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

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

DRO, partners notify Ohio officials: State DD system violates Americans with Disabilities Act

For the past 18 months, Disability Rights Ohio attorneys and advocates have been engaged in an extensive review of the system of residential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ohio. Read more...

July 3, 2014Read More

DRO joins national advocacy organizations in support of employees who report patient abuse

Disability Rights Ohio, AARP, National Disability Rights Network, National Senior Citizens Law Center, and National Health Law Program filed a friend of the court brief with the Supreme Court of Ohio in support of Patricia Hulsmeyer, whose wrongful termination lawsuit alleges that she was fired in retaliation for reporting patient... Read more...

July 2, 2014Read More

Disability Rights Ohio - June 2014 newsletter is now up!

The Disability Rights Ohio June newsletter is now up! Read more...

July 2, 2014Read More

DRO issues comments on proposed changes to Ohio's guardianship system

Disability Rights Ohio has issued comments on the proposed amendments to the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio governing adult guardianships. Read more...

June 26, 2014Read More

DRO planning outreach events to answer healthcare questions

Disability Rights Ohio is an approved Navigator for the Healthcare Marketplace. This means we can provide information and assistance for individuals with disabilities who have questions about their healthcare coverage options and how the new healthcare law impacts them. Read more...

June 2, 2014Read More

DRO Voter Education Opportunity

Disability Rights Ohio is launching a campaign to help people with disabilities understand their voting rights and the voting process. Read more...

May 28, 2014Read More

After homicide, Disability Rights Ohio calls for action to end the use of dangerous restraints

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has determined that the death of 15-year-old Kenneth Barkley was a homicide caused by traumatic asphyxiation during a physical restraint used by staff of the group home where he was a resident. Read more...

May 22, 2014Read More

Law School Admission Council agrees to allow accommodations to test takers, provide compensation to those denied

The Department of Justice has announced a settlement with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) over testing accommodations on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Read more...

May 21, 2014Read More

DRO Voter Information and Hotline to be open Voting Day, Tuesday, May 6

Voting Day in Ohio is Tuesday, May 6. Check with your local board of elections for specific information, including early voting options, voting times and locations. Read more...

May 5, 2014Read More

Our April 2014 newsletter is up!

Our April 2014 newsletter is now available! Read more...

April 30, 2014Read More

Court rules guardians can appeal Department of Medicaid decisions without an attorney

After losing at the state administrative level, Kimberly Forbes filed for court review of the decision regarding the level of services on her daughter’s Medicaid home and community services waiver. Rather than addressing the issues in the case, Medicaid’s lawyer, an assistant attorney general, asked the court to dismiss the... Read more...

April 9, 2014Read More

Disability Rights Ohio's March Newsletter is here!

This month's newsletter is now available. Read more...

March 24, 2014Read More

Are you experiencing a denial or delay of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services?

Are you experiencing a denial or delay of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services (example: being told to wait for services, being told to take a break from a work placement, or similar situations)? Have you been told that this is due to a funding restriction or other problem? If so, please... Read more...

March 20, 2014Read More

Disability Rights Ohio issues investigative report on Rose Mary Center

Disability Rights Ohio has issued a report on its investigation of Rose Mary Center, a 42-bed facility in Cuyahoga County for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland. Read more...

March 11, 2014Read More

Ruth Colker addresses House Bills 333 and 334 in Plain Dealer op-ed

Ruth Colker, DRO Board member and Distinguished University Professor at the Moritz College of Law at the Ohio State University, wrote an op-ed for the Cleveland Plain Dealer to share how Ohio legislators are seeking to limit enforcement of parts of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Education... Read more...

March 6, 2014Read More

Check out what's happening at DRO - February 2014 Newsletter

Our February newsletter is now available. Read more...

February 24, 2014Read More

Disability Rights Ohio scores major victory in case of Gibson v. Forest Hills School District

For over four years, Disability Rights Ohio represented Chloe Gibson, a student with autism, a seizure disorder and moderate cognitive impairment, and fought to help her actively pursue an education and make progress toward achieving her goal of gaining customized supported employment in an integrated setting after graduation. Read more...

February 21, 2014Read More

Disability Rights Ohio Applauds Introduction of the Keeping All Students Safe Act

Disability Rights Ohio applauds the introduction of the Keeping All Students Safe Act, a comprehensive legislative measure aimed at establishing standards and limitations on the use of restraint and seclusion interventions in school settings. Read more...

February 13, 2014Read More

Ohio Olmstead Task Force joins oppostion to HB 333

The Ohio Olmstead Task Force, a statewide coalition of individuals and disability rights advocates, recently sent a letter to Representative Michael Stinziano, expressing concerns with HB 333, legislative measure he introduced that would single out people with disabilities and require additional notice and time delays prior to the filing of... Read more...

February 4, 2014Read More

Check out our January 2014 newsletter!

Our January newsletter is now up! Read more...

January 29, 2014Read More

Stinziano Bill (HB 333) Would Harm Disability Community

Members of the disability community will offer strong opposition testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on HB 333, a bill sponsored by Rep. Michael Stinziano (D-Columbus). The hearing is set for Wednesday, January 22 at 4 p.m. in Room 122 of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Read more...

January 21, 2014Read More

Those eligible for Medicaid under Ohio's expansion must reapply on state website

Due to technical difficulties, the federal health insurance exchange website, healthcare.gov, cannot send applications for Medicaid to the Ohio Department of Medicaid. The Ohio Department of Medicaid is encouraging everyone who thinks they may be eligible for Medicaid to complete an application for Medicaid on the Ohio Department of Medicaid... Read more...

January 15, 2014Read More

Blind student files discrimination suit against Miami University

With the assistance of the National Federation of the Blind, Aleeha Dudley, a blind student pursuing a degree in zoology with hopes of attending veterinary school, has filed suit (case number: 1:14-CV-00038) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio against Miami University for discriminating against... Read more...

January 13, 2014Read More

DRO negotiates services for Ohio inmates

Eleven inmates who are blind or have a visual impairment and are incarcerated in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC) system are receiving services and accommodation for their disabilities. Staff from Disability Rights Ohio (formerly Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS)) negotiated with the DRC to provide accommodations and... Read more...

January 13, 2014Read More

Sign up for health insurance by midnight tomorrow for Jan. 1 coverage

Tomorrow at midnight is the deadline to register for health insurance coverage if you would like your plan under the Affordable Care Act to start on Jan. 1. Those who miss the deadline will still be able to avoid penalties if they sign up for coverage by March. Read more...

December 23, 2013Read More

Medicaid expansion is here to stay in Ohio!

On Friday, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the State Controlling Board acted legally when they accepted federal money to expand Medicaid to those making 138% of the federal poverty level, an estimated 275,000 Ohioans. Read more...

December 23, 2013Read More

Law firm Steptoe & Johnson, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law join Doe v. State of Ohio case as co-counsel

Disability Rights Ohio announces that law firm Steptoe & Johnson and the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, both based in Washington, D.C., have joined its Doe v. State of Ohio lawsuit as co-counsel. Their addition will help Disability Rights Ohio bring this 20-year-old case to a successful resolution for... Read more...

December 16, 2013Read More

New report outlines experiences of voters with disabilities in 2012 election

The National Council on Disability (NCD) has released a new report, outlining the current status of voting access for people with disabilities in the United States. NCD, the National Disability Rights Network and EIN SOF Communications worked together to compile the experiences of nearly 900 voters with disabilities during the... Read more...

October 24, 2013Read More

DRO investigation continues after Parmadale placed on probation following sexual abuse allegations

The Cleveland Plain Dealer has reported that Parmadale Institute has been placed on Probation by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services as a result of sexual abuse and other allegations. Parmadale Institute is an 80-bed children’s residential facility in Cuyahoga County. Read more...

October 23, 2013Read More

Is your new assistive device a lemon? You may be eligible for a refund

Has your assistive device dealer tried to fix the same problem at least three times without success? Has your assistive device been in the shop for more than 45 days? Under Ohio’s Assistive Device Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement device. Read more...

October 21, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio returns to full operations

With Congress passing a continuing resolution to fund the federal government, Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) is now back to full operations. Read more...

October 17, 2013Read More

State Controlling Board to vote on Medicaid expansion Monday, October 21

A select group of members of the Ohio General Assembly who serve on the state's Controlling Board will determine whether Medicaid will be expanded in Ohio. Read more...

October 16, 2013Read More

Health Insurance Marketplace to open Tuesday, October 1

The Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace will open on Tuesday, October 1. The marketplace is designed to help people who don't have any health insurance or want to find a lower cost option. Read more...

September 27, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio makes difficult choice as possible federal shutdown looms

Because Disability Rights Ohio is concerned about the possible federal government shutdown on October 1, 2013, and unavailability of additional funding for the upcoming year, we will be forced to manage our remaining funds in a conservative and efficient way. Read more...

September 23, 2013Read More

Murphy Vetter, a child in PLEAS case, is first with special needs to play football in Olentangy Youth Athletic Association

Murphy Vetter was one of 123 children in the lawsuit Disability Rights Ohio brought on behalf of the Parents League for Effective Autism Services (PLEAS) against the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Department of Job and Family Services in 2008. The case was settled in 2011. Read more...

September 16, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio one of several groups awarded grant funding to help public navigate insurance exchanges

Disability Rights Ohio is one of several organizations across the state to be awarded part of a $3 million federal "navigator" grant that will help people navigate the new health insurance exchanges. Read more...

August 16, 2013Read More

Bagenstos speaks to Disability Rights Ohio staff on current, future trends in disability law

Disability Rights Ohio welcomed Professor Sam Bagenstos to Columbus on Thursday, August 15. Bagenstos is currently a Professor at the University of Michigan Law School. Read more...

August 16, 2013Read More

Can't meet us in person? Call into our Listening Session on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Disability Rights Ohio is setting the priorities for its work in the upcoming year, and we want to hear from you! Read more...

August 13, 2013Read More

Board member Ruth Colker to speak Tuesday at Columbus Urban League

Disability Rights Ohio Board member Ruth Colker, professor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, at the Columbus Urban League, 788 Mount Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203. Read more...

August 12, 2013Read More

Save the Date! Disability Rights Ohio to travel the state on Listening Tour starting August 12

Disability Rights Ohio is setting the priorities for its work in the upcoming year, and we want to hear from you! We will be setting off on a Listening Tour around the state August 12-28, visiting 10 locations. Read more...

August 2, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio attorney David Scott has an 'activist's resume' as President of Sierra Club Board

Disability Rights Ohio attorney David Scott has been involved with the Sierra Club for decades, and on May 18 was elected President of the environmental group's Board of Directors. Read more...

July 31, 2013Read More

Happy 23rd Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act!

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, the first civil rights legislation of its kind in the world. The law gives civil rights protections to people with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government... Read more...

July 26, 2013Read More

TOPS intern Adam Moss on road to success at Ohio State University

Adam, who will turn 20 in May, came to us through the Nisonger Center's Transition Options in Postsecondary Settings for Students with Intellectual and Development Disabilities Program, otherwise known as TOPS. The program aims to give transition-aged individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to experience college and, hopefully,... Read more...

April 19, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio Board of Directors elects five new members

On Tuesday, April 9, the Disability Rights Ohio Board of Directors elected five new members who have a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise, including civil rights law, program administration, and disability-related consumer advocacy. Read more...

April 16, 2013Read More

Sponsor testimony set for next week on SB 43, HB 104

Two Ohio legislative committees will hear sponsor testimony next week on Senate Bill 43 and House Bill 104, which would exand the use of involuntary commitment and assisted outpatient treatment for individuals with mental illness in our state. Read more...

April 5, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio sends letter to Senator Burke on Ohio Senate Bill 43

Disability Rights Ohio outlined its position on Senate Bill 43 (now also House Bill 104) in the following letter, sent to State Senator Dave Burke on March 20, 2013. If passed, the bill would would amend Ohio’s involuntary commitment laws by expanding the use of involuntary commitment and assisted outpatient... Read more...

April 4, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio wins attorneys' fees in voter accommodation case

The Southern District Court of Ohio recently awarded Disability Rights Ohio attorneys’ fees and costs in an important case affirming the rights of voters with disabilities. Read more...

April 1, 2013Read More

Read full transcripts of advocate testimony at ODE seclusion and restraint rule hearing

The ACLU of Ohio has posted full transcripts of all advocate testimony given at the March 12 Ohio Department of Education hearing on seclusion and restraint. Read more...

March 27, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio creates FAQ for Senate Bill 43

Senate Bill 43 (SB 43) is a legislative measure that would amend Ohio’s involuntary commitment laws by expanding the use of involuntary commitment and assisted outpatient treatment for individuals with mental illness. Read more...

March 22, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio TTY phones are back up

The Disability Rights Ohio TTY phones are now working again. If you need our assistance, call our intake department at 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181/(TTY) 614-728-2553 or 800-858-3542 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can leave a message 24 hours a day. Read more...

March 21, 2013Read More

Executive Director Michael Kirkman testifies before Ohio House subcommittee

This afternoon, Disability Rights Ohio Executive Director Michael Kirkman testified before the Ohio House Finance and Appropriations, Health and Human Services Subcommittee. Read more...

March 12, 2013Read More

Chief Legal Counsel Sue Tobin testifies on seclusion and restraint rule

This morning, Disability Rights Ohio Chief Legal Counsel Sue Tobin testified before the Ohio Department of Education regarding the seclusion and restraint rule. Read more...

March 12, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio - March 2013 newsletter is up!

This month's newsletter is now up! Read more...

March 11, 2013Read More

Ohio Department of Education begins formal process to adopt Seclusion and Restraint rule; Public hearing planned for March 12, 2013

The long-awaited rule to limit the use of seclusion and restraint interventions in public schools and to implement positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS) was filed with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) on February 8, 2013. Read more...

February 13, 2013Read More

After ODE finds no violation of student rights in Columbus City Schools, Disability Rights Ohio issues letter requesting staff development

After Columbus City Schools refused to remove the doors of seclusion rooms in response to Disability Rights Ohio's investigative report, Disability Rights Ohio and a parent of an 18-year-old student who has autism filed a formal written complaint with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). Read more...

February 8, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio applauds Governor Kasich’s budget plan to expand Medicaid and simplify the eligibility process

A proposal to expand Medicaid and simplify its eligibility process has been included in Governor Kasich’s executive budget request for state fiscal years 2014-2015. Read more...

February 6, 2013Read More

News from Disability Rights Ohio - February 2013 now up!

This month's newsletter is now up! Read more...

February 5, 2013Read More

Disability Rights Ohio continues to monitor state school funding proposal, its impact on Doe case

Yesterday, Gov. John Kasich's administration described a new “student-focused” system of school funding. The administration claims that no school district will see a funding decrease over the next two years and that state spending on K-12 programs will increase by 6.7% and 4.1% in respective years of the upcoming biennium... Read more...

February 1, 2013Read More

Help us keep the victories coming! Donate online to Disability Rights Ohio

Disability Rights Ohio can now accept donations via PayPal. You can find the PayPal button on our Donate page. Please consider making a donation yourself or come up with a creative way to raise money for our cause. Thank you so much for your support! Read more...

January 24, 2013Read More

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