DRM's Services

DRM envisions a world where people with disabilities are fully included in the workplace, neighborhoods and all aspects of community life.  We help people with disabilities pursue opportunities to participate fully in all aspects of community life, and champion their rights to self-determination, dignity, equality, opportunity, and freedom from discrimination and harm.

To move us toward this vision, we focus our advocacy toward:

  • Freedom from abuse and neglect
  • Freedom from unnecessary institutionalization
  • Access to education, housing, transportation, and health care
  • Technical assistance and legal information to promote self-advocacy
  • Increasing public awareness about people with disabilities and the issues that matter to them

The decision to accept an individual case for representation will be informed by DRM’s Advocacy Services Plan, resource limitations, and our commitment to affecting broad-based, significant and lasting change for Marylanders with disabilities.

Our 2024 Advocacy Service Plan (PDF) includes:

  • Mental Health
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Education
  • Nursing Facilities
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Assistive Technology
  • Civil Rights & Community Inclusion
  • Voting Rights
  • Medicaid
  • Advocacy for Social Security Beneficiaries
  • Public Policy

For more information about DRM’s programs and services, read our 2021-2022 Report to the Community (PDF) or call our office for a copy at 410-727-6352.

If you wish to send a complaint about DRM services in regard to your specific case, please read our grievance policy (PDF) and use our grievance form (PDF).

To provide comment on the types of cases we accept, send an email to: feedback@disabilityrightsmd.org.

Systemic Efforts

DRM advances the civil rights of people with disabilities by focusing on systemic barriers. We work creatively and effectively, using a wide array of advocacy strategies.

DRM maximizes impact and resources by concentrating on changing systems, laws and policies to bring about significant and lasting improvements for large numbers of people with disabilities.

DRM engages in class action litigation targeting identified priority areas. Current and recent cases have resulted in greater access to housing, transportation and education for thousands of Marylanders with disabilities.

DRM conducts outreach and training to inform and empower people with disabilities; their family members, advocates and service providers; and other interested persons.

DRM monitors regulations and legislation that will have a broad impact on Marylanders with disabilities. Within legal and funding restrictions, we engage in policy advocacy.

DRM monitors and conducts investigations in facilities to keep people with disabilities free from abuse and neglect.