Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) - Advocating for Equity and Justice
Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities. Governed by a board primarily consisting of individuals with disabilities, DRO works to empower constituents, reduce disparities, and ensure justice and dignity. As Ohio's designated Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program, DRO operates across all 88 counties in the state, championing for the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities.
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Disability Rights Disability Rights Ohio (DRO): Ohio (DRO): Who We Are and Who We Are and What We Do What We Do Amy Price Disability Rights Ohio Associate Advocacy Director Jonda Clemings PAIMI Advisory Council Vice Chair
2 Who is DRO Who is DRO Disability Rights Ohio (DRO) is a non-profit organizaton whose mission is to advocate for an equitable Ohio for people with disabilities. DRO is governed by a Board of Directors, primarily consisting of people with disabilities. DRO also has an Advisory Council (PAIMI Advisory Council) that advises DRO on issues related specifically to children and youth diagnosed with serious emotional disturbances (SED) and adults diagnosed with serious mental illnesses (SMI).
3 Our Vision Our Vision VOICES ELEVATED. PEOPLE EMPOWERED. EQUITY ACHIEVED. We recognize the intersectionality of all historically marginalized groups within the context of disability rights, as we work to help change the narrative towards disability justice.
4 Our Values Our Values Justice & Dignity We believe that disability rights are human rights, and that people with disabilities should be free from harm, prejudice and discrimination. Informed Leadership Those whom we represent Ohioans with disabilities direct all aspects of our organization. Unwavering Commitment We embrace our role to protect and advocate, and we are driven by a desire to see all Ohioans with disabilities flourish.
5 Our Values Our Values Advocacy Our teams empower our constituents to make their own decisions, and to be vocal and determined in their efforts, even when systemic forces create barriers. Access & Opportunities We recognize that people with disabilities have many identities and are often forgotten. We celebrate their uniqueness and seek to reduce disparities to ensure equitable resources for all.
6 Ohio s P&A and CAP Ohio s P&A and CAP DRO is Ohio s designated Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program We do our work across all 88 counties in Ohio
7 What is a P&A What is a P&A Every state and territory has a federally designated Protection & Advocacy system Federally funded programs to advocate for individuals with disabilities Governor designates the program for each state
8 History of P&A system History of P&A system The Protection and Advocacy concept was triggered by a series of local television news broadcasts by Geraldo Rivera. Rivera's investigative reporting exposed abuse, neglect, and lack of programming at Willowbrook, a state institution for people with developmental disabilities in New York. P&A System was started in 1975.
9 Goals and Objectives Goals and Objectives DRO develops annual goals to focus our limited resources so that we can have the most impact targeting work required by our grants Based on community needs, public input, and available resources Annual Goals & Objectives: https://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/goals
10 FY23 PAIMI Goals 1 FY23 PAIMI Goals 1 - -3 3 1. Protect people with SMI and SED in state licensed or state operated facilities from abuse, neglect, and rights violations. 2. Strengthening and expanding the community mental health service system. 3. Improving access and quality services for kids with behavioral health needs.
11 FY23 PAIMI Goals 4 FY23 PAIMI Goals 4 - - 6 6 4. Increase positive educational outcomes for students with SMI and SED. 5. Promote equity in the health care context for individuals with SMI and SED. 6. Assist people with SMI and SED to advocate for their rights.
12 FY23 PAIMI Goals 7 FY23 PAIMI Goals 7- -8 8 7. Conduct outreach and training to people with SMI and SED, their families and advocates, with a focus on reaching underserved communities and diverse populations. 8. Enforce DRO s statutory access under federal and state law to facilities, individuals and their records to protect the rights on PAIMI-eligible individuals.
13 Funding Sources Funding Sources Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) To assist individuals with serious mental illness, with a focus on individuals in licensed/certified institutions Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) To assist individuals with developmental disabilities
14 Funding Sources Funding Sources Client Assistance Program (CAP) To assist individuals in accessing vocational rehabilitation services Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights (PAIR) To assist individuals with disabilities who are not eligible under PADD, PAIMI or CAP
15 Funding Sources Funding Sources Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (PATBI) To assist individuals with TBI Protection and Advocacy under the Help America Vote Act (PAVA) To ensure access to voting Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) To advocate for access to AT
16 Funding Sources Funding Sources Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) To advocate for individuals facing barriers to employment Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries with Representative Payees Conduct reviews of Representative Payees to protect the rights of Social Security Beneficiaries
17 Funding Sources Funding Sources Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) To provide benefits analysis and counseling for Social Security Beneficiaries returning to work
18 DRO Staff DRO Staff Intake specialists receive calls and provide information & referral. Advocates (attorneys and non-attorneys) provide advocacy services to people with disabilities through our special issue teams. All DRO staff are advocates.
19 DRO Staff DRO Staff Policy and Communications staff educate Ohioans and policy makers about the agency and disability rights. Operations and Fiscal staff support our ability to meet our mission.
How Can DRO How Can DRO Help? Help?
21 How to Contact DRO How to Contact DRO All assistance begins with our Intake Team Call us at 1-800-282-9181 Monday Friday: 9:00 a.m. 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Use our web intake form at https://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/i ntake-form Write to us at: 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 300, Columbus, OH 43215
22 Eligibility Eligibility People with disabilities. No income requirement. Clients are not charged for services.
23 How We Advocate How We Advocate Client directed Unaccompanied access Private Confidential Individual and systemic advocacy Important Note: DRO is not a service provider within any system of care
24 What We Do What We Do Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and rights protection to a wide range of people with disabilities. Some examples include: Investigating abuse and neglect Addressing disability discrimination Accessing home and community-based services Navigating special education systems Accessing job training and work incentives Reviewing representative payees Ensuring access to voting
25 Individual and Systemic Advocacy Individual and Systemic Advocacy Information and Referral Self Advocacy Assistance Limited Representation such as negotiation Legal Advocacy such as administrative hearings and lawsuits Including class action lawsuits when needed to fix system wide issues
Special Issue Advocacy Teams Special Issue Advocacy Teams 26 Special Education Team CAP Team Social Security Team Representative Payee Team Workforce Incentives & Planning Short-Term Assistance Team Abuse & Neglect Team Civil Rights & Integration Team
27 Policy Advocacy Policy Advocacy Educating policy makers on disability rights issues, including testifying on legislation Empowering people with disabilities to speak up Working with other advocates to protect rights or increase access
28 Community Engagement Community Engagement Providing helpful information on our website and social media (like Facebook and Twitter) Training on disability rights topics to individuals with disabilities, family members or advocates Outreach at disability conferences or other events
29 Resource Centers Resource Centers Our website resource centers provide information (organized by topic) to support individuals in learning more about disability rights and available resources to advance their self-advocacy efforts. http://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/resource-center
30 Language Support from DRO Language Support from DRO DRO provides language translation and interpreter services to anyone contacting us who prefers to communicate in a language other than English Please ask!
31 Website and Social Media Website and Social Media www.disabilityrightsohio.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/DisabilityRightsO hio Twitter: @DisabilityRtsOH
32 Website and Social Media Website and Social Media www.disabilityrightsohio.org Instagram: @disabilityrightsohio Join our email list: http://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/ newsletter
What is the PAIMI What is the PAIMI Advisory Council Advisory Council (PAC) (PAC)
34 Role of PAIMI Advisory Council Role of PAIMI Advisory Council The PAIMI Advisory Council (PAC): Advises DRO on priorities and issues important to people receiving mental health services in Ohio. Promotes recovery through increased access to client rights and advocacy services.
35 PAC Membership PAC Membership At least 60% of the membership of which shall be comprised of individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services or who are family members of such individuals; Must reside in Ohio;
36 PAC Membership PAC Membership Shall include attorneys, mental health professionals, individuals from the public who are knowledgeable about mental illness, a provider of mental health services, individuals who have received or are receiving mental health services, and family members of such individuals; one family member shall be a primary caregiver for an individual who is currently a minor child or youth (under age 18) and receiving mental health care services, and Serve 4-year term
37 PAC Member Commitments PAC Member Commitments PAC must have a commitment to promoting the legal and civil rights of persons with mental illness and advocating for their personal choices. Each member is expected to attend and participate actively in the four (4) Advisory Council meetings and any sub-committees or standing committees, to which the member is appointed or for which the member volunteers.
38 PAC Activities PAC Activities Reviews the information shared by DRO on the PAIMI budget and grievances; Serves as in an advisory capacity on providing input related to policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating the rights of individuals with mental illness;
39 PAC Activities PAC Activities Submits a section of the P&A system s annual report (Advisory Council Report); and The chair of the PAC shall is a member of the P&A s (DRO s) Governing Board of Directors, a private non-profit entity.
40 PAC Activities PAC Activities Create and update PAC Operating Standards that determine how PAC will run. Gets support from the PAIMI Coordinator for PAC activities and meetings. Completes portions of the annual PAIMI Program Performance Report on activities & accomplishments.
41 PAC Activities PAC Activities Advise the P&A on most important information impacting the MH Community and individuals SMI/SED. Provide input and feedback to the P&A staff & Board of Directors to inform the developments of the annual goals & objectives for the PAIMI program.
42 PAC Activities PAC Activities May hold public meetings to gather information for annual goals and objectives. May develop other activities that support goals of the priorities of the PAIMI program.
43 Quarterly PAC Meeting Activities Quarterly PAC Meeting Activities Providing input on goals and objectives Reviewing Annual PAIMI application Reviewing the PAIMI PPR and ACR
44 Quarterly PAC Meeting Activities Quarterly PAC Meeting Activities Review information shared by DRO on the PAIMI budget and grievances; Receive updates on PAIMI goals and projects
45 Quarterly PAC Meeting Activities Quarterly PAC Meeting Activities Provide continuous input on community needs and policy objectives 1 in-person and 3 virtual meetings
46 PAIMI Advisory Council Officers PAIMI Advisory Council Officers Elections held annually at Q4 meeting Chair Kristina Kapp KK o The Chair shall be a PAIMI-eligible individual, former PAIMI eligible individual or family member. o Presides at meetings Vice-Chair Jonda Clemings o Aids the chair in the performance of their duties o Performs all duties of the chair in their absence o Takes attendance and give an attendance report at each council meeting
47 PAIMI Advisory Council Officers PAIMI Advisory Council Officers Secretary Currently Open o Ensures the timely preparation and distribution of all materials o Keeps all official records of PAC o Manages correspondence Nominating Chair Jeannie Weber o Seek diverse members for PAC o Recommend officers to PAC
48 PAIMI Advisory Council Officers PAIMI Advisory Council Officers Policy Leadership Chair Mary Turocy o Provide information, advice, recommendations to the chair and PAC on policy, legislative matters, and other issues that may require DRO s attention, testimony, education or action Diversity Chair Kristina Kapp KK o Ensures that PAC members are diverse and represent the state of Ohio in regard to race, ethnicity, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and veteran status o Ensure PAC is culturally humble and o Disseminate info to PAC to challenge members to learn about diversity and better learn with and from individuals living with disabilities
49 PAC Executive Committee PAC Executive Committee Consists of PAC Officers Conducts PAC business Approve PAC members for attendance, conferences, seminars, and workshops Annual review of Operating Standards
50 PAC Strategic Planning Questions PAC Strategic Planning Questions Critical issues you would like to work on in the next year? How can you get feedback from the community? How can you address issues identified through your P&A goals and objectives?
