(Graphical version of this page)
You are here: OLRS Home
> OLRS Headlines
> OLRS Headlines 2008 Archives
The OLRS Headlines section provides information about activities, announcements, and opinions of the Ohio Legal Rights Service. These are the headlines from 2008.
Some links in this section are to documents created in Adobe® Portable Document Format (PDF). To view and print PDF documents, you need to have Adobe® Reader®, a free software program, installed on your computer. Download Adobe® Reader®
December 31, 2008: Comments submitted on proposed Medicaid School Program rules
OLRS, along with several Ohio legal aid agencies, submitted comments to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services about the proposed rules implementing the Medicaid School Program. Read more: OLRS submits comments on proposed rules for the Medicaid School Program
December 26, 2008: Ohio's nursing homes rated by families
Results from a survey conducted by the Scripps Gerontology Center show that nearly half of Ohio's nursing homes failed to meet the state wide average satisfaction rate of 88.23%. Read more: Families rate their satisfaction with Ohio nursing homes
December 26, 2008: OLRS' presidential comparison chart proves to be a popular resource
OLRS' presidential comparison chart had more visits than any single page since the Web site was created 1998. The chart received over 17,000 views in October, when it was originally posted. Numerous blogs and other Web sites linked to the document. OLRS prepared the side-by-side comparison chart to inform voters about the presidential candidates' positions on issues important to people with disabilities.
December 22, 2008: President of Senate Appoints OLRS Commissioner
Patrick Risser was appointed to the Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS) Commission by the President of the Senate, Bill Harris, on December 18, 2008. Read more: President of Senate Appoints OLRS Commissioner
December 22, 2008: OLRS faces another budget cut of 5.75%
It was announced last week that OLRS and most other state programs will be cut an additional 5.75% under the latest round of budget adjustments. OLRS will be forced to cut an additional $24,120 from its budget. Read more: OLRS faces another budget cut of 5.75%
December 18, 2008: Quality of Ohio's nursing homes ranks as one of worst
Ohio ranked second, only behind Texas, in the number of one star nursing home facilities (278), the lowest ranking available. Only 9.4% of Ohio's nursing homes received a five star ranking. Read more: Ohio's nursing homes fare poorly in new rating system created by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS)
December 5, 2008: Apply for heating assistance
Do you need help with your heating bill or purchasing bulk fuel? Have you received a notice that your gas or electric will be disconnected? Ohio's HEAP Program may be able to help. Read more: Heating assistance available to eligible households
November 25, 2008: Read OLRS' latest newsletter
Read information and updates about OLRS' case work, initiatives and other disability-related news in the November edition of OLRS' newsletter. See: The News From Ohio Legal Rights Service - November 2008
November 21, 2008: OLRS secures accommodation for voters casting absentee ballots
On November 20, the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by OLRS successfully corrected her ballot and was able to cast her vote. This resulted after a court ordered Secretary of State Brunner to issue a directive instructing county boards of elections to provide reasonable accommodation for absentee voters who are disabled and homebound and who need to correct their absentee ballot.
November 18, 2008: Ohio Secretary of State issues voting directive
Secretary of State Brunner, in response to a court order issued earlier this week, issued a directive instructing county boards of elections to provide reasonable accommodation for absentee voters who are disabled and homebound and who need to correct their absentee ballot. Any person with a disability who is unable to travel must request an accommodation by November 21, 2008. Read the directive: Secretary of State - Directive 2008-116 (PDF file)
November 17, 2008: OLRS files lawsuit on behalf of voter with disabilities
OLRS, in partnership with a private attorney, filed a complaint and motion for a temporary restraining order in Federal court on behalf of a voter with disabilities, alleging that the Secretary of State and the Franklin County Board of Elections are violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution by effectively disenfranchising absentee voters with disabilities who can not travel. On the same day, a federal judge issued a permanent injunction in the lawsuit.
October 30, 2008: OLRS Voter Hotline
On Election Day, Ohio voters with disabilities who have questions about, or problems with, voting can access OLRS' Voter Hotline during voting hours (6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.).
October 30, 2008: OLRS announces temporary suspension of special education intake until further notice.
October 29, 2008: Know the candidates; Know the issues.
Along with the right to vote, you have a civic responsibility to know the candidates and the issues. Read more: Are You Prepared to Vote?
October 24, 2008: What can you do if someone challenges your right to vote on Election Day?
Learn about your rights, voting by provisional ballot, ways to prove your eligibility when challenged, and more in OLRS' latest voter alert. Read more: Protect Your Right to Vote
October 21, 2008: Voting location accessibility
Polling locations in Ohio must be accessible to voters with any type of disability. Voters with disabilities should make sure that their polling places are accessible before Election Day. Is your polling location accessible?
October 8, 2008: You can vote now!
In Ohio, there are two ways to vote before election day: by voting at an early voting site, or by casting an absentee ballot. Read more: Vote Before Election Day: Early Voting and Absentee Voting
October 8, 2008: OLRS comments on Ohio's housing plan
OLRS provided comments to the Ohio Department of Development for Ohio's draft Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Year 2009. Read more: Ohioans with disabilities and Ohio's Consolidated Plan
October 8, 2008: File by October 15 for your economic stimulus payment
Have you filed with the IRS for your economic stimulus payment? If not, you still have time! Read more: File by October 15 to get your economic stimulus payment
October 7, 2008: OLRS agency priorities finalized
The OLRS Commission approved OLRS' agency priorities for Federal Fiscal Year 2009, effective October 1. Read more: OLRS Agency Priorities
September 29, 2008: Voter alert - October 6th is the deadline to register
Are you registered to vote? If not, you must register by Monday, October 6 in order to vote in the November 4th general election.
September 29, 2008: Resources for veterans with disabilities
OLRS added a new section to its Web site that provides information to help veterans with disabilities find benefits and services. Visit the Veterans with Disabilities section.
September 26, 2008: What do the presidential candidates' say about disability-related issues?
OLRS has prepared a side-by-side comparison chart of the presidential candidates' positions on disability-related issues. The chart is based on information from the candidates' Web sites, their Senatorial Web sites and supplemented by other sources.
September 25, 2008: ADA Amendments Act Signed into Law
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 was signed into law by the President today and go into effect January 1, 2009. Read more: ADA Amendments Act Signed into Law
September 25, 2008: Provide comments about proposed electricity rate increase
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has scheduled hearings throughout the state to hear public testimony about applications from electric companies seeking approval of plans that include increasing electric rates by up to 15 percent. Read more: Public hearings scheduled for plans to increase electricity rates
September 18, 2008: Are you a person with a disability between the ages of 16 and 25?
The National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights wants to know what you and your generation are doing for civil rights today for an upcoming video contest. Read more: National Campaign to Restore Civil Rights Video Contest
September 18, 2008: House approves ADA Amendments Act
Yesterday, the House of Representatives gave final approval through voice vote for passage of the ADA Amendments Act, an act that will expand protections for people with disabilities and overturn several recent Supreme Court decisions. The bill, which was passed by the Senate last week, is now cleared to go to the President for his signature. Read more; ADA Amendments Act of 2008 passes House and Senate
September 16, 2008: Food stamp replacement procedures due to disasters or misfortune
If you currently receive food stamps and have lost food due to the recent power outage, you should contact your county department of job and family services within 10 days from the time your food was destroyed to see if you are eligible for replacement food stamps. Read more: ODJFS announces food stamp replacement procedures due to disasters or misfortune
September 15, 2008: Case against Social Security Administration moves forward
Plaintiffs allege that SSA does not provide equal access to its communications to people who are blind or who have low vision. Read more: Judge certifies class of three million beneficiaries who are blind in Social Security Administration lawsuit
September 12, 2008: Concerned about rising electric rates?
Attend a free informational public forum of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel to learn about proposed rate increases that will significantly raise your electric bill.
September 11, 2008: ADA Amendments Act of 2008 passes the Senate
On September 11, the Senate passed by unanimous consent Senate Bill 3406, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The bill now moves to the House for consideration. Read more: ADA Amendments Act of 2008 passes the Senate by unanimous consent
September 9, 2008: The importance of using person first language
Language shapes attitudes and that's why it is important to use person first language when referring to people with disabilities. Read more: Person First Language
September 8, 2008: PAIMI Council Leadership Committee establishes role and mission
The PAIMI Council approved the role and mission statement of its Leadership Committee. Read more: PAIMI Council Leadership Committee
August 27, 2008: Web accessibility class action suit settled
The National Federation of the Blind and Target settled a class action lawsuit regarding access to the Target.com Web site. Read more: Web Accessibility Class Action Suit Settled: Target Will Ensure Its Web Site is Accessible
August 20, 2008: OLRS voter alert
Now is the time to register to vote in the November General Election! You must be registered at least 30 days before the election to vote. Read OLRS Voter Alert: Register to Vote Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
August 19, 2008: OLRS comments on proposed ADA regulations
OLRS submitted comments in response to the
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by the Department of Justice, which proposes major revisions to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read the comments: OLRS submits comments: Americans with Disabilities Act Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (PDF file)
August 15, 2008: OLRS Commissioner receives award
OLRS Commissioner Wayne Cocchi was honored at the Ohio Governor's Council on People with Disabilities Annual Awards Ceremony with the Maureen Fitzgerald Leadership Award. Read more: Cocchi Receives Maureen Fitzgerald Leadership Award
August 15, 2008: OLRS Newsletter
Read the August edition of OLRS' newsletter. News from Ohio Legal Rights Service - August 2008
July 17, 2008: PLEAS lawsuit update
Judge Graham has denied a stay of the injunction in the PLEAS case; he has also stayed further activity at the trial court. Read the Order Denying Motion (PDF file) and Order Staying Case (PDF file)
July 16, 2008: Doe v. Salvation Army
OLRS won an employment discrimination appeal when the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a decision of a district judge who had granted summary judgment dismissal of a complaint filed against the Salvation Army for its failure to hire a person because of his disability. Read more: OLRS wins client's employment discrimination appeal; case returned to lower court
July 1, 2008: PLEAS update, Preliminary injunction
United State District Judge James Graham ordered a preliminary injunction against the Department of Job and Family Services and the Department of Mental Health. Read more: Judge orders preliminary injunction.
July 1, 2008: PLEAS update, TRO granted
Judge grants temporary restraining order and denies motion to dismiss case. Read more: Federal Judge rules in favor of children and families receiving medically necessary services through Medicaid
June 23, 2008: PLEAS lawsuit update
Two court orders are filed. Read more: CMS to be Defendant; Hearing for Temporary Restoring Order Scheduled
June 12, 2008: OLRS Voter Alert
Voters with disabilities should make sure that their polling places are accessible before they vote on election day. Read more: OLRS Voter Alert: Is your polling location accessible?
June 9, 2008: School's surrogate parent policy changed
OLRS complaint results in change of community/charter school's surrogate parent policy. Read more: ECOT Changes Surrogate Parent Policy in Response to OLRS Complaint
May 27, 2008: OLRS letter to ODMRDD Director John Martin
OLRS opposes ODMRDD's intent to establish an ICF/MR pilot project. Read more: OLRS notifies John Martin, ODMRDD expressing opposition to the Department's intent to establish an ICF/MR pilot project
May 21, 2008: New chairperson appointed to OLRS Commission
Kalpana Yalamanchili has been appointed by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer as Chair of the Ohio Legal Rights Service Commission. Read more: Kalpana Yalamanchili Appointed as Chair of Ohio Legal Rights Service Commission
May 6, 2008: Law permits parents to nominate guardians
Parents will be able to nominate, in their will, a person to be the guardian of their adult child with intellectual disabilities as a result of Senate Bill 157, which was recently passed by the Ohio General Assembly. Read more: Law Permits Parents to Nominate Guardians
May 6, 2008: PLEAS update
Federal Judge James L. Graham from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio held a conference with counsel from the OLRS and the Ohio Departments of Mental Health and Job and Family Services. Read more: Parents' League for Effective Autism Services (PLEAS) Case Update
May 2, 2008: OLRS files PLEAS complaint
OLRS files complaint seeking to prohibit reduction in medically necessary services for Children with Autism. Read more: OLRS Files Complaint: Seeks to Prohibit Reduction in Medically Necessary Services for Children with Autism
May 2, 2008: Spring edition of the OLRS newsletter is now available.
Read OLRS' latest newsletter: OLRS Newsletter - Spring 2008
April 18, 2008: OLRS Ombudsperson section investigation prompts county board action to file MUI on neglect
An investigation by the OLRS Ombudsperson section has prompted the Wood County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (WCBMRDD) to file a Major Unusual Incident (MUI) Report of neglect on the death of an individual with a disability. Read more: OLRS Ombudsperson Section Investigation of Death Prompts County Board to File MUI on Neglect
April 9, 2008: Defendant with mental retardation may not be executed
On April 9, 2008, the Supreme Court of Ohio reversed decisions by the trial and appellate courts which would have subjected a person with mental retardation to the death penalty. OLRS attorney Jane Perry, representing both OLRS and The Arc of Ohio, filed an amicus curiae (friend-of-the-court) brief in August 2006 to urge the Supreme Court to overturn the lower courts' decisions. Read more: Ohio Supreme Court Rules Defendant with Mental Retardation May Not Be Executed
April 1, 2008: Apply now for Medicaid Buy-In program
Individuals with disabilities can apply for the Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBI-WD) program beginning April 1, 2008. The MBI-WD program allows individuals to work and continue to receive Medicaid benefits. Read more: Medicaid Buy-In Program for Workers with Disabilities
March 24, 2008: OLRS files brief in Doe v. Marlington Local School District
OLRS filed a brief as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the Ohio Supreme Court urging that a law suit against a school district for injuries to a child with a disability be allowed to go forward. Read more: OLRS files brief in Doe v. Marlington Local School District urging Court to allow abuse lawsuit to move forward
March 14, 2008: OLRS files brief in special education case involving attorney fees
OLRS files friend of the court brief in a case involving a school district suing the family's special education attorney for attorney fees. Read more: OLRS files brief in case involving a school district suing the family's special education attorney for attorney fees
March 11, 2008: OLRS provides comments on proposed seclusion and restraint rule
OLRS provides comments to the Ohio Department of Mental Health on a proposed rule to eliminate seclusion and restraint in mental health facilities. Read more: Letter from OLRS about Proposed O.A.C. Section 5122-26-16 (PDF file)
March 5, 2008: Voting experiences
Did you have any problems voting? The primary election is over. If you experienced a problem with voting that was related to your disability, contact OLRS' Intake Unit. See: Need our Help? (March 5)
February 29, 2008: File your 2007 tax return to receive economic stimulus rebate
People receiving Social Security and certain veterans benefits may qualify for an economic stimulus payment (a cash rebate) from the federal government. Read more: Cash rebate available to low-income workers, and people who get certain disability and retirement benefits
February 28, 2008: Is your polling place accessible?
If not, OLRS wants to know. Read more: OLRS Voter Alert - Are You Ready to Vote? Is Your Polling Place Accessible?
February 22, 2008: Special voting edition of the OLRS newsletter
OLRS finds polling places inaccessible and focuses on informing voters with disabilities about their rights during the electoral process. See: OLRS Newsletter - Special Edition on Voting
February 21, 2008: Families of children with autism should contact OLRS if they experience a reduction in Medicaid benefits
Controversial rules cleared the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review on February 19. These rules will prevent Medicaid reimbursement for certain services provided at center-based programs for children with autism. OLRS wants to hear from families if they think their children will lose Medicaid services as a result of the changes to these rules. Read more: Families of children with autism should contact OLRS if they experience a reduction in Medicaid benefits
February 20, 2008: OLRS challenges Probate Court's removal of parents as individual's guardian
OLRS, on behalf of a individual with multiple disabilities, appealed a Probate Court's removal of the individual's parents as his guardians, and the appointment of Adult Protective Services, Inc. (APSI) as guardian.
February 15, 2008: CMS responds to OLRS about IO Waiver concerns
The Federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid responded to OLRS in regard to OLRS' allegations that Ohio's use of Individual Options waivers to fund the placement of children in a psychiatric residential treatment facility violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504. Read more: OLRS Action Prompts Oversight by Federal Agency
February 13, 2008: Winter 2008 OLRS newsletter
Read the current edition of OLRS' newsletter. See: OLRS Newsletter - Winter 2008
February 8, 2008: Voting by absentee ballot
OLRS provides answers to frequently asked questions about voting by absentee ballot.
January 24, 2008: CMS requests additional information on MBI-WD program
ODJFS received a letter from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to request additional information on the proposed Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBI-WD) program.
January 18, 2008: OLRS Voter Alert
The deadline to register for the March primary is February 4, 2008.
Read more: OLRS Voter Alert: Register to Vote - Frequently Asked Questions