Sweet Success! Johnathan, a young man with a developmental disability, lives in a setting that offers limited vocational services and no opportunities for participation in activities during the day. He very much wanted greater interaction with his community, to make new friends, and to acquire additional skills. Johnathan asked Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) for help in requesting a new Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) because Johnathan’s CCS had not made any significant effort to locate services or activities offered during the day that would meet his needs. With DRM's support, Johnathan now has a new CCS who has enthusiastically facilitated finding a program that offers life skills development. At the end of January 2019, Johnathan entered an agreement to start the program of his choice, rejoin his community, and build new relationships.

Published Scholar on DRM Staff On February 8th, Adrienne Mallinson, Managing Attorney at DRM, presented her study "Mental Health Care and Global Incarceration Rates" at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Adrienne recently completed her Master's Degree in International Development, with coursework on global health, disabilities and human rights. Adrienne will present research on the interrelationship between mental health and global incarceration rates at the International Studies Association in Toronto on March 27th.

Self-Advocates Educate Police Officers at Loyola University CBS Baltimore shared coverage of a police training session done as part of the Maryland Department of Disabilities project, "Learning to Lead: Training Self-Advocate Educators for Law Enforcement". The program was developed by the Ethan Saylor Alliance Steering Committee, upon which DRM Paralegal Teri Sparks, serves. The trainings are led by actors with intellectual and developmental disabilities who perform reality-based training scenarios to improve police encounters with people with disabilities.

Highlighting African Americans with Disabilities in... February is Black History Month. RespectAbility shares profiles of incredible African American role models and advocates with disabilities, and how they are making a difference in how people perceive the disability community. Read more www.respectability.org

Jewish Disabilities and Inclusion Awareness Month |... February is Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month. Jewish organizations and communities across the world are uniting in an effort to raise awareness and advocate for the civil rights of people with disabilities. Read more www.jconnect.org

DRM's Breaking Barriers Awards Gala will be held on September 18, 2019 at the American Visionary Art Museum. Please join us as we honor Vanita Gupta Erica L. Green and other disability rights champions! Download and share a copy of our save the date!

Get Involved! DRM has two great opportunities available for job seekers who are looking to join our advocacy team for Marylanders with disabilities! Check out our Careers page for job descriptions and how to apply. Share this message with your networks and those who may be interested! Looking for volunteer opportunities for the new year? DRM maintains a Pro Bono Referral Service where we match those people whom our resources are unable to serve with attorneys who are willing to provide free legal representation. If you are interested in a meaningful Pro Bono experience we encourage you to join our program! The PAIMI Advisory Council is always looking to increase its membership and affiliates! The PAIMI Council advises DRM’s staff and governing authority on policies and priorities to be carried out in protecting and advocating for the rights of individuals with mental illness in Maryland.

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