National and State Resources
National Organizations
Administration on Disabilities (AoD)
AoD is a federal agency that oversees the Developmental Disabilities Councils, University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and Protection & Advocacy Systems in each state and territory. The University Center in Maryland is Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCCD). The Protection & Advocacy System in Maryland is Disability Rights Maryland (DRM). AoD also supports the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
National Council on Disability (NCD)
NCD is an independent federal agency. It advises the President, Congress, and other federal agencies about policies, programs, and procedures that affect people with disabilities.
National Organization on Disability (NOD)
NOD is a private, non-profit organization. It increases employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities.
State Organizations
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
DDA is a government agency in Maryland. It funds services for people with developmental disabilities and their families in their homes and communities. DDA also runs 2 State Residential Centers in Maryland: Holly Center and Potomac Center.
Disability Rights Maryland (DRM)
DRM is advocates for the rights of children and adults with disabilities.
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
DORS is a government agency. It provides services and supports that help people with disabilities find and keep employment.
Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS)
MACS is a private nonprofit organization. It advocates for organizations that provide support to people with developmental disabilities and their families in the community.
Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD)
MCDD provides training, services, technical assistance, and does research. It does this to help the community include people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD)
MDOD is a government agency. It works with other state agencies to improve services and supports for people with disabilities. MDOD’s website has many resources including, assistive technology, employment, housing, transportation and more.
Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS)
DHS is a government agency. It helps people through its 24 local departments of social services. DHS helps Marylanders in need buy food, pay energy bills, and get medical assistance.
Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)
MDOT is a government agency. It provides transportation programs and services. For information on the Mobility/Paratransit system, visit MTA Maryland.
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
MSDE oversees the public school system in Maryland. It sets policies and provides support to local school systems. One resource for educators and parents is Maryland Learning Links.
Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council (MSILC)
MSILC supports independent living services in Maryland. It develops a State Plan for Independent Living.
Parents’ Place of Maryland (PPMD)
PPMD provides resources, support, and information to parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs.
People On the Go of Maryland (POG)
POG is Maryland’s statewide self-advocacy organization. It has groups in many counties that are members. POG advocates with the Governor, state agencies, and the Maryland legislature. It also trains people with developmental disabilities to advocate for themselves.
Resource Finder at Kennedy Krieger Institute
The Resource Finder provides information to families and professionals. Information includes community services, trainings, research, and other developmental disability issues.
The Arc Maryland
The Arc Maryland is a statewide advocacy organization advocating on behalf of, and with, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Maryland.
Advocacy
Self-Advocates Being Empowered (SABE)
SABE is a self-advocacy organization working for the full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community, throughout the 50 states and the world.
Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SAR-TAC)
SAR-TAC is a website with tools and resources for self-advocacy
Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)
YLF is an intensive weeklong leadership program for high school students with all types of disabilities in Maryland.
Americans with Disabilities Act
United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
This website has information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
ADA center provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. This helps governments, organizations, and businesses meet ADA requirements.