DRM Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

As part of its core mission to support people with disabilities in Maryland, DRM promotes the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities’ (NACDD) campaign to inform, educate and increase public awareness on issues of inclusion and the rights of people with developmental disabilities. Click here to visit their website to discover resources, stories and more >> DRM is a member of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition (MDDC), which includes: People on the Go of Maryland; The Arc Maryland; the Maryland Association of Community Services; and Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council. The coalition is dedicated to improving opportunities and outcomes for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. DRM is also a member of the Maryland Cross-Disability Rights Coalition, a network of organizations and individuals across disabilities who have come together to advocate for people with disabilities needs during the pandemic. DRM supports and continues to actively advocate on behalf of people with I/DD and their families during the pandemic. We are proud to report that the Coalitions were successful in obtaining priority for people with I/DD in the Maryland COVID-19 Vaccination plan. Click here to read the letters >>

The Arc and DRM File Lawsuit on Behalf of Marylanders with Disabilities in Federal Court

Represented by DRM, The Arc of the United States, and Brown & Barron, LLC, The Arc of Maryland, filed a federal lawsuit against six jurisdictions in Maryland, including Baltimore City on March 9th. The suit alleges violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by denying people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) access to COVID-19 vaccination as required in the State’s Executive order and Vaccination Plan and requests that jurisdictions take immediate action to make sure COVID-19 vaccinations are available to individuals with I/DD. Click here to read the full press release >> Following prompt actions to remedy the violations, The Arc dismissed its complaint against all jurisdictions. Click here to read more >>

DRM is Honored with Disability Advocacy Award by The Coordinating Center

Executive Director Robin Murphy accepted the award on behalf of DRM

The Coordinating Center (The Center) awarded DRM its inaugural Disability Advocacy Award to recognize vital advocacy efforts to improve the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. The award recognizes over 35 years of collaboration between DRM and The Center to support Marylanders with special healthcare needs by improving access to housing, education, and social services.   Executive Director Robin Murphy accepted the award on behalf of DRM and congratulated Ivis Burris, member of Consumers for Accessible Ride Services (CARS) and DRM Sunshine Folk Advocate, for her most recent appointment to The Center's Board of Directors. Click here to watch her full acceptance speech >>

Many Hospitalized Marylanders with Disabilities Have Right to a Support Person

In response to one family member’s request for help, DRM took action by issuing a letter to the Maryland Department of Health on May 1, 2020, in conjunction with other advocates and coalition partners, to push for a policy of exceptions and accommodations to the “No Visitor” policies during hospitalizations established at the outbreak of Covid-19.   On May 11, 2020, The Maryland Department of Disabilities and Maryland Department of Health issued joint guidance requiring that hospitals adopt policies to ensure that support persons can be designated and processes to request other reasonable accommodations are provided. Click here to read the full letter >>

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