Advocacy

To see an alphabetical list of all our resources click here

Ability Awareness

Check out http.imtyler.org This is a 12 minutes YouTube about a high school student and the help he has received to give him a better quality of life.

ABLE National Resource Center

The ABLE National Resource Center (ANRC) launched their website on March 1, 2016.  The ANRC website offers important information targeted toward potential beneficiaries and their families, ABLE program administrators, and financial institutions.
Information provided on the ANRC website will include:
  • State-by-state ABLE development statuses;
  • Side-by-side comparisons of ABLE program characteristics;
  • Informational ABLE videos;
  • Archived ABLE webinars;
  • Published ABLE-related research;
  • Summaries of ABLE-related policies, rules, and regulations;
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQs);
  • An online portal to submit ABLE-related questions;
  • and ABLE announcements.

To learn more visit the ANRC website https://www.ablenrc.org

Maryland ABLE

ABLE (Achieving a  Better Life Experience) makes it easier than ever to save money for all of your disability-related needs!

Want to learn more about Maryland ABLE? visit their website https://marylandABLE.org

Accessible Resources for Independence

Accessible Resources for Independence, Inc., (ARI) provides support and services to people with disabilities in Anne Arundel and Howard counties in Maryland. Accessible Resources for Independence is a center for independent living (CIL) that is consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, and nonresidential.
Its mission is to maximize the independence of people with disabilities so they enjoy self-directed, productive lives. In carrying out our mission, ARI provides the resources, training, counseling and other assistance needed to enhance independence, productivity and quality of life, strengthen family support systems and assist people with disabilities in becoming integrated into the mainstream of life. 410-636-2274
https://arinow.org

Center for Technology and Disability 

The Center on Technology and Disability (CTD) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The Center is designed to increase the capacity of families and providers to advocate for, acquire, and implement effective assistive and instructional technology (AT/IT) practices, devices, and services.  Research-based technologies, used appropriately, have great potential to help infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities participate fully in daily routines; have increased access to the general educational curriculum; improve their functional outcomes and educational results; and meet college- and career-ready standards. Check out their website for more information https://www.ctdinstitute.org

Cerebral Palsy Group 

Cerebral Palsy Group is an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, brain injuries, or birth injuries. They are dedicated to providing information, material, and resources that are available to both families and loved one’s who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Check out their website https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com to learn more.

Disability Rights Maryland (formerly Maryland Disability Law Center)

DRM is Maryland’s designated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) agency and a member of the National Disability Rights Network. As such, DRM is part of a nationwide network of organizations working to advance the rights of people with disabilities. Congress established the P&A System in 1975 in response to squalid conditions in institutional facilities for people with disabilities. In creating and funding the P&As, Congress granted them unique statutory authority to conduct investigations of suspected abuse and neglect of individuals with disabilities in facilities. 800-233-7201 or 410-727-6352
https://disabilityrightsmd.org

Frederick County Special Education Partners for Success Resource Guide

Do not be fooled, even though this resource guide was developed by Susan Douoghue-Rick of Frederick County Partners for Success, there are many useful resources included regardless of where you live.
Frederick County Resources for Families

Howard County Autism Society

Serves individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and their communities by providing information, support, and advocacy; by promoting awareness of autism that values the dignity and uniqueness of each individual; and by working to improve the quality of and access to services and to educational opportunities. http://www.howard-autism.org/ 410 290 3466

Howard County Early Beginnings

Part of Howard County public schools, a program for children newborn to age 3 who have developmental delays, handicapping conditions or are at risk for delays.
https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/early-intervention 410 313 6600

JAN

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source for free, expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working towards practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee. JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace.
https://askjan.org 800 526 7234

Laughing at My Nightmare

Shane’s humorous and optimistic outlook on his condition has earned him a huge following on social media. His YouTube blog, called Squirmy and Grubs, receives hundreds of thousands of views. He has written a children’s book, a memoir, and recently published another memoir in his third book. His kindred spirit is driven by a bigger purpose reflected in his non-profit organization, Laughing at My Nightmare. He travels to schools and businesses across the country to teach methods for overcoming adversity and speak about how people can live happier lives. His organization also provides equipment grants to those living with muscular dystrophy.
https://www.laughingatmynightmare.com/

LDA Learning Disabilities Association of America 

Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources. These services make LDA the leading resource for information on learning disabilities. https://ldaamerica.org

Maryland Centers for Independent Living

Centers for Independent Living teach skills of independence, advocacy training and offer technology resources.  Each Center provides a mix of services dependent on community needs.  Please check for the center that works with your county and contact them for more information.

Maryland Coalition for Families 

Founded in 1999, MCF is a statewide nonprofit with staff in communities across Maryland. They provide free support, information and resources to Maryland families thanks to funding from federal, state and local agencies. They work with: Parents and caregivers of young people with mental issues,  Anyone who cares about someone with substance use issues or gambling issues. Tel: 410 730 8267 https://www.mdcoalition.org

Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education Inc. (MCIE)

MCIE is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to the inclusion of students with disabilities in their neighborhood schools.  They offer advocacy services for families and workshops on inclusive practices. Check their website for upcoming events. http://www.mcie.org

Maryland Developmental Disability Council

Planning Now is a comprehensive, easy to use, futures and estate planning guide for families of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Future & estates planning includes envisioning a desired future for your child. Topics covered include financial and healthcare benefits, wills, trusts, tax considerations, financial planning, and others. For more information and access to a free copy of this guide go to: http://www.md-council.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Planning-Now-Flyer-in-English-Sept-2018.pdf

Pathfinders for Autism

Pathfinders for Autism works to support and improve the lives of individuals affected by autism through expansive, individualized programming, and by providing resources, training, information and activities free of charge. https://www.pathfindersforautism.org

Resource Connections Inc.

Works with you to secure the services you need to assist you live the life you choose. They receive their referrals from the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and work with you as you pursue eligibility determination. They provide services to those on the Waiting List or Resource Coordination and Community Pathways Waiver enrollment. Tel: 301 429 9300 or go to www.resconnect.org

Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland (SDAN)

Is a support and advocacy resource for people self-directing their services through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). SDAN welcomes all community members who have an interest in fostering the self-directed services option and works to connect people who are currently self-directing to the community around them.
For mow information visit their website http://marylandsds.org/

The Advocacy Supports Unit of the Developmental Disabilities Administration

Their mission is to provide supports to people in DDA Services to understand and navigate the DDA system, receive services and choose a meaningful life for oneself. The Advocacy Supports Team deliver supports in a professional and thoughtful manner, at the control of the person requesting assistance.
https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Self-Advocacy%20Specialist.aspx

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Is the principle funder of community supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. Understanding key aspects of the DDA service system, including rules, rights, processes, and timelines is essential to accessing the supports an individual needs and wants.

To ensure that availability, the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Rights Maryland, and the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities worked together to produce four informational sheets on specific topics related to the DDA and its services:
  • DDA Overview
  • Waiting List
  • Coordinators of Community Services
  • Person Centered Planning
Together, they provide a primer on the DDA service system for people with developmental disabilities, families, advocates, school system personnel, and others who want to understand and use those services.
The informational sheets are available in English and Spanish. You can download them from the Council’s Publications page.