#AdvocacyMatters: Staying Connected
Our work is only effective if firmly rooted in the realities and lived experiences of the communities we serve. Read more...
September 2, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Face to Face
In the complex world of advocacy, one of the biggest challenges can be making direct connections with those who wield the power to shape policy. Read more...
August 26, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Making A Splash
Connecting directly with communities across Ohio is a pivotal part of bringing our mission to life. Read more...
August 19, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: [ to OVERCOME ]
“Being able to turn the page on an incredibly challenging year and still share success stories like these is a remarkable accomplishment,” Sjoberg continues. “With the promise of a new year, new advocacy, and new challenges ahead, we can’t wait to see what’s in store.” Read more...
August 12, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Ask An Advocate
Oftentimes, access to story-sharing takes a route not travelable by disabled advocates, leaving a space with stories left untold. With inspiration from recorded oral history like the stories of Clevelanders captured by John Leoni, and produced by Linking Employment Abilities and Potential (LEAP), Alexia set forward with a specific vision... Read more...
August 5, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Everyone Deserves Care
Equal access to care is a critical and essential component of a truly equitable society. Read more...
July 29, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Vision of Change
“This moment demands more. It requires a bold vision that truly invests in evidence-based interventions that address the demands of our community.” Read more...
July 22, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Page by page
Our mission of a truly equitable society requires accessibility as a foundational principle, and this is an area we are constantly striving to improve. Read more...
July 15, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Lending a Paw
Our mission of a truly equitable society can only begin to be realized with the understanding that the work is much, much bigger than us. Read more...
July 8, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Dangerous Steps Backwards
Regardless of one’s personal views on abortion, the overturning of Roe was a dangerous attack on rights, equity and healthcare access. Read more...
July 1, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Path of Opportunities
The availability of programs and services alone isn’t enough to move us forward… for only through their accessibility can outcomes toward equity be achieved. Read more...
June 24, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Celebrating Juneteenth
Today - because our #AdvocacyMatters - we elevate Shari Cooper’s blog, The Power of Juneteenth. Read more...
June 17, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Broadening Our Impact
The journey to effective advocacy is often fraught with landmines and barriers for many oppressed communities. Read more...
June 3, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: In The Aftermath
In the face of tragedy we must elevate ourselves beyond the convenient excuses, and instead relentlessly pursue truth. Read more...
May 27, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: More Than A Guide
Equity in our communities and across our state cannot be achieved until each person has access to the tools and information they need to be successful. Read more...
May 20, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Next Generation of Advocates
Movement towards a truly equitable society will only carry forward if our focus rests not just on today’s challenges, but also on preparing for those ahead. Read more...
May 13, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Oversight and Oversteps
The ongoing battle towards a fair and equitable society is complex, and often overwhelming. Simply advocating and pushing for improved access and service systems isn’t enough, as there are active efforts to undermine the victories that have already been secured. Read more...
May 6, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Barriers at the Ballot Box
Our vision of a truly equitable society can only become reality once all people - including those with disabilities - have free and fair access to the election process. Read more...
April 29, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: An unusual approach
These events can bridge the gap between our organization and the communities we serve, allowing all to enjoy a shared sense of purpose and joy. Read more...
April 22, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Pleas for change
Someone amid a mental health crisis far too often falls victim to dangerous, ablest stigmas… in many cases not just delaying the necessary help, but impeding it. Read more...
April 15, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Opportunity Knocks
Our advocacy is most effective when we are able to bring it directly into the communities we serve. By connecting on a local level with our partners and allies, we can most effectively reach broader audiences with new resources, new tools, and new opportunities. Read more...
April 8, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Ballot Barriers
Our vision of a truly equitable society will only be possible when people with disabilities are in the rooms where decisions are being made… from the board room to the voting booth. Read more...
April 1, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Become Certified in Mental Health First Aid
First aid training in mental health helps participants learn to assess for risk of self-harm, listen nonjudgmentally, and encourage the appropriate professional help. It also provides needed connection to local providers, community services and national resources available for support. Read more...
March 18, 2022Read More
#LaDefensaImporta: Obtenga la certificación en Primeros Auxilios para la Salud Mental
Los kits de herramientas y las habilidades para la atención durante una crisis de salud mental son de vital importancia para la comunidad colectiva en Ohio y más allá, y merecen la misma atención que la capacitación básica en primeros auxilios. Read more...
March 18, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Uplifting voices, envisioning outcomes
Despite representing only 20 percent of the population, those with disabilities make up 30 to 50 percent of individuals subject to police use of force. An estimated one-third to one-half of people killed by police are people with disabilities. Read more...
March 11, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Community and the Power of Disabled Voices
We believe that people with disabilities need to be included in decision-making positions, and that organizations need to make space for disabled voices. Read more...
March 4, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: More than a spot to fill
The “work” of DRO is done many ways, by many people… people with the skills, the background, and the passion to push our vision forward. Read more...
February 18, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Parental Empowerment, Student Success
How do parents know that their student is receiving the education that they deserve? Read more...
February 11, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Short Term Assistance, Long Term Solutions
For many people with disabilities facing challenges, it can be difficult to know where to look for help. Read more...
February 4, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Identifying Obstacles, Amplifying Solutions
For nearly two full years, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a disruptive force in education. Read more...
January 28, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Because of You
When we asked you to join us, you answered the call. Read more...
January 21, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Closed Chapter, Opening Doors
Nearly six years ago, DRO took a major step in giving life to our mission by filing the landmark class action Ball vs. DeWine lawsuit on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities who were unnecessarily segregated in residential facilities or at risk of segregation. Read more...
January 14, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Coalition For Transformation
Recently, DRO joined a number of local organizers, activists, and groups in forming the Columbus Safety Collective - a coalition that is working to push the city of Columbus to transform the recently announced pilot program to a permanent anti-racist, trauma-informed, non-policing response system for people experiencing mental health crises. Read more...
January 7, 2022Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Unprecedented Challenges, Unique Solutions
The unique challenges of today’s reality require unique solutions. Read more...
December 17, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: New Year, New Vision
One of the unique characteristics of DRO is the makeup of our board: Most have experienced life through the lens of a person with a disability or a relative of a person with a disability. Read more...
December 10, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Just the Facts
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact people with disabilities in unique ways. Read more...
December 3, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Thoughts and Thankfulness
There’s no telling how different 2021 would have been without our supporters and allies. Read more...
November 24, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: When The Skies Aren't Friendly
Remarkably in July 2021 alone, 834 wheelchairs were reported to have been damaged by US-based airlines. Read more...
November 19, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Answers and Access
By amplifying the facts around #VaxAccess, you can help build safer, better-informed communities. Read more...
November 12, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Every Election is a Big Election
When it comes to equity in access to the voting process our team won’t stop picking up the phone. Read more...
November 5, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters- Forward: Together
As our world struggled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our work continued. Beyond just getting through, we pushed forward. Read more...
October 29, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Brick by Brick
We must recognize that this system has failed for far too long, inflicting trauma on the very lives they claim to be helping. Read more...
October 22, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: On Intersections and Injustice
Our mission may be to advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of Ohioans with disabilities, but we understand that this work does not happen in a vacuum. Read more...
October 15, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Headed Home - Phillip's Story
After years living in the same community, there was simply nowhere else that Phillip could call home. Over the last year, Phillip has been staying in the hospital, and he was nervous"yet thrilled"to return home after significant time away. However, Phillip had different needs than when he left; most notably,... Read more...
October 8, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Engagement for Empowerment
This new set of Goals and Objectives highlights DRO’s commitment to empower all Ohioans with disabilities through advocacy, support, and outreach. Read more...
October 1, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: New Perspectives - A Spotlight on Disability Rights Ohio's Board of Directors
The work of Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) demands a high bar for our Board of Directors. Our board sets our strategic plan and advocacy goals and provides oversight to ensure DRO operates with the highest integrity. This Friday is the board’s annual meeting, and our newest members are raising the... Read more...
September 24, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Sequel Pomegranate Health Systems Update
ust last week, we received news that Torii Behavioral Health Systems"the for-profit corporation’s new name for Sequel Pomegranate"voluntarily relinquished all of its OMHAS licenses and certifications, including its license to operate a private psychiatric hospital. Read more...
September 17, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Care Work in Crisis
For many Ohioans with disabilities, home- and community-based services (HCBS) and the direct care workers that provide them are crucial to everyday life. Direct care workers help people with anything from personal care tasks"like bathing or getting dressed"to complex medical needs. Read more...
September 10, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: It Rages On
Our commitment to provide the tools, information, and resources to help Ohioans with disabilities throughout this challenging time remains as strong as ever. Read more...
September 3, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Meaningful Conversation
Our mission only comes to life when it’s rooted in the reality of our communities. As our work doesn’t exist in a vacuum, this information will ensure that our plans align with the actual needs being faced by Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
August 27, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: New Year, New Challanges
As summer draws to a close and big, yellow school busses begin to appear in the morning fog, we sit at the outset of the third school year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more...
August 20, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Our Path Forward
Earlier this year, you answered our calls and stood beside us in fighting against a budget bill amendment we saw as harmful and threatening to our work. You made countless phone calls and sent hundreds of emails to your representatives on our behalf asking them to remove this amendment. Read more...
August 13, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Shape Our Future
Each summer, Disability Rights Ohio embarks to develop our goals and objectives for the upcoming year. This goal-setting process connects us to Ohioans with disabilities, allowing our team to understand the scope and impact of the latest issues facing our communities. Let’s be clear: The most important piece of this... Read more...
August 6, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Cause for Celebration
Now that the dust has settled on a chaotic " and at times disappointing " state budget cycle, we would be remiss to not recognize and celebrate the many victories our advocacy and partnerships were able to bring about. Read more...
July 30, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: On Barriers and Ballots
During a whirlwind of a year, 2020’s primary and general elections presented an abundance of opportunities and challenges for the disability-rights community. Read more...
July 23, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Diligent Observation, Fierce Protection
While the global COVID-19 pandemic complicated seemingly all aspects of our daily lives, the lasting impacts magnified the need for many of the essential functions performed by our organization. Read more...
July 16, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Lighting Our Path
From fighting for community living to advocating for safe returns to work, DRO empowered Ohioans with the tools to advocate for the life they deserve. All year long, their stories lit our path. Read more...
July 9, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Different Independence Day
Galvanized by how disposable our work appears to be to Ohio’s elected leaders, we are fueled to move forward by those for whom we advocate. Read more...
July 2, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Totality of our Work
The essence of DRO is rooted in the empowerment of individuals and communities throughout our state, and sharing their stories and experiences with our allies and supporters is by far the best way to understand the totality of our work. Read more...
June 25, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: You Aren't Alone
When families are trying to understand and protect their student’s right to an appropriate education, we believe that they shouldn’t be alone. Read more...
June 18, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: In Their Own Voices
This week, the Ohio Senate added an amendment to the state budget with undue and retaliatory oversight of the state’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization that could have a chilling effect on DRO’s ability to protect the rights of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
June 11, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Floating to the Finish Line
Perhaps you heard the faint quacking earlier this week as more than 300 rubber ducks paddled down the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers near Marietta. Or, more likely, you heard us cheering along the shores, following the ducks progress and, moreover, proud to have successfully “spread our wings” with our first... Read more...
June 4, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Forming Partnerships, Filling Needs
Of all the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some of the most concerning surround the interrupted educational opportunities and their impact on students who depend on special education services. Read more...
May 28, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Pushing Back, Pressing Forward
A proposed amendment to Ohio’s biennial budget presents dangerous, retaliatory complications that would jeopardize DRO’s ability to maximize our team’s work. Read more...
May 21, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Home Stretch
Over the last several months, Disability Rights Ohio’s work has revolved around the state’s biennial budget as we advocate to Ohio’s legislature for the rights of people with disabilities. Read more...
May 14, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Spreading Our Wings
By spreading our wings, connecting with our communities, and trying new things, we hope it’s clear just how much #AdvocacyMatters to our team. Read more...
May 7, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Magnifying the Moment
By partnering with allies and like-minded organizations across the country, our work can grow and our impact can be amplified. Read more...
April 30, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Matter Of Appreciation
“It's a privilege to sit at the table with other advocates for Ohioans with disabilities and to have the opportunity to offer a voice to those our society has tried to silence.” Read more...
April 23, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Human Connection
Recently, we began transitioning our intake system to return to live specialists answering the phones instead of the voicemail prompt. Read more...
April 16, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Sky Is No Longer The Limit
Stories and headlines, in attempting to project inspiration, often remark on “overcoming” or “moving past” one’s disability. Read more...
April 9, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Why we never gave up
Five years ago, we embarked on a legal journey to improve access to Home and Community-Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more...
April 2, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Empowering People, Accelerating Change
As part of Disability Rights Ohio’s mission to advocate for the human, legal, and civil rights of Ohioans with disabilities, our work this month has focused on Ohio’s biennial budget. Read more...
March 26, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Month of Awareness, A Year of Work
In March, we recognize Development Disabilities (DD) Awareness Month. To our team, this period of recognition isn’t a time to stop and reflect… it’s a time to speak louder, push harder, and fight more effectively. Read more...
March 19, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Challenges and Changes
As we meet the grim anniversary of COVID-19’s arrival and the devastation it brought to our communities, the struggles and loss experienced over the past year won’t have been in vain. Read more...
March 12, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Speaking Up For Better
Moving towards a society of equity " where people with disabilities are free to live, work, learn, and go where and how they choose " isn’t a dream. This is the guiding force behind our work and the righteous drive behind our fight. There is no “good enough” when it... Read more...
March 5, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: An Attitude of Empowerment
A society of inclusion and equity cannot be possible when so often a diagnosis strips away one’s opportunity to choose where they live and receive care. Read more...
February 26, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: An Uphill Battle
A troubling new study is shedding light on just how deeply-rooted implicit biases may be within our system of healthcare against people with disabilities. Read more...
February 19, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Symptoms and the Cause
When faced with a serious diagnosis, common sense dictates that addressing only the symptoms and not the disease is not a cure. Read more...
February 12, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Hanging in the Balance
Every two years, the state of Ohio goes through an important, priority-altering task: setting the state’s budget. Read more...
January 29, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Shot of Hope
Since the arrival of effective, approved vaccines at the end of last year, the monumental task of production, distribution, and prioritization has been underway. Read more...
January 22, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Giving Voice To The Silenced
As imperfect as our systems of justice may be, we believe that the principles behind them- liberty and justice for all- are inherently good. Read more...
January 15, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Reflections Of A Dark Day
This week, we all watched in horror as an armed mob overtook the U.S. Capitol building for the first time in more than 200 years. Read more...
January 8, 2021Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Glancing Back, Charging Forward
There’s little doubt that this past year was the most challenging most of us have lived through. From the first days of 2020, however, we had much to celebrate as we stepped ever closer towards our vision of a truly equal society. Read more...
December 23, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: In All Fairness
As the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Ohio, one question is on everyone’s mind: who is in line? Read more...
December 18, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Amplifying Change
While not a topic an organization like ours has focused on in the past, we believe it is incredibly important to acknowledge that a free and equal society cannot be realized until these mechanisms of systemic discrimination are diagnosed and eliminated. Read more...
December 11, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The dark before the dawn
As we move into what could be a dark winter, there are several actions that people with disabilities can take to help alleviate complications down the road. Read more...
December 4, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Forward Together
As we enter this time of appreciation and giving and prepare to send off a year that many would rather forget, it’s important that we pause and reflect on all that was accomplished in 2020. Read more...
November 25, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Better at Home
The Home and Community Based system in Ohio needs additional funding from the state to continue supporting the independence and safety of older Ohioans and people with disabilities. Read more...
November 20, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Needed Change
The facts are inescapable: Data shows that marginalized groups are at high risk for police use of force and death by police"including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and people with disabilities. Read more...
November 13, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Answering the Call
We don’t measure our success in election outcomes, we measure it in election participation. Read more...
November 6, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: This Is It
Over the last few months, we’ve committed a great deal of our team’s time and energy to ensuring each and every Ohioan with a disability has an opportunity to be heard in this election. Read more...
October 30, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Eleven Days
The decisions we make in eleven days will have an impact for years to come. With so much at stake, it’s critical that every voice is heard and every vote is counted. Read more...
October 23, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Empty Classrooms, Unique Solutions
Adapting to online school can be hard for all children, but what if your child’s academic success depended on seeing their teachers and peers face-to-face? Read more...
October 16, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Taking Action, Not Sides
Through the haze of negative campaign ads and catchy one-liners, it can be difficult to figure out exactly where the candidates stand issues of importance to Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
October 9, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Listening, Learning, Adjusting
Every day that goes by brings with it new challenges and new obstacles for Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
October 2, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Safer at Home
Thousands of Ohioans face barriers leaving institutions in favor of community care. Read more...
September 25, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Plan Your Vote
We want to ensure that every voice is heard once the ballots are counted, and PLAN YOUR VOTE will help Ohioans across the state participate in this historic election. Read more...
September 18, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Fighting for Peace of Mind
Earlier this year, a concerned family reached out to Disability Rights Ohio on behalf of their son Tanner, who has autism. Read more...
September 11, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Decoding Medicaid Managed Care
Much like parents, managed care providers can have trouble working through the complex Medicaid managed care system. Read more...
September 4, 2020Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Back to School, Far from Ordinary
When a child’s future is at stake, no decision should be taken lightly. Read more...
August 28, 2020Read More