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
Disability Rights Ohio declares victory in groundbreaking case: Right to counsel for those under guardianship upheld by Ohio Supreme Court
oday, the Ohio Supreme Court unanimously affirmed the right of individuals under guardianship to be represented by a court-appointed lawyer during review hearings to determine whether they continue to need a guardian. Disability Rights Ohio brought this case on behalf of Mr. James McQueen, who resides in a locked nursing... Read more...
January 16, 2013Read More
Disability Rights Ohio speaks to Channel 4 News about state's expected seclusion, restraint policy
The Ohio Department of Education subcommittee crafting the policy and rule regarding the use of seclusion and restraint on students in Ohio's schools met yesterday to make some final changes, and Disability Rights Ohio was in attendance. Read more...
January 15, 2013Read More
Disability Rights Ohio issues statement on ODE seclusion and restraint policy, rule
The Ohio Department of Education is expected to approve a policy and a rule next week that would create statewide standards around seclusion and restraint of students in schools. Disability Rights Ohio has released the following statement from its Chief Legal Counsel Sue Tobin: Read more...
January 9, 2013Read More
New on our website: Frequently Asked Questions about Medicaid
Navigating Ohio's Medicaid program can be very complicated and confusing. To help answer some of the most common questions, Disability Rights Ohio has created a Frequently Asked Questions about Medicaid. Read more...
January 4, 2013Read More
Governor Kasich signs into law H.B. 27, the Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act
In January 2011, Representatives Peter Stautberg and Tom Letson introduced H.B. 27, a legislative measure authorizing the state of Ohio to adopt the Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act. Read more...
January 3, 2013Read More
Disability Rights Ohio committed to helping people with communication disabilities get speech-generating devices
Speech-generating devices (SGDs) can be life-changing to individuals with communication disabilities. Thanks to this kind of assistive technology, SGD users can create sentences or select from pre-set messages to talk with others. Read more...
December 28, 2012Read More
Support the International Disability Rights Treaty
The U.S. Senate will soon hold a vote to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Over 140 other countries have already ratified this treaty. The CRPD is important to the disability community, and U.S. Senate ratification of the treaty will help raise accessibility... Read more...
December 18, 2012Read More
Autism experts say no evidence of link between Asperger's and violence like in Connecticut
It's been stated that Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old gunman in the Connecticut school shooting had Asperger's which has initiated much discussion about a link between mental illness and violence. Read more...
December 17, 2012Read More
Just launched!: 2012 Survey on emergency communications and people with disabilities
The Wireless RERC's Consumer Research Team has just launched a new survey on emergency communications for people with disabilities. Read more...
December 4, 2012Read More
Disability Rights Ohio files formal complaint against Columbus City Schools
Disability Rights Ohio filed a formal written complaint with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). The complaint alleges individual and system-wide violations of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Read more...
November 26, 2012Read More
Forty years of helping people in need
The Social Security Amendments of 1972 created a new federal benefit program for people in need. This month, that program " the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program " celebrates its 40th anniversary. Read more...
November 20, 2012Read More
Disability Rights Ohio obtains win for voter
On Friday, November 16, 2012, a federal judge ruled that a voter with a disability who had been confined to a hospital on election day and had not received her requested absentee ballot on time, would have her vote counted in this General Election. Read more...
November 20, 2012Read More
Disability Rights Ohio worked as liaison to SABE USA for their voting project
Disability Rights Ohio is pleased to have acted as a liaison to Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) USA for their voting project. Read more...
November 19, 2012Read More
Voting and emergency hospitalizations
Were you or someone you know unable to vote on Election Day because of an emergency hospitalization? Does this make you want to plan ahead and vote by absentee ballot or vote early and in person in case a medical emergency occurs on or near Election Day in the... Read more...
November 13, 2012Read More
Disability Rights Ohio provides voters assistance with election day hotline
Every election, Disability Rights Ohio has a voting hotline during polling hours on election day. On Tuesday’s general election, the hotline received sixteen calls. Attorneys from Disability Rights Ohio provided assistance and advice to each caller. Read more...
November 7, 2012Read More
Voting for Sandy first responders denied
It has come to our attention that first responders (Red Cross staff, volunteers and utility repair crews) may not be able to vote due to the fact that they left their states to help with the devastation of hurricane Sandy. Read more...
November 6, 2012Read More
Complete a brief questionnaire to share your voting experience with the National Council on Disability
The 2012 General Election is today, and the National Council on Disability (NCD) wants to hear from you! Read more...
November 6, 2012Read More
Make Your Voice Count. Go Vote!
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered created a video where people with developmental disabilities speak about what's important to them, created by Self Advocates Becoming Empowered. Read more...
November 2, 2012Read More
Disability Rights Ohio to support self-advocates on voting project
Disability Rights Ohio is pleased to announce that we will act as a liaison to Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) USA’s voting project. SABE is the self-advocacy organization of the United States. Read more...
November 2, 2012Read More
Voting Early in Ohio
Early voting is encouraged for many individuals to ensure that you have the time and support needed to get your vote cast. Read more...
October 31, 2012Read More
Eligibility for voting in Ohio
Have you been hearing a lot about voting laws and wondering if you have anything to be concerned about? Here's is a list of the requirements to be eligible to vote in the State of Ohio. Read more...
October 30, 2012Read More
Assistance with Casting Your Ballot
Voters with disabilities have a right to equal access to their polling location, and to cast a private ballot. Voters with disabilities who have complaints about access, meaningful accommodations, assistance, or other rights violations can contact Disability Rights Ohio. Read more...
October 30, 2012Read More
ODE responds to Disability Rights Ohio’s investigation report on the use of seclusion in Columbus City Schools
Interim Superintendent Sawyers, of the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) wrote a letter in response to Disability Rights Ohio’s report on restraint and seclusion that was released at the end of September, 2012. Read more...
October 26, 2012Read More
2012 Presidential Candidate Positions on Disability-Related Issues
This side-by-side comparison, prepared by Disability Rights Ohio of the candidate’s positions on disability-related issues is based on information found on the candidates’ campaign websites, White House website, responses to relevant questionnaires, and supplemented by other news sources. Disability Rights Ohio neither supports or opposes any political party or candidate... Read more...
October 26, 2012Read More
The Ohio ACLU comments on ODE’s draft policy and rules for restraint and seclusion
The Ohio American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released a statement today commenting on the Ohio Board of Education’s recently drafted policy and rules that would govern the use of restraint and seclusion in Ohio’s schools. Read more...
October 25, 2012Read More
Voter alert: call Disability Rights Ohio's Voter Hotline for assistance
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Do you plan to cast your vote in person? Will you vote early? Protect your right to vote! Know what you can do if a poll worker challenges your right to vote on Election Day. Read more...
October 25, 2012Read More
Disability Rights Ohio joins other advocacy organizations to submit comments to ODE on proposed rules and policy governing seclusion and restraint in schools
Disability Rights Ohio, joined by other advocacy organizations (People First of Ohio, NAMI Ohio, TASH OHIO, and The Arc of Ohio) submitted comments to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) on its proposed policy and rule governing seclusion and restraint in schools. Read more...
October 24, 2012Read 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, 2002Read More
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