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
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 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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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