BALTIMORE, MD
—September 12, 2018 — Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) today announced awards of multiple grants totaling more than $325,000. The programs receiving the monies cover a breadth of services and locations. Maryland Department of Disabilities awarded grants to local organizations to expand services for citizens with disabilities across the state.
“The Hogan-Rutherford Administration is committed to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities, and this funding will help provide additional resources and services that improve the lives of Marylanders with disabilities throughout the state,” said Secretary Carol Beatty, Department of Disabilities.
Many of the grants will assist local governments and organizations to provide or expand crisis intervention programs. These programs are innovative community-based approaches that connect first responders with resources to improve communication, identify mental health resources for those in crisis, and ensure officer and community safety.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
--Maryland received funding to support efforts to improve the criminal justice system’s interactions with people with behavioral health issues and other disabilities.
Mobile Crisis program at Way Station
(Frederick & Washington counties) received funding to train law enforcement officers responding to emergency calls involving the specific needs of individuals with disabilities.
Small grants can be critical to local communities. In fact, Lucy T. Bill, Mobile Crisis Social Worker, wrote a letter thanking the department for the grant the Way Station in Frederick received saying, “Thank you for recognizing the importance our training and being willing to help fund it, so all local officers can attend. I look forward to sharing the positive impact with you. This training was offered to the Sheriff's Department recently and was implemented immediately."
Four additional grants were awarded to:
National Federation of the Blind
was awarded funding to enhance the work of its Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access. The Nonvisual Accessibility Initiative grant focuses on raising awareness of nonvisual access, identifying current gaps in ADA compliance, and creating training programs and resources to address those gaps.
Youth Leadership Forum
was awarded a grant to cover the costs associated with Personal Care Attendants and nursing services for youth participants to attend the summer youth forum at Towson University.
The Metropolitan Washington Ear, Inc.
received funding to support the toll-free telephone line for dial-in news and information service for residents living outside the local calling area.
Independence Now, Inc.
received a grant to assist with transition costs to establish a household for individuals working with Centers for Independent Living who are not participants in a Medicaid Waiver program.
The Department of Disabilities works to Change Maryland for the better by promoting equality of opportunity, access, and choice for Marylanders with disabilities. We are committed to the promise of a Maryland in which all people with disabilities have the knowledge and influence to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Learn more by visiting our
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About the Maryland Department of Disabilities: The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) is charged with coordinating and improving the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities in the state of Maryland. By working collaboratively with all State government agencies, MDOD provides advocacy and guidance to ensure that State entities deliver services in the most integrated settings possible, develop consistent policies affecting those with disabilities, and consider the diverse needs of all when making decisions which impact Marylanders.
