Chris Van Hollen,
U.S. Senator for Maryland
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Join us as we celebrate with advocates, community leaders, and professional stakeholders who are changing the landscape of equal rights for Marylander's with disabilities.
DRM’s 2019
Breaking Barriers Awards Gala
raises critically needed funds for targeted civil legal advocacy and initiatives for all Marylander’s with disabilities. We look forward to seeing you on September 18, 2019, at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) as we recognize and honor our astounding roster of
honorees
.
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Nancy Pineles
Honored with The Arc of Maryland Legacy Award
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"Nancy provided incredible leadership and was instrumental in helping to shape current state statute and public policy."
The Arc Maryland
Nancy Pineles, retired Managing Attorney for DRM, was honored with The Arc of Maryland’s Legacy Award this May at The Arc’s 2019 Convention and Awards Banquet. Her distinguished career and leadership during her 18 year tenure at DRM has set a high bar in advocacy work for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). Nancy was instrumental in the closing of Rosewood Institution and is admired and respected across the state for her contributions to the I/DD Community. Brian Cox, executive director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, was also the recipient of a Legacy Award for a lifetime of serving the community. His dedication to inclusion for people with disabilities has positively impacted many to better serve the community.
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Proposed Alternative Elementary School Poses Risk to Academic Success
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"
When we remove a student from the classroom to receive services in an alternative setting, we are really depriving all of our students..."
Amanda White, DRM Attorney
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With a recent $452,200 budget approved by the County Commissioner of Charles' County Public Schools (CCPS), funding has been set aside for a new alternative elementary school, Fresh Start Academy (FSA). FSA would serve as an alternative educational setting where the counties youngest students, who are removed from their regular classrooms for challenging behavior, would be placed at FSA for a 45-day period.
The removal of these students would be considered an illegal suspension under state law and regulations.
Amanda White spoke and provided recommendations
at a public hearing held by the Charles County Board of Education explaining how these illegal suspensions would unintentionally segregate students with disabilities and students of color, stigmatize the counties youngest learners and pose a risk to their future academic success. During the 2017-2018 school year students with disabilities in Charles County made up
12%
of the total student population,
but comprised 19% of students who were suspended or expelled at least once
.
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Lauren Young
Government & Public Interest Lawyer of the Year
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"She is an outstanding leader and one of the most skilled advocates in the State. Ms Young stands out for her intellect, work ethic and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities."
Robin Murphy, DRM Executive Director
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Lauren Young, DRM’s Director of Litigation, received the 14th Annual Government & Public Interest Lawyer of the Year Award from the Bar Association of Baltimore City. The award was presented on April 18, 2019 at the Clarence Mitchell Courthouse. Lauren humbly accepted her award and was joined by guest speaker, The Honorable Brian E. Frosh, Attorney General of Maryland.
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Deepa Goraya
Advocate of the Year!
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One of DRM’s newest Attorney’s, Deepa Goraya, was honored as Advocate of the Year by the Equal Rights Center in a ceremony at the organization’s downtown D.C. office in April. The program included an overview of the center’s work on fair housing issues in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Deepa worked on an investigation into housing accessibility for people with disabilities that ultimately led to a report documenting barriers to access, notably in online rental applications and other web-based housing information (
Equal Rights Center, "From Click to Visit")
. Deepa joined DRM on April 1, 2019 to work on Medicaid and ADA cases
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Friendraiser Reception to be Rescheduled
Due to a professional timing conflict, DRM’s reception on June 10, 2019, is being rescheduled for a later date. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this might cause you and look forward to seeing you at the scheduled date later this year.
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Join us as we honor
Senator Van Hollen
, recipient of DRM’s Public Policy Award,
Vanita Gupta
, recipient of DRM’s Champion of Justice Award,
Erica L. Green
, recipient of DRM’s Excellence in Journalism Award,
Patti Saylor
, recipient of DRM’s Gayle Hafner Grassroots Advocacy Award,
Stephanie P. Hales
, Partner, Sidley Austin LLP,
Jennifer J. Bruton
, Partner, and
Daniel J. O'Brien
, Associate, Venable law firm, recipients of DRM’s Legal Advocacy Awards. DRM is also very pleased to announce that the Awards will be bestowed on the honorees by
Dr. Timothy P. Shriver
, Chairman of the Special Olympics International.
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DRM has 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!
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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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The Mayor's Commission on Disabilities (MCOD)
works to remove barriers and promote equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities
.
The Commission has several vacancies for membership
,
please share with your networks and apply if interested! (please note: link is in PDF format. DRM is not affiliated with the MCOD.)
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