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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.

DRM is excited to announce that Jacqueline Phillips, Office Assistant, is the recipient of a “Service with Distinction” award from Maryland Nonprofits!  The award recognizes frontline, essential nonprofit employees who serve with significant commitment, integrity, compassion and caring, and with outstanding support towards their organization’s mission.  Jackie will be honored during Maryland Nonprofits’ 30th Anniversary event on July 28, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, MD.  

Jackie has been with DRM for 23 years.  She has welcomed and assisted thousands of visitors and callers providing a personalized experience for each individual based on their needs. She is always ready to lend a helping hand. Jackie shows exceptional kindness, vibrant energy, positivity and attention to detail in all she does. We are very fortunate to have her as part of the DRM team.  

Congratulations to Jackie on this wonderful achievement!

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) Attorney Megan Rusciano received The Arc Maryland’s 2022 Outstanding Advocate of the Year award. The award honors individuals whose advocacy leadership on behalf of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families led to increased rights for persons with IDD to live inclusive lives.

Megan was recognized at The Arc’s annual May 2022 Awards Ceremony for her tireless efforts in founding and leading a broad statewide Coalition of stakeholders to establish Supported Decision Making (SDM) as an alternative to guardianship in Maryland. Megan’s unwavering commitment to self-determination and alternatives to guardianship led to every member of the Coalition, including people with disabilities, state agencies, attorneys, and families, supporting SDM legislation. The legislation successfully passed the first year it was introduced.

Megan expressed her gratitude for receiving this honor “It truly took a village to get us here—and it wouldn’t have been remotely possible without the work and dedication of our bill sponsors, Supported Decision-Making Coalition, the DD Coalition, my boss and colleagues at DRM who supported and made space for this work, and most importantly people with disabilities and those who amplify their voices. People who reminded me and all of us—it doesn’t matter how you communicate, how you use your voice—it must be heard.”

Disability Rights Maryland applauds Megan for her leadership skills and countless hours devoted to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

More information about Supported Decision Making is available here (Alternatives to Guardianship Part 8: Supported Decision-Making | Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov))