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Disability Rights Ohio says legislation is detrimental to advocacy efforts


DRO Executive Director Kerstin Sjoberg said, “this would not only take time and resources away from our advocacy work for Ohioans with disabilities, but it violates federal law by interfering with the independence of a federally authorized protection and advocacy program.” (WSYX)
DRO Executive Director Kerstin Sjoberg said, “this would not only take time and resources away from our advocacy work for Ohioans with disabilities, but it violates federal law by interfering with the independence of a federally authorized protection and advocacy program.” (WSYX)
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An amendment to the state budget bill has Disability Rights Ohio advocates speaking out. It would require the non-profit organization to be evaluated every two years by a joint legislative oversight committee.

DRO Executive Director Kerstin Sjoberg said, “this would not only take time and resources away from our advocacy work for Ohioans with disabilities, but it violates federal law by interfering with the independence of a federally authorized protection and advocacy program.”

“We don’t get any state funding, we only receive federal funding and private donations or foundation money. So it would be totally unprecedented for the state legislature, particularly in a budget bill to try to regulate a non-profit, that doesn’t receive any state funding,” said Sjoberg.

Andrea Williams, 57 helps others working as a Medicaid case manager. But Williams knows what it’s like to need help for her own mental health disabilities.

“I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and depression,” said Williams who said she experienced extreme trauma as a young person.

“I didn’t know I had rights. I thought I had to accept what was given to me and I always did that. That is the way I was brought up to be

quiet. Stay out of the way and don’t cause problems,” said Williams.

State Senator Mark Romanchuk of Richland County (R-Ontario) told ABC6 he’s fielding concerns from parents about advocates talking to their disabled children when they are not present.

Romanchuk said both sides are welcome to testify at upcoming hearings on the legislation.

“We always respect whether or not the person with a disability wants to talk to us. We never force ourselves to speak with someone who doesn’t want to speak with us,” said Sjoberg.

“This is a federally funded program that exists in every state and territory, there is no legislative oversight of its type over those programs because we are supposed to be completely independent,” said Sjoberg.

Some parents said they need a platform in the form of that state joint legislative committee to air their growing issues regarding care for their loved ones with disabilities. But Williams is not on the same page. “If we have limitations. Who will speak up for us? Who will be there, and who cares?”

Advocates said Thursday that if legislation is passed in the budget, they hope the governor will line-item veto it.

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