#AdvocacyMatters: New Beginnings

October 9, 2026 / #AdvocacyMatters

This week kicked off a new fiscal year for our organization, marking the official beginning of these new Goals & Objectives. These new goals have been informed by hundreds of surveys from advocates across Ohio, including 650 directly from people living in facility settings. Rooting our work in the real, lived experiences of the people we serve helps us best address barriers and inspire advocacy throughout the year.

This year's goals include pillars like:

• Strengthening and expanding access to community-based supports and services;
• Supporting disabled people to participate in advocacy and policymaking to address major, systemic issues that directly impact their lives by centering their experiences and perspectives;
• Increasing positive educational outcomes for students with disabilities;
• Ensuring voters with disabilities have equal access to voting systems and the information and resources they need to enforce their rights.

With growing demand and a small team, focusing our limited resources where our community needs them most will help to magnify our impact in the coming year. We've recently experienced increased calls for service and higher demand in certain work areas, prompting temporary pauses on some intakes while our team worked to catch up. We appreciate your patience and support as we work through these challenging times.

"The start of a new year brings with it new opportunities, new connections, and new challenges," remarked Kerstin Sjoberg, DRO President & CEO. "Times are challenging for all of us, but this roadmap will help us maximize our work where it's needed most."

You can read our full list of Goals & Objectives at disabilityrightsohio.org/goals

In partnership with our clients, allies, and supporters, this work will help us get closer to our ultimate vision: Voices Elevated. People Empowered. Equity Achieved.