#AdvocacayMatters: What's in a name

August 22, 2025 / #AdvocacyMatters

The barriers facing Ohioans with disabilities are always changing. As new challenges develop, our work has to adapt to best meet the needs of those we serve. We refine and refocus our work several different ways… like tracking requests for assistance, engaging with allied organizations, and through our annual survey that informs our Goals and Objectives for the following year.

In short, we want to be in the best position to maximize our work.

Recently, two of DRO's advocacy teams combined to form our new Civil Rights & Access team. This new team will focus on providing self-advocacy advice and limited legal assistance. They will also provide targeted systemic advocacy for people with disabilities who face many barriers to accessing needed services and reasonable accommodations and supports to allow them to participate fully and thrive in their communities and daily life.

"We will continue to focus on issues that significantly impact Ohioans with disabilities like access to Medicaid waivers, services for people with Developmental Disabilities, and access to needed healthcare services," said Ginger Wilson, Civil Rights & Access team leader. "These changes will help our team deliver a bigger impact for those who need our advocacy."

Though sometimes small, these adjustments and refinements to our work help to keep our vision in focus:

Voices Elevated. People Empowered. Equity Achieved.

#AdvocacyMatters