Financial

To see an alphabetical list of all our resource click here

ABLE National Resource Center

The ABLE National Resource Center (ANRC) launched its 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 includes:
  • 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

Alice’s Dream Foundation is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit
The mission of Alice’s Dream Foundation is to provide families in need with durable medical equipment to provide greater independence and quality of life for their children.

At Alice’s Dream Foundation – we DREAM to allow families and children to achieve a better life for themselves.
For more information go to their website http://www.alicesdream.org/ or email them at alicesdreamfoundation@gmail.com

DC FUND$

DC FUND$ is one of the services offered by The Assistive Technology Program for DC(ATPDC). It is a low-interest funding source for District of Columbia residents with disabilities and seniors to purchase assistive technology devices and services.  Many different items are considered assistive technology, including hearing aids, communication devices, computers, specialized software, home modifications and more. DC FUND$ offers a lower interest rates than a traditional bank.  Prior to accepting a loan application, they first provide valuable information about other potential funding resources as well as consumer credit education as necessary.
https://www.atpdc.org/

Emergency Respite Care
From the Maryland Department of Human Services, in partnership with The Elizabeth Cooney Personnel Agency, Inc., Elizabeth Cooney Personal Care, LLC:
Lifespan emergency respite services are now available. These services, funded by a grant from the Federal Administration for Community Living, provide assistance across the state for individuals with special needs, living in the community across the age and disability spectrum, in or out of their homes, in order to provide temporary relief for their families or informal caregivers.
Requests for respite will be accepted from informal family caregivers, agencies and organizations working with caregivers, recipients of care, and from the community. Requests for emergency respite may be made to the Elizabeth Cooney Personnel Agency, Inc., Elizabeth Cooney Personal Care, LLC by contacting Elizabeth Weglein, CEO, at 410.323.1700. The Elizabeth Cooney Agency has 24-hour availability.

For details, please see this information sheet.

Howard County Loan Closet. Resources for Aging in Place 

The Loan Closet is a Howard County clearinghouse of donated medical equipment for those who cannot afford these items or simply have a short-term need, as well as those who may no longer need their equipment. Residents should call ahead to check equipment availability and schedule an appointment with a specialist to donate or receive equipment. 410 313 0363. The time frame the equipment can be borrowed depends on the equipment and specific individual needs. For more information check out their website. https://www.howardcountymd.gov/disability-services

Howard County Office on Aging and Independence

Principal agency that coordinates programs and services for adults with disabilities in Howard County. Specifically, the Office administers the Maryland Access Point of Howard County which helps with: Guidance with Assistance and Benefits, Referrals to Programs and Services and Plans for the Future. 410-313-1234 (voice/relay) https://marylandaccesspoint.211md.org/

Howard County’s Office of Transportation

Offers free fixed-route fares to individuals with disabilities and administers the Paratransit Program, which provides curb-to-curb service for individuals with disabilities who cannot use existing bus service. 1-800-270-9553

iPad resources

5 Ways to Get a Free iPad for Your Special Needs Child …

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. 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/

LISS Funding 

The Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) program grants eligible applicants up to $2000 for identified services and items to support identified needs. The DDA distributes LISS funding twice during the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), in two rounds. For more information click here

Lollipop Kids Foundation

Collects outgrown/no longer needed DME, refurbishes it, and matches it to a child in need. A licensed PT fits each piece of DME to the child, and trains parents and caregivers on proper usage. https://www.lollipopkidsfoundation.org/
Contact equipment@lollipopkidsfoundation.org

Maryland Assistive Technology Loan Program

The Assistive Technology Loan Program helps Maryland residents with disabilities and their families qualify for low-interest loans to buy equipment that will help them live, work, and learn more independently. Contact Tanya Goodman tanya.goodman1@maryland.gov 410-554-9244
https://mdod.maryland.gov/mdtap/Pages/ATlowloan.aspx

Maryland Developmental Disabilities 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

Maryland Equipment Link

Is an online exchange of A.T. Equipment, this “classified ads” feature, connects people with available equipment.  You can advertise items for sale or giveaway and locate items you need.  The Equipment Link Program is designed to facilitate transactions between individuals; it is not for the sale or procurement of equipment by vendors or distributors. Tel: 1 800 832 4827 or 410 554 9230
http://www.equipmentlink.org

Maryland Relay

If you, or a loved one, have difficulty using a standard telephone, Maryland Relay makes it easy to place and received calls. Maryland Relay services are available free. You are responsible for paying your monthly telephone bill to your chosen service provider. Long distance rates may apply.
Get the telecommunications equipment needed to independently make and receive phone calls. The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) program, a service of Maryland Relay, offers a wide variety of solutions and tools – from amplified phones to Braille TTY’s – to support day-to-day communications. The MAT program has a solution for virtually anyone who has difficulty using a standard telephone – they can even custom-create a solution for you.
Please visit https://doit.maryland.gov/mdrelay/Pages/default.aspx for more info or call 800-552-7724 or 410-767-6960

Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (MD-LBPD)

Provides free library services for people who are unable to read standard print because of a visual, physical, or reading disability. MD-LBPD offers books and magazines the way you want them: in braille or audio formats, mailed to your door for free, or instantly downloadable. Their talking-book players feature large buttons, braille letters beside the controls, a sleep timer, and built-in audio instructions. The BARD Mobile app allows users to quickly and easily download audiobooks directly to iOS and Android devices. To receive an application for service, call 410-230-2443,
email reference.desk@maryland.gov, or visit our website at https://www.marylandlibraries.org/Pages/Maryland-Library-for-the-Blind-and-Print-Disabled.aspx

Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP)

The Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) is a program run by the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Their mission is to enhance the lives of all Marylanders with disabilities, older Marylanders, and their families by helping support access to assistive technology (AT) devices through AT demonstrations, device loans, trainings, and financing.
https://mdod.maryland.gov/mdtap/Pages/MDTAP-Home.aspx

Medical Travel Assistance Program

This program may be used to cover transportation, meals, lodging, and parking for medical care that requires out of state/long distance travel. The program is intended for families who would benefit from assistance to cover the cost for travel to receive medical care.
https://www.chargesyndrome.org/for-families/family-assistance-program/medical-travel-assistance-program-2/

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 https://resconnect.org/

Shared Horizons Inc., 

The Wesley Vinner Memorial Trust is a pooled special needs trust administered by Shared Horizons, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. If you have a disability and earn, inherit, or receive a lump sum of money over the $2,000 SSI limit or the State’s Medicaid limit, you can create an account within the Wesley Vinner Memorial Trust.

In addition to being a pooled special needs trust, they sponsor a charitable fund. The fund makes awards to individuals with disabilities and organizations that service people with disabilities. These awards are intended to help those in need of assistance securing goods and services they may not be able to afford otherwise. The charitable fund application can be accessed through the website
https://www.shared-horizons.org/

The Buddy Project 

Dedicated to Providing Technology, Training and Advocacy to the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled. Apply for a recycled computer on their website.  https://www.thebuddyproject.org/

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.