Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Disability Rights Ohio and the Re-designation Process

The Governor has issued a public notice to re-designate the Ohio Protection and Advocacy System (P&A) and the Client Assistance Program (CAP) for people with disabilities. Ohio Legal Rights Service (LRS), an independent state agency, is currently the P&A and CAP for Ohio. On October 1, 2012, Disability Rights Ohio, a non-profit corporation, will replace LRS as Ohio's P&A and CAP. The information below will help you understand what the public notice means. You can also download a PDF version of this FAQ.

What is the Governor proposing to do?

Through the written notice, the Governor is announcing his intent to designate Disability Rights Ohio as the entity in Ohio to administer the P&A and CAP effective October 1, 2012. Two notices were issued by the Governor. One is a "Public Notice of Intent to Re-designate the Ohio Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program for People with Disabilities" and the other is a "Notice of Public Hearing." These notices give the reasons why the Governor made this decision and gives individuals with disabilities and interested parties an opportunity to comment on this change.

Will Disability Rights Ohio provide the same services as LRS?

Disability Rights Ohio will continue the work of LRS and provide the same services as LRS with many of the same employees. Services will not be disrupted and cases will be managed without interruption during this change. Disability Rights Ohio will have the same authority as LRS to access clients, facilities and records and to pursue remedies on behalf of its clients.

What are the advantages to becoming a non-profit corporation?

By leaving state government and becoming a non-profit, Disability Rights Ohio will have the freedom to do more than LRS has been permitted to do, such as:

• Work more closely with people with disabilities to decide the kind of work Disability Rights Ohio should do;
• Be more involved in individual and systemic advocacy issues; and
• Better meet federal requirements required by the P&A and CAP.

In addition, the majority of P&A and CAP programs throughout the country and U.S. territories also function as non-profit corporations which is considered the best practices model for administering the P&A and CAP.

What do I do if I want to comment on the re-designation?

There are two ways you can comment. First is during the public comment period from July 17 to August 31, 2012. Questions or comments should be mailed to:

Public Comments
Ohio Legal Rights Service
50 W. Broad Street, Suite 1400
Columbus, OH 43215

There will also be a public hearing held on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at:

Rhodes State Office Tower
First Floor Hearing Room
30 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Where can I find more information?

• Read the public notices: www.olrs.ohio.gov/publicnotice
• Learn more about Disability Rights Ohio: www.disabilityrightsohio.org
• Questions about the Public Hearing: Art Wills at 614-466-7264 ext. 154 or Sandra Callas of the Governor's office at 614-644-0872
• Questions from the public: Contact the LRS Intake Department at 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181 / TTY 614-728-2553 or 800-858-3542.
• Questions from the media: Contact Kim McConnell at 614-466-7264 or 800-282-9181 / TTY 614-728-2553 or 800-858-3542, or by email at kmcconnell@olrs.state.oh.us.

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