Legislative Advocacy Support Fund

PURPOSE

To enable the Council to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members in their efforts to educate and inform legislators and other policymakers on issues affecting the inclusion, independence, self-determination, and self-advocacy of Marylanders with developmental disabilities.

The Legislative Advocacy Support Fund will reimburse costs directly related to participation in legislative activities for which there are no other sources of support.  The Fund is not intended to replace other sources of assistance. 

PROCEDURE

To request assistance from the Legislative Advocacy Support Fund:

1.  Complete the Legislative Advocacy Support Fund Request Form.
Complete the form on-line or download a copy of the form
You may also call our office at 410-767-3670 or 800-305-6441 for assistance.

2.  Return the request form to the Council. 
by fax:  410-333-3686 
or by mail:

MD Developmental Disabilities Council
217 E. Redwood Street, Suite 1300
Baltimore, MD 21202

Requests should always be made in advance to allow 24 hour for consideration and approval. It is recognized that significant notice is not always possible, and so extenuating circumstances will be considered but are not guaranteed.

3.  After review and determination if the request meets the Fund’s criteria, the Council will approve or reject the request.  Determinations will be made as quickly as possible, and the applicant will be notified by telephone of the decision.  If approved, details regarding reimbursement will be agreed upon.

The full policy regarding funding is available upon request.  Anyone wishing to appeal a decision may do so by submitting a request in writing to the Council’s Chairperson.  The Council’s Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson will decide appeals.  The decisions made are final. 

4.  Approved costs will be reimbursed upon submission of original receipts documenting that the service was provided.  You must also include the Federal ID Number of any service provider or Social Security Number of any individual being reimbursed. Reimbursement cannot be made without this information and complete documentation.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for reimbursement.

Please Note:  The Council will not arrange for, or be responsible for, any service or support paid for in whole, or in part, by the Legislative Advocacy Support Fund. The recipients of the services or supports must assume total responsibility.

Please complete the on-line request form or download the form in Microsoft Word