In this edition of Spotlight:

• 2023 Legislative Highlights
• Mass Evictions Stopped
• DRM’s Access Authority Upheld
• You're Invited to DRM's Award Gala!
• Are You Our Next Executive Director?

This past legislative session was a productive one for Marylanders with disabilities. DRM worked with partner organizations, individual allies, and legislators to advocate for bills that would protect and advance the rights of people with disabilities. During the session, DRM submitted written testimony for 42 bills, orally testified on the impact of 22 bills, and joined other organizations in signing on to 19 letters of support or opposition. DRM is especially proud of the following seven bills… Continue Reading

In May, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) issued eviction notices to approximately 900 Baltimore City public housing tenants. HABC is Baltimore City’s largest landlord and operates over 8,000 units of public and other affordable housing units. We estimate over a third of all HABC households include at least one member with a disability.

Public housing tenants may request rental adjustments based on changes in income or repayment agreements for past rent, but in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many tenants said their requests were ignored. Additionally, they have the right to an attorney, but some of these tenants lost eviction hearings without attorneys present.

The DRM housing team, along with community partners including Baltimore Renter’s United (BRU), are advocating for the residents facing eviction. So far, over 255 cases were dismissed allowing people to remain in their homes. 

Wiley Rein LLP secured an important victory on behalf of Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) in a lawsuit against Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), stemming from allegations that the school system disproportionately subjected students with disabilities to inappropriate and exclusionary forms of discipline.

In a March 24 decision granting DRM’s motion for summary judgment, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ordered PGCPS to provide DRM with contact information for the parents or guardians of students who are eligible for special education in the school district, and who have received a suspension of more than three days or were expelled since January 2019.

This case sets a strong precedent for P&A organizations' authority to obtain the contact information for public-school students to determine when discriminatory policies and practices are being employed.  

Click here to read the full story.

You're Invited!

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. Join us at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) to honor visionary leaders whose unwavering dedication to disability rights has resulted in meaningful progress towards a more equitable and inclusive society. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or have any questions, please contact Shannon McDermott at shannonm@disabilityrightsmd.org. 

Are You Our Next Executive Director?

“Leading DRM for the past five years has been an honor and I leave with mixed emotions. DRM is an exceptional organization with staunchly committed, talented, and collegial staff and board members who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of Marylanders with disabilities.” - Robin Murphy, Former Executive Director

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is seeking an experienced disability rights leader and advocate to lead this private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) law firm and advocacy organization as it creates an integrated and just society by advancing the legal rights of people with disabilities throughout Maryland.

Click here to see the full job description and details on how to apply.

DRM is committed to advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities. Please consider a contribution to partner with us in achieving our goals.