Photo of Floyd crossing the street using hos wheelchair

Week Without Driving 2026: Transportation Bingo

Posted on September 9, 2026

Week Without Driving 2026: Transportation Bingo

October 1-8

Week Without Driving Bingo challenges you to think differently about how you move around your community, try new routes and modes of transportation, and engage with your neighbors. Print this board or take a screenshot. As you complete a task, mark it off.

Anybody can play! Here’s how:

Rules

The bingo board has 25 squares. Each square contains a task. Complete a task to mark off that square on your board. You may try to earn as many (or as few) squares as you would like during the course of the week. Players who show us their completed bingo board at our gathering on Thursday, October 8, will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a prize (must be present to win).

You do not have to refrain from driving for the entire week to play! Rather, use the game as an opportunity to reflect on (and change) your transportation habits, consider the needs and challenges that non-drivers face when moving around the city, and of course to be creative and have fun!

You may complete more than one square per trip, but if the board feels easy to you, then you can limit yourself to one square per trip. By participating, you are not entering into direct competition with other players. However, we do encourage you to invite others to play and to compete for fun against family members, coworkers, or friends!

All players are encouraged to share how they complete their squares on social media. Please share your adventures with us by using #WeekWithoutDriving and @DisabilityRightsMD on Facebook and Instagram or any other social media platforms you use.

Download Bingo Rules and Squares Explained

Closing Meet Up

October 8, 2026

5pm-7:30pm

Main St. Market

The Lot @ 4500 Harford Rd

Any bingo participation and coming to the closing meetup gives you entry into our raffle!

Bingo Squares Explained

Tell a friend about Week Without Driving Bingo: Help us spread the word! Let a friend know about this game, or invite somebody to play with you (or against you!) and claim the center square!

Try out different modes of public transportation: Whether you are a first-time or an experienced rider, use public transportation this week and share impressions from your journey(s). Each mode below is its own square on the board.

- Take a ride on the Metro or Light Rail
- Take a ride on a local, commuter, or free circulator bus
- Take a ride on MARC
- Take a ride on a bike or scooter
- Take a ride on a water taxi

Invite a friend to join you on a public transportation trip

Go for a walk without headphones and talk to someone new

Eliminate a car trip: Plan ahead to ditch your car and get to someplace you need to be by using active (any human-powered mode of travel) or public transportation instead. Do you usually drive to a store that you could walk to instead? Got tickets to the game and don’t want to drive? Just tired of driving to work or class or anywhere else? Shake up your routine by taking public transportation instead of your car to earn this square!

Make a trip that requires a transfer: Take a trip that requires a transfer between two or more modes (bus to Light Rail, Metro to bus, etc.) or a transfer between two or more bus lines. Share how convenient or inconvenient the transfer is for you to make. How could it be improved or made more accessible?

Find your way with transportation signage: When you are out and about, pay close attention to the signage along your route. Is it visible and accessible to all? Look for outdated, faded or incorrect signage, and report it to the transportation agency or via a 311 request.

Audit your street: Look closely at the sidewalk, curbs, and street. How do you think it would go for somebody using a wheelchair, rollator, other assisted mobility device, or stroller? What about a neighbor who is blind or low vision? Are there detectable warning services on curb cuts, or audible cross signals? Document and share your observations to earn this square! See the AARP audit worksheet for an example.

Submit a 311 request: Call 311 or use the app to submit a city service request that would make neighborhood streets safer and more accessible. For example, request a needed footway/sidewalk repair (where one is broken, cracked, or chipped, creating a trip hazard); a new crosswalk at an intersection where one is needed; fresh striping for a faded crosswalk or bike lane; traffic calming measures on a street where speeding is a concern; or report an issue with a problematic public streetlight or traffic sign.

Organize a carpool: Coordinate with people you know to organize a carpool that would otherwise be multiple trips in single occupancy vehicles. Reducing the number of cars on the road makes our neighborhoods safer for everybody.

Advocate for safety: Write to a lawmaker about a transportation, accessibility, or street safety issue in your neighborhood.

Thank a transit worker: This week and always! Thank the workers who keep Baltimore’s streets, transit systems, and public spaces running. Simply say “Thank you!” to a bus or Metro operator, a school crossing guard, a trash and recycling collector, or another everyday hero. Or be more creative and visible about it – a wave, a note, a sign, or a shoutout on social media all count too!

Use active (any human-powered mode of travel) or public transportation to explore your city!

Do one of the following to earn this square:

- Visit a new-to-you public space: Use active or public transportation to visit a park, playground, library, or recreation center that you have never been to before. Is the space accessible for all to enjoy? What do you like about it and what do you feel could be improved? Share where you visited and how you got there!
- Explore a new-to-you neighborhood: Without using a car, visit a neighborhood that you would like to get to know better. Is there a place you usually drive through, but would like to see by foot or bike?
- Play tourist with public transportation: Leave your car at home and do something unabashedly touristy in your town! How many other tourists do you see using transit? Document and share your experience!

Take a selfie at Baltimore Penn Station or Washington DC Union Station: Get there without a car and take some time to explore. If you use the station regularly, slow down and find something interesting that you have never noticed before — or investigate something that you see every time. Take a selfie to show you were there and share pictures of what you discover!

Create a car-free transportation-themed playlist: To reflect on how entrenched car culture is in popular culture, create a playlist of songs about or referencing transportation… but not cars! Share your playlist with us to earn this square and so that we can create the ultimate playlist!

Connect with an advocacy group: There are many advocacy groups in Baltimore working to make the city’s transportation infrastructure safe and accessible for all residents. To earn this square, learn about their work and sign up for at least one group’s newsletter:

Download and use a transit app: There are many tools available to riders to help them navigate public transportation. CharmPass, Transit, Mobility All Access, and See Say are some examples. Riders can use apps to plan travel, pay for tickets, track the location and status of transit vehicles, and report issues. Use an app during your bingo adventures and share about your experience to earn this square!

Use active (any human-powered mode of travel) or public transportation to support a local business: Ditch your car and use active or public transportation instead to travel to a favorite local business or one you have been meaning to try out! Grab something to eat or drink, do some shopping, or treat yourself – you deserve it! Think about it as spending the money you can save by not driving on yourself and your community instead. 🙂

Spot a paratransit vehicle in the wild: Paratransit services are for people who, because of a disability, are unable to use the fixed route services offered in public transportation. Learn about paratransit services such as MobilityLink and Metro Access. Then share a picture of a paratransit vehicle that you see in public to earn this square! Did you know that individuals must register as certified riders to use paratransit? So consider sharing what you learn about paratransit with people you know who might qualify.

Submit feedback to a transit agency: Public transportation systems rely on feedback from their riders and customers to improve services and make them more accessible to all. Submit feedback about your experiences with public transportation to MTA, WMATA, or another transportation agency to earn this square!

Photo of flow charts, diagrams and other financial paperwork

Public Statement Update: DDA Budget Cuts and Waiver Amendments

Posted on July 7, 2026

Update to Public Statement on DDA’s Proposed Budget Cuts and Waiver Amendments

Last week, the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) announced that it will be delaying implementation of several aspects of its proposed cost-containment measures, including elements of its proposed Community Pathways Waiver amendment and its proposed budget cuts for providers and participants in the Self-Directed Services Model that were slated to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) understands that as of June 30, 2026, the DDA had not yet submitted its proposed waiver amendment to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Certain aspects of the DDA’s proposed cost-containment measures, including changes to rate methodology, changes to provider qualifications, such as requiring unlicensed vendors to become licensed DDA providers, and other aspects of the proposed waiver amendment require CMS approval before they can be implemented. As such, the DDA has delayed implementing these changes until CMS approves the proposed waiver amendment.

In correspondence sent to DDA participants and providers on June 29th and June 30th, the DDA shared more information about this delay, as well as its incorporation of stakeholder feedback into its proposed Community Pathways Waiver amendment, including that:

The effective date of the new self-direction budget methodology implementation is delayed until January 1, 2027, to provide more time for planning and training.

The effective date of DDA paying Financial Management and Counseling Services costs directly is delayed until January 1, 2027, to allow more preparation time.

The DDA is granting unlicensed vendors a 45-day extension (until August 15, 2026) to transition to become DDA-licensed providers, in order to allow participants additional time to transition services if their current unlicensed vendor is not approved to continue providing services as required by the FY 2027 budget bill.

The DDA has added emergency exceptions in the proposed waiver amendment to the 60/40 Rule to support continuity of services during unplanned worker departures and to protect participant health and welfare during unexpected staffing situations.

In these communications, the DDA also clarified that “CMS has 90 days to review [DDA’s] waiver amendment application” and that any changes it seeks to implement through its waiver amendment “would go into effect after CMS approval of [DDA’s] application.”  The DDA has also posted a summary of its responses to stakeholder feedback and an updated version of the proposed Community Pathways Waiver amendment, which incorporates changes made in light of stakeholder feedback. Those documents are available on this website: https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Community-Pathways-Waiver-Amendment-4-2026.aspx.

DRM is reviewing the changes the DDA has made to the proposed waiver amendment in light of stakeholder feedback. We remain steadfast in our commitment to evaluating these changes and their systemic impact on Marylanders with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). We also remain committed to ensuring that changes to the Community Pathways Waiver delivery system do not undermine the legal rights of Marylanders with IDD under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Olmstead v. L.C., which require that services be delivered in the most integrated, least restrictive setting appropriate to each individual. Our focus will remain on collaborating with the disability community, and where possible, representing individuals to prevent unnecessary institutionalization.  

The DDA has committed to hosting regional listening sessions and technical assistance webinars to help providers, participants, and support teams understand these upcoming changes, when they take effect, and what actions need to be taken and by when. The DDA must continue to work openly and collaboratively with people with disabilities, families, providers, and advocates to preserve participants’ access to necessary home and community-based services.

We urge the DDA to maintain transparency with participants, their families, providers, and organizations throughout the implementation of the proposed changes. The potential for harm to participants as a result of these changes cannot be overstated. The DDA must be vigilant to ensure that participants are not placed at risk and ensure that it has processes in place for participants to request reasonable modifications so that they can continue to receive services in the most integrated setting.

Photo of Restraint chair at CTPHC, March 2025

Treatment Not Trauma: Urgent Action Required to Protect Patients at the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center

Posted on June 4, 2026

Treatment Not Trauma: Urgent Action Required to Protect Patients at the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center

Below you will find some sections of the report. Click the button for the full report.

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) conducted a two-year investigation into one of Maryland’s forensic psychiatric hospitals, the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center (CTPHC). DRM launched the investigation as a result of the receipt of numerous complaints of abuse and neglect, including alleged violations of the following basic rights:

The right to be free from sexual assault and sexual harassment;[1]
The right to be free from restraint and seclusion, unless used in an emergency when one’s behavior poses a serious threat of violence or injury to self or others;[2]
The right to individualized treatment;[3] and
The right to receive care that restricts one’s liberty and freedom only “…to the extent necessary and consistent with the individual’s treatment needs…”[4]

DRM’s investigation into these concerns included patient surveys, interviews with staff members at all levels of hospital operation, and an analysis of relevant records.

Overall, DRM finds a need for the State to increase transparency and strengthen accountability by improving oversight systems. In light of Governor Moore’s mission to ensure that “No One is Left Behind,” DRM urges immediate action to protect the hundreds of people currently left behind at CTPHC. [5]

Key Findings

Finding #1: Lack of Appropriate Medical Care.

The most critical finding from DRM’s investigation is the inadequate access to medical care at CTPHC, which has resulted in adverse health outcomes and possibly contributed to patient deaths. To illustrate this finding, this report includes the detailed investigation findings of two women and one man who died (“Marissa”, “Latasha”, and “Charlie”) and one man (“James”) who suffered serious medical complications following delayed medical care. See the appendices to this report for detailed investigation findings for each case.

The poor medical care these patients received is not isolated or unique; these cases are representative of a systemic failure to provide essential medical care to patients. The four highlighted examples illustrate delays and denials in basic medical care, specialist care, mental health care, and emergency medical care that meet the protection and advocacy statutory criteria for “neglect.”

Neglect in mental health facilities is defined as “…a negligent act or omission by an individual responsible for providing services… which caused or may have caused injury or death to a[n] individual… or which placed a[n] individual… at risk of injury or death, and includes an act or omission such as the failure to establish or carry out an appropriate individual program plan or treatment plan…, the failure to provide adequate nutrition, clothing, or health care…, or the failure to provide a safe environment.., including the failure to maintain adequate numbers of appropriately trained staff.”[26]

Marissa's Story

“Marissa” was a 40-year-old African American woman who died in November 2023, just three months after her admission to CTPHC. Just days before she died, her social worker noted in her medical record that she was “stable” and “preparing for discharge.”[27] Unfortunately, she never had the opportunity to return to the community.

DRM’s investigation found multiple concerns with the medical care Marissa received:

CTPHC failed to provide care for Marissa’s chronic health conditions, and she was not seen by relevant specialists.
CTPHC failed to provide adequate staffing to ensure patient safety.
CTPHC failed to respond appropriately to her emergent medical needs during the days preceding her untimely death. Over the four days preceding her death her health continuously deteriorated, yet she was not taken to an emergency department for assessment and treatment. The day before she died staff called 911 but then cancelled the ambulance and Marissa remained at CTPHC.
On the day she died, CTPHC medical staff failed to provide even basic life support, including CPR.
CTPHC did not report Marissa’s death to DRM or OHCQ as required by statute.
Marissa’s autopsy report states that she died due to “acute intoxication” of chlorpromazine, diphenhydramine, and sertraline. Each of these medications had been prescribed by CTPHC physicians.

The death investigation completed by OHCQ found that many CTPHC staff did not have current CPR certifications, and that the overhead emergency paging system was not operational. OHCQ’s report did not cite many additional problems identified by DRM with respect to the medical care provided to Marissa by CTPHC.

CTPHC’s failure to provide adequate medical care for Marissa constituted neglect as defined by 42 U.S.C. §10802(5) and 45 C.F.R. §1326.19.

Finding #2: Lack of Appropriate Behavioral Health Care at CTPHC.

In addition to deficits in the provision of somatic medical care (Finding #1), DRM found that CTPHC patients do not consistently receive needed behavioral health treatment. CTPHC should provide patients with mental health treatment that provides “a realistic opportunity to be cured or improve the mental condition for which they were confined.”[40]

The psychiatric hospitalization of an individual does not in and of itself constitute treatment for their behavioral health needs. As the authors of “Inpatient Psychiatric Care in the 21st Century: The Need for Reform” explain, a “focus on ensuring only safety leads to an overemphasis on the biological aspects of care (generally psychopharmacologic) to reduce aggressive behavior and leaves far too little time to address the psychosocial aspects critical to understanding and intervening in the larger context and changing the course of illness.”[41]

Patients at CTPHC deserve access to a full array of treatment options, not just medication. Without meaningful therapies, activities, and personal engagement, CTPHC risks becoming no more than a holding area, or worse – a prison for people who have not been sentenced. The hospital’s mission and vision include providing “recovery-based, trauma-informed care…within a … therapeutic environment”[42]. That mission and vision necessitate looking at the patient as a whole person and offering treatment to meet their medical and psychiatric needs.

Finding #3: Unlawful Use of Seclusion and Restraint at CTPHC.

Among the more serious complaints raised by patients at CTPHC is the violation of one’s right to be free from restraint and seclusion of any form when used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation.[64] Restraint or seclusion may only be imposed to ensure the immediate physical safety of the patient, a staff member, or others and must be discontinued at the earliest possible time.[65] A physician’s order for restraint or seclusion of an adult may not exceed four hours. In addition, before using restraint or seclusion, staff must first consider other less restrictive strategies.^[66]

Finding #4: Safety Concerns at CTPHC.

During interviews with DRM staff, CTPHC patients and staff raised concerns about physical and psychological safety in the hospital. For example, some interviewees expressed concern about assaults by other patients or that they might face retaliation or intimidation for speaking up or raising concerns. In fact, concerns about safety at CTPHC stretch back decades. In 2012, after three patients were killed in the facility, the State responded by commissioning an independent evaluation and report by Drs. Appelbaum and Dvoskin.[88] Unfortunately, many of the recommendations in their report have still not been implemented[89] and significant safety concerns persist.

Finding #5: Lack of Transparency, Accountability, and Oversight.

Many of the problems identified in this report have persisted, at least in part, because of the lack of meaningful oversight and accountability on the part of CTPHC leadership, OHCQ and MDH.

OHCQ has made repeated noncompliance findings but has been unwilling or unable to ensure that the violations are remediated. It appears that MDH has only stepped in to make leadership changes and provide additional resources when called to task by the Maryland General Assembly or by news articles over the years that focused attention on violence and dire conditions in the hospital. Of concern is that MDH has not made the NASMHPD report public. Particularly after the recent Washington Post articles about conditions at the hospital, release of the report along with the steps MDH is taking to implement the report’s recommendations would be a welcome step towards rebuilding public trust in the Department’s ability to meet the needs of patients at CTPHC.

Additionally, CTPHC leadership itself has not held staff accountable for their actions or failures to act when patient health and safety have been endangered, as DRM found in its investigation of the deaths of Marissa, Latasha and Charlie, and the lack of appropriate medical care for James. Further, CTPHC’s lack of transparency in reporting resulted in DRM learning of Latasha’s death from another patient, rather than through hospital leadership.

Conclusion

DRM initiated comprehensive monitoring and investigation culminating with this report because of the volume of patients reporting concerns about inadequate conditions, the care they were receiving, and other violations of their rights. The project spanned three hospital CEOs, and DRM is pleased to have established a respectful and professional relationship with the current CEO. DRM also appreciates that Dr. Jones has made robust efforts in a short period of time to address a number of the issues identified in this report. Much work remains to be done, but DRM is hopeful that CTPHC administrators will view the recommendations in this report with an eye toward continuing to move CTPHC forward “to re-establish Clifton T. Perkins as a nationally premier institution, renowned for safety, excellence in patient care, clinical training, and research for Maryland’s forensic psychiatric patients.”[129] DRM looks forward to continuing to support CTPHC in its efforts to make the hospital the therapeutic environment it is intended to be.

DRM recognizes that some of the issues faced by CTPHC cannot be solved by CTPHC alone. Our recommendations to MDH are aimed at strengthening accountability and oversight and ensuring that the needs of patients and staff are not overlooked as budget and administrative decisions are made.

Access the Full Report

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[1] Md. Code Ann., Health-General §10-705; 42 C.F.R. §482.13

[2] Md. Code Ann., Health-General §10-701; 42 C.F.R. §482.13.

[3] Md. Code Ann., Health-General §10-701.

[4] Id.

[5] https://dbm.maryland.gov/Documents/MFR_documents/2026-MFR-Annual-Performance-Report.pdf, pg.2

[26] 42 U.S.C. §10802(5); see 45 C.F.R. §1326.19

[27] Social work monthly note for October 2023 in Marissa’s medical record.

[40] Sharp v. Weston, 233 F.3d 1166, 1172 (9th Cir. 2000) (citing Ohlinger v. Watson, 652 F.2d 775, 779 (9th Cir. 1980)).

[41] Ira D. Glick, Steven S. Sharfstein & Harold I. Schwartz, Inpatient Psychiatric Care in the 21st Century: The Need for Reform, 62 Psychiatric Services, 206-09 (2011), p. 207. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/abs/10.1176/ps.62.2.pss6202_0206.

[42] https://health.maryland.gov/perkins/Pages/hOME.aspx (emphasis added)

[64] COMAR 10.21.12.03; COMAR 10.21.13.03; 42 C.F.R. §482.13.

[65] COMAR 10.21.12.03; COMAR 10.21.13.03; Md. Code Ann., Health-General §10-701.

[66] Joint Commission Standards PC.03.05.01 and RI 01.06.01 https://publicstandards.tools.jointcommission.org/2.DOMESTIC , and see https://digitalassets.jointcommission.org/api/public/content/1976b0291a284a8fa7a7b47d26808b5a?v=73722715

[88] Appelbaum, K.L. and Dvoskin, J.A. (2012, January 10). Consultation report on the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center.

[89] https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/01/12/experts-offer-safety-measures-at-perkins-hospital-2/

[129] https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/meeting_material/2025/fps%20-%20134061478837778215%20-%20Meeting%20Materials%2010-29-25.pdf

Photo of Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center Sign

PRESS RELEASE: Report Reveals Issues Related to Patient Deaths at Perkins Hospital

Posted on June 4, 2026

For immediate release: June 4, 2026

Baltimore, MD– After receiving complaints of abuse, neglect, and multiple patient deaths, Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) conducted a two-year investigation of Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center (CTPHC). The resulting report, “Treatment Not Trauma: Urgent Action Required to Protect Patients at the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center”, released today, details key findings and recommendations to ensure patient safety.

The investigation found:

Lack of Appropriate Medical Care
Lack of Appropriate Behavioral Health Care
Unlawful Use of Seclusion and Restraint
Safety Concerns
Lack of Transparency, Accountability, and Oversight

According to DRM Managing Attorney, Leslie Seid Margolis, “This report is the result of almost three years’ of onsite visits, interviews, and record reviews. This isn’t about one incident or one bad actor. The findings reflect deeper systemic failures that require immediate oversight, transparency, and reform.”

DRM Senior Advocate Tam Lynne Kelley said, “Basic standards for any facility include safety, dignity, and care. As a state psychiatric hospital, CTPHC should provide effective evaluation and treatment with the goal of enabling patients to recover. Sadly, that is not always the case. Patients experience violations of their rights, sometimes with tragic consequences.” Kelley noted that several patients have died after not receiving adequate medical care and that “things as simple as access to clean drinking water remain an outstanding issue at the hospital.”

CTPHC is one of Maryland’s state-operated psychiatric hospitals with an annual budget of $97 million. “Maryland spends millions of dollars to operate Perkins Hospital with the promise of ‘recovery-based trauma informed care for patients’. This report has revealed that is not the case,” according to Margolis.

The report points to three deaths at CTPHC, and one person who had serious medical complications following delayed medical care. DRM Executive Director, Meghan Marsh said, “We are very concerned about what we found, and we remain optimistic that the current hospital leadership will work with us to improve conditions there. Patients should receive high-quality care in a therapeutic hospital environment. It really is that straightforward.”

About Disability Rights Maryland

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is a nonprofit organization and Maryland’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency (P&A). DRM’s federally funded Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program provides legal services to Marylanders with significant mental illness. DRM investigates allegations of abuse and neglect, including deaths, and protects the rights of people with significant mental illness to be free from harm.

Media Contacts

Leslie Seid Margolis, Managing Attorney

LeslieM@DisabilityRightsMD.org

443-692-2505

Photo of older adults working on laptops. One is looking at the camera

Take Our Annual Survey!

Posted on May 29, 2026

Disability Rights Maryland would like to hear from you! We are conducting our annual Legal Advocacy Services Plan survey, asking the community to weigh in about the most important disability-related legal needs facing Marylanders and what DRM should focus on in the coming year. DRM’s current Plan can be found here: FY-26-Advocacy-Service-Plan-final-Board-approved.pdf. Our FY27 Plan will be finalized and issued by the end of this year. There are so many issues we would like to tackle, but our resources are limited and we want to concentrate on the most important needs in our communities.

Please share your feedback by July 17, 2026:

Need a printed version?

English Word Doc

Spanish Word Doc

To request a paper survey, provide feedback over the phone or in-person, or if you need an accommodation or translation to participate, call us at 410-727-6352 ext. 0 or email JackieP@disabilityrightsmd.org.

Thank you!

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