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Disability Rights Activists holding yellow signs that say Housing is a "Human Right" and a green sign that says, "Fair Housing is a Civil Right."

Maryland’s Eviction Crisis is an Affordable Housing Crisis

Posted on September 19, 2022
Disability Rights Activists holding yellow signs that say Housing is a "Human Right" and a green sign that says, "Fair Housing is a Civil Right."
Disability Rights Activists holding yellow signs that say Housing is a “Human Right” and a green sign that says, “Fair Housing is a Civil Right.”

In Maryland, more than half of all people with disabilities had annual household incomes below $15,000 in 2016. While many people with disabilities receive monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, SSI payments alone are usually not enough to afford market-rate housing: in 2020, the average monthly rent of a one-bedroom apartment in Maryland was $1,223, while monthly SSI payments were just $783.

Maryland’s eviction crisis is an affordable housing crisis.

If you are experiencing routine eviction filings by your landlord and cannot pay rent timely because of when your benefits arrive, you may have the right to a reasonable accommodation for an extended grace period to pay your rent.

Read more from The Baltimore Banner, “Filing for evictions is cheap and easy in Maryland. Tenants suffer.”

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A group of friends with intellectual disabilities living a vibrant and happy life.

Maryland Kids in Distress

Posted on September 1, 2022
A group of friends with intellectual disabilities living a vibrant and happy life.
A group of friends with intellectual disabilities living a vibrant and happy life.

A recent in-depth article in the Baltimore Banner documents how children and young adults with behavioral health challenges are being housed long-term in hospital emergency rooms. Hundreds of individuals with complex needs are spending months if not years in health care facilities ill-equipped to serve them due to the severe shortage of appropriate placements. Part of the problem is that the state agencies involved are “not talking to each other in the way that they need to,” says DRM attorney Leslie Margolis. “These are systemic issues and they can’t be solved child by child by child.” DRM will continue to advocate on behalf of these individuals to address this growing problem and ensure that these individuals receive the appropriate services and supports to live productive lives in their own communities.

Read the article.

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COVID Vaccine Access Resources

Posted on August 22, 2022

COVID Vaccine Access Resources

Disability Rights MD can help you if you…

  • Have experienced disability discrimination or violation of your rights related to COVID
  • Found inaccessible information from another agency
  • Are unsure how to access a vaccine
  • Have questions about your legal rights related to the pandemic
  • If you want to reach out to us, we can be reached at:
    • Phone: 410-727-6352 ext.0
    • Toll free: 1-800-233-7201
    • TTY: 410-235-5387
    • Fax: 410-727-6389

You have a right to a reasonable accommodation during the vaccination process.

Resources to help prepare for your vaccine appointment.

Still deciding about the shot?

How to Access At-Home Covid Tests

More Resources

Last Updated: August 26, 2022

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African-American family consisting of father, mother, and adolescent daughter. Mother has cerebral-palsy.

You Can Make a Difference

Posted on August 2, 2022
African-American family consisting of father, mother, and adolescent daughter. Mother has cerebral-palsy.

DRM applauds the more than 60 attorneys who participate in our Pro Bono Program. By donating their services these attorneys, in partnership with DRM, make life changing differences in the lives of Marylanders with disabilities. To learn more about our Pro Bono Program visit our web site.

You can also partner with DRM to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities with a donation which makes it possible for us to provide more services around our state. Donate today.

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Red, white, and blue graphic that says, A D A 32. 1990 to 2022. Americans with Disabilities Act. Celebrate the ADA. July 26, 2022.

DRM Celebrates #ADA32

Posted on July 26, 2022
Red, white, and blue graphic that says, A D A 32. 1990 to 2022. Americans with Disabilities Act. Celebrate the ADA. July 26, 2022.
Today we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On this historic day, DRM honors thousands of individuals and their families who refused to accept major barriers that prevented individuals with disabilities of all ages, races and backgrounds from participating in community life. Their determined efforts combined with the staunch, persistent support of legislators and numerous other allies made this landmark legislation possible.

Learn about the history of the disability rights movement from internationally renowned disability rights activist Judy Heumann.

Image Credit: ADA National Network (adata.org) 1-800-949-4232.

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About DRM

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization advocating to improve the lives of Marylanders with disabilities. Combined Federal Campaign #76352; United Way/Maryland Charities Campaign #5178.

The information on this website is not offered as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional legal advice. No information on this website creates an attorney-client relationship with you.

Contact

Phone: 410-727-6352
Toll Free: 1-800-233-7201
TTY: 410-235-5387
Fax: 410-727-6389

Mail: Disability Rights Maryland
1500 Union Ave, Ste. 2000
Baltimore, MD 21211
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