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DRM assists students with all types of disabilities from birth – age 21 in K-12 special education matters, with an emphasis on placement in the least restrictive environment; appropriate assessments, educational and behavioral plans, services and supports; access to the school curriculum and high school diplomas; inclusion in school-based and out of school activities; and student discipline matters, including inappropriate school exclusion, restraint, seclusion, and the use of school police and arrests. DRM also advocates for appropriate educational programming and related services for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. We provide information, advice, training, and selected individual and class representation for issues of systemic significance.

View publications and resources regarding Special Education

DRM provides information, advice, training, and limited legal assistance on matters related to eligibility and rider rights to individuals with disabilities who need access to Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) Mobility paratransit services because they cannot use the bus, light rail or subway system. We are also involved in a lawsuit challenging certification and other MTA practices, with the goal of obtaining improvements for riders.

DRM provides education and technical assistance in public policy matters affecting people with disabilities. DRM engages in a limited amount of policy advocacy within the legal restrictions established for nonprofit organizations.

2017 General Assembly Session

• 2017 Legislative Report (PDF)

2016 General Assembly Session

• 2016 Legislative Report (PDF)

DRM provides voter information, registration and advocacy to remove barriers, ensure accessibility, and promote full participation of people with disabilities in the electoral process. We provide information and resources to make the electoral process simple and accessible for all voters. 

VOTER BILL OF RIGHTS

(PDF available)

As a Maryland Voter, you have the right to:

1. Vote in an accessible polling place.  Call your local board of elections or check on-line at http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/accessibility.html to find out if your polling site is accessible to you.  The on-line polling site locator will also confirm that you are registered.  To request an accessible polling site contact your local board of elections by close of voter registration.

2. Vote at an early voting center in the county where you live.  To find an early voting center near you, go to:  http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/early_voting.html

3. Vote by Absentee Ballot.  Any registered voter may request to vote by Absentee Ballot.  To get an application and to check deadlines, go to: http://www.elections.state.md.us/voting/absentee.html

4. Cast a private and independent ballot.

5. Receive voting assistance if needed. You may ask an election judge for help, or bring any other person to help you except your employer or union official.

6. Mark a ballot on an accessible voting machine. You may select a large print or high contrast ballot. You may also request an audio ballot, which requires use of headphones and a keypad. The angle of the voting machines can also be adjusted for better access. More information on Maryland’s Accessible Machines.

7. Cast a ballot as long as you are in line when the polls close.

8. Vote a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the voter registration list or there is a question about your eligibility to vote.

9. Bring identification with you to your polling location.  Federal law requires that if you registered to vote by mail you must provide identification before voting for the first time in Maryland.

VOTER HOTLINE

To report voting concerns that may be related to a disability (such as access to a polling place, voter assistance, or problems using a voting machine) please contact:

Disability Rights Maryland Voter Hotline
by phone: 443-692-2492; 800-233-7201 ext. 2492; TTY 410-235-5387
or by email: Voting@DisabilityRightsMD.org

More information about DRM’s Voter Hotline

REV UP MD VOTER TOOLKIT

The Maryland Rev Up Toolkit includes information and resources to help people with disabilities and supporters register and vote.

REV UP Maryland Toolkit – 2018

For more information about REV UP 2018 go to: www.aapd.com/REVUP