The measure would create a legislative committee that could – on a recurring basis – “examine the activities” of Disability Rights Ohio.

Disability Rights Ohio, a nonprofit advocacy group for individuals with disabilities, says a bill floating through the Ohio statehouse could undermine their ability to freely investigate abuse and neglect and advocate for the rights of individuals in certain care facilities.

However, parents of children with disabilities argue the legislative review proposed under an amendment to House Bill 110 is needed because some of the advocacy efforts of Disability Rights Ohio interfere with what parents, guardians – and in some cases the courts – have decided is best for their children with disabilities.

In a statement, Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), who is in favor of the amendment, told 10 Investigates:

“I have heard the concerns of parents and guardians who have raised questions about the process to remove their loved ones from an Intermediate Care Facility without being consulted. Families need to know their voice matters. That is what we are providing, a way to make sure their voices are heard.”

The measure would create a legislative committee that could – on a recurring basis – “examine the activities” of Disability Rights Ohio, which says it has the blessing of the federal government to investigate abuse and neglect allegations independently and interview children or adults with disabilities who reside in facilities where the alleged issues have taken place.