#AdvocacyMatters: Advancing the Discussion
Our advocacy takes on many forms and travels through many mediums to reach its full potential. Each message and every discussion on all of our platforms and channels help to broaden our reach and strengthen our work. Read more...
July 17, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Fact v. Opinion
Being able to live and receive services where and how one chooses " including in home and community-based settings - is at the heart of true equity for people with disabilities. Read more...
July 10, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Voice Heard - Governor Vetoes HB 472!
Every Ohioan with a disability deserves equal access to voting, the right to cast their vote in private, and the trust that their personal information will not be compromised. Read more...
June 26, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Medicaid Updates
We have, to put it mildly, been dealing with one of the hardest few weeks in advocacy for disabled Ohioans that has happened in a long time. Read more...
June 12, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: New Perspectives
These panel discussions were split into 2 separate panels: Disability & Intersectionality, and provided excellent opportunities to discuss the ways we all approach our work… methods and structure, successes and challenges. Read more...
June 5, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Leading Through Lived Experience
When considering and deciding on policy changes, the real-world impacts of those who will be most affected must be kept front and center. Read more...
May 29, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Guise of “Doing Right”
When changes are being planned that will impact the care options for people with disabilities, the should have a spot at the table. Read more...
May 22, 2026Read More
Ohioans with Disabilities Sound the Alarm After Latest Attack on Home and Community-Based Services
Initiatives announced ostensibly to address ‘Fraud, Waste, and Abuse’ present real harm to Ohioans with Disabilities. Read more...
May 20, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: They Deserve Better
When numerous facilities that house some of Ohio’s most vulnerable children and youth regularly struggle to meet state defined minimum standards, systemic changes must occur. Read more...
May 15, 2026Read More
Patterns Persist: Alarming Concerns in Ohio’s Residential Treatment Facilities for Children and Youth
After 75 visits to Ohio Youth RTFs since 2020, DRO’s team identified persistent and pervasive problems within these facilities. Read more...
May 13, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: 2026 Annual Summary
Every year, we take time to reflect on where we have been in order to shape the work of our organization moving forward. Read more...
May 8, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Right, Your Vote
Fair and equitable access to elections and civic engagement are at the core of the disability rights movement. Ohio’s May primary election is coming up this Tuesday, May 5th. Read more...
May 1, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Reducing Referral Fatigue
When seeking guidance, resources, and support, chasing referrals from organization to organization can be exhausting, confusing, and discouraging. Read more...
April 24, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Disability Distinction
Because we know all disabilities and people are not the same, this means that we need to understand individual needs while advocating for more general groups. Read more...
April 17, 2026Read More
Help Shape Our Future
Our FY27 Goals & Objectives Survey is now open! Read more...
April 13, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Informed by You
This year’s survey will launch next Monday, April 13th, and we’d love your help in sharing and amplifying it to as many individuals, groups, and communities. Read more...
April 10, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Attacking Election Accessibility
Free and fair access for all citizens to participate in elections is more than just a right, it’s a critical component of disability rights and other civil rights movements. Read more...
April 3, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Familiar Faces
Phone calls, letters, emails, and social media movements can all be helpful tools in helping to shape and affect policy, but in-person contact and face-to-face meetings with policymakers most often create clearer understanding, inspire meaningful questions and answers, and build bridges between different positions. Read more...
March 27, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Words Matter
Ahead of tomorrow’s celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, a new ad campaign is out with a very clear and straightforward message: Leave the r-word slur in the past. Read more...
March 20, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Reaching Our Community
Our resources, our expertise, and our advocacy are most effective when they reach those who need them most. Read more...
March 13, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Supported Decision-Making and Transition Toolkit
This resource was designed to help individuals with disabilities explore options for assistance in things like powers of attorney, education, and options outside of guardianship that are less restrictive. Read more...
March 6, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Closing Black History Month
In fact, the roots of Black History plant firmly in disability rights. Read more...
February 27, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Crucial Impact
“True independence is the ability to live without restraints…especially those that able-bodied people do not have to think about.” Read more...
February 20, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Disproportionate Impact
Free and fair access to civic engagement is at the core of disability rights. Read more...
February 13, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Catching a Break
At this point in most Ohio winters, we find ourselves ready to take a break. Read more...
February 6, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Being Prepared
As the last few weeks have shown us, the most predictable thing about Ohio’s weather might be its unpredictability. Read more...
January 30, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Mainstream Representation
Hitting back at sympathetic views towards individuals with disabilities - even when well-intended - the film shatters tired stereotypes with stunning visuals and sharply-clever lyrics. Read more...
January 23, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Our Story
Last summer, members of DRO’s Board of Directors asked a very simple question: How can we best describe our mission? Read more...
January 16, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Our Deepest Gratitude
As we begin a new year " one that will surely see new challenges, new opportunities, and new victories " we must take a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate. Read more...
January 9, 2026Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Top Twelve of 2025
This year, we thought we would change it up, giving gratitude to some of the not so often highlighted people of our work. Please enjoy, DRO’s 2025 Top Twelve. (In no particular order) Read more...
December 19, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Small Steps, Monumental Shifts
“While change may not happen overnight,” Georgie shared. “The small steps we take together can lead to monumental shifts in our society.” Read more...
December 12, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Weight of Words
Words are more than a collection of letter or sounds, either spoken aloud or printed on paper. They carry meaning far beyond their dictionary definitions; each one shaped by context, emotion, and our own lived experiences. Read more...
December 5, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Stronger Together
As we prepare to wrap up one year and move into a new one, we know that the need for advocacy all across Ohio far outpaces what we can do on our own. Read more...
November 21, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Advocacy Out Loud
“Voices Elevated. People Empowered. Equity Achieved.” is more than our vision statement, it’s the inspiration and drive behind these efforts to get this information out to the communities we serve and these resources directly to those who need them. Read more...
November 14, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Pre-Employment Transition Services
Pre-ETS are specifically intended for Transition-Aged Youth, which includes any person with a disability from ages 14-21. Read more...
November 7, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: We're still here
Amid federal layoffs and a lingering shutdown, it’s difficult to find stability in the services and institutions so many people rely on. Read more...
October 31, 2025Read More
Government Shutdown Triggers Operational Changes at Disability Rights Ohio
Due to funding uncertainty brought about by the ongoing government shutdown, Disability Rights Ohio will be making operational changes effective immediately. Read more...
October 29, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Pushing Back
Last week Disability Rights Ohio joined a coalition of more than 200 Disability, Civil Rights, and Education Organizations, calling for a reversal of these layoffs. Read more...
October 24, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Reflecting on Equity
Disability is an experience that knows no boundaries, cutting across different identities, geographic areas, socioeconomic status, and political persuasions. Read more...
October 17, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Fighting for Transparency
Earlier this week, Disability Rights Ohio filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health over access to records to conduct investigations of abuse and neglect. Read more...
October 10, 2025Read More
DRO Files Suit Against Ohio Department of Behavioral Health Over Records Access
Records pertaining to abuse, death investigations among those being sought by advocacy organization. Read more...
October 8, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: The Year Ahead
Our work is most effective when it’s informed by the actual, lived experiences of Ohioans with disabilities. Read more...
October 3, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Successful Day on the Water
The Disability Rights Ohio Duck Derby " now in its fifth year " featured 439 participating ducks. Read more...
September 26, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Advocacy in Unison
Earlier this week, over 40 representatives from disability groups around Ohio joined together in DC to meet face-to-face with Congressional offices. Read more...
September 19, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Your Voice, Our Priority
The latest news article will read: “Congress to main funding for programs for people with disabilities”, and that reality was only made possible with your support. Read more...
September 12, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Day of Learning
Through constant learning, focus, and refinement, we can maximize the impact our small but mighty team can have on those who need us. Read more...
August 29, 2025Read More
#AdvocacayMatters: What's in a name?
Barriers facing Ohioans with disabilities are always changing. Read more...
August 22, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: A Quack-tastic Return
On Tuesday, September 23rd, hundreds of rubber ducks will race down the Muskingum River towards the Ohio River in Marietta. Read more...
August 15, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Resources and Community
This past Tuesday, we held our first of six free webinars in our Summer Education and Employment Training Series, hosted by our amazing DRO staff. Read more...
August 1, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Celebrating the ADA
The anniversary will be marked tomorrow with celebrations across the country and throughout Ohio. Read more...
July 25, 2025Read More
#AdvocacyMatters: Here To Stay
Empowering and elevating the voices and lived experiences of people with disabilities all across Ohio is at the very center of our work. Read more...
July 18, 2025Read More