funding for special education in Ohio was denying children their federally mandated right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Read more...
October 29, 2014Read More
Preference given to people with disabilities and their families at remaining DD family focus groups
In October, Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) and The Arc of Ohio are traveling the state to hear concerns over DRO's proposed changes to the system for people with developmental disabilities. Read more...
October 16, 2014Read More
DRO, The Arc of Ohio to hold DD family focus groups throughout October
Disability Rights Ohio and our advocacy partners recently began talks with state officials to address concerns about widespread segregation in Ohio’s developmental disabilities system. It is our hope that these talks will produce a plan to provide additional opportunities and true choice for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to... Read more...
October 3, 2014Read More
The DRO September Newsletter is now up!
Our September 2014 Newsletter is now up! Read more...
September 30, 2014Read More
Problems with BVR, BSVI services? Call us for help.
If you are having difficulties or questions about services you are receiving from the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, call our office. When you call, a staff person will be assigned to help you. We can provide advice and/or develop a plan... Read more...
September 22, 2014Read More
New publication explains changes to Ohio's civil commitment laws
On June 17, 2014, Governor Kasich signed Senate Bill 43, which made changes to Ohio’s civil commitment process for individuals with mental illness. The new law goes into effect on September 17, 2014. Disability Rights Ohio has created a new publication, Changes to Ohio’s Civil Commitment Laws, to provide information... Read more...
September 12, 2014Read More
Frequently Asked Questions about ODE's release of student data to DRO
Disability Rights Ohio, on behalf of students with disabilities, filed a class action lawsuit (Doe v. State of Ohio) that claims the State of Ohio does not provide enough resources to school districts to provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, as required by federal... Read more...
September 3, 2014Read More
Get your education questions answered by attorneys, advocates at Dayton-area Brief Advice Clinic
Disability Rights Ohio is partnering with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality and Legal Aid of Western Ohio to provide information and advice to parents of students with disabilities on education issues, including punishment, suspension and expulsion; delay in evaluation for special education eligibility; and lack of needed services. Read more...
August 28, 2014Read More
State of Ohio notifies parents, guardians of its planned release of student data to DRO
Disability Rights Ohio is representing students with disabilities in a class action against the state of Ohio challenging the adequacy of special education funding. As part of this work, DRO needs data that the state keeps about all students. Read more...
August 19, 2014Read More
Desired changes to DD system are all about choice
A story today in the Columbus Dispatch noted the opposition some families of individuals with developmental disabilities feel about our efforts to advocate for a more community-based developmental disabilities system in Ohio. We are always eager to receive different viewpoints on the work we do. Read more...
August 18, 2014Read More
DRO warns that current state initiatives will not be enough to forestall legal action
On July 1, 2014, Disability Rights Ohio, the federally authorized and state-designated system to protect and advocate (P&A) on behalf of individuals with disabilities in Ohio, sent a letter to the Kasich Administration officials, alerting them to our 18-month investigation that uncovered clear violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act... Read more...
August 1, 2014Read More
Disability Rights Ohio - July 2014 newsletter is up!
Our July newsletter is up! Read more...
July 31, 2014Read More
Call Sen. Portman today and tell him to support the Disabilities Treaty!
Join DRO and other disability rights advocates today in encouraging Ohio Sen. Portman to support the Disabilities Treaty! The Senate is expected to vote this week! Read more...
July 29, 2014Read More
Disabilities Treaty passes committee, now awaits vote by full Senate
Today the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and soon it will head to the full Senate for a ratification vote, possibly as early as next week! Read more...
July 22, 2014Read More
Senate could vote on Disabilities Treaty soon
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), also known as the Disabilities Treaty, is an international human rights treaty that will extend rights protections like those guaranteed by the Americans with Disabilities Act to millions of people with disabilities worldwide. Read more...
July 14, 2014Read More