DRM provides information, advice, training and legal representation to help individuals with disabilities access and remain in public or subsidized housing, and obtain reasonable accommodations or modifications to allow them to live meaningful, integrated lives in their communities. DRM’s current focus is on Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Prince George’s County; we accept a limited number of cases outside these areas that present important systemic issues affecting large numbers of people with disabilities. DRM also works on various systemic policy issues that improve housing opportunities for Marylanders with disabilities.
Voting
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
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
Medicaid
DRM’s Helping Obtain Medicaid Essential Services (HOMES) program assists recipients of Medical Assistance who are denied health care services they need to live healthy, safe lives in the community (including nursing and personal care, assistive technology, durable medical equipment, communication devices, mental health services) or those working on their behalf, DRM provides information; advice; training; and in limited cases that raise systemic issues, full legal representation.
View documents and resources regarding Medicaid services for CHILDREN
View documents and resources regarding Medicaid services for ADULTS
Developmental Disabilities
DRM advises and represents individuals, and advocates for better policies for people with developmental disabilities. Individual cases prioritize leaving or avoiding institutions, eligibility for services, and serious rights violations. Policy issues address improving the quality of and access to home and community-based services.
View documents and resources regarding developmental disabilities.
Help DDA Become More User Friendly! DRM calls on you to help Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) with its Transformation of services and processes. DDA has listened to the public and is making many changes. Your opinions about these changes will matter, so DDA needs to hear from you. You can learn more about the proposed changes and offer your opinions by participating in webinars and responding to surveys. This document provides more information about DDA Webinars and Information Sessions: DDA Webinars
For a wealth of other resources for people with developmental disabilities and those who support them, see The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council website at: www.MD-Council.org/resources
Community Integration
DRM assists individuals who are eligible for Medical Assistance, reside in nursing facilities, and wish to obtain the services they need to live healthy, safe, active lives in the community (including nursing and personal care, behavioral and personal supports) or those working on their behalf, by providing information; advice; training; and in limited cases that raise systemic issues, full legal representation.
