Helpful Links and Resources

Maryland Board of Nursing

Service Coordination, Inc.

ADVOCACY

• The Center for Self-Determination –  A clearinghouse, training and technical assistance source on Self-Determination in the United States and other countries. The Center is devoted to working within the public and private sector to move power and authority over resources directly to individuals with disabilities, families and allies.
• Freedom Clearinghouse — Working to help people move from institutions into the community.
• Inclusion Daily Express — Daily review of disability rights and the movement toward full community inclusion and self-determination.
• National Council on Independent Living - NCIL advances independent living and the rights of people with disabilities through consumer-driven advocacy.
• Partners in Making Your Case — A self-study course designed to help people with developmental disabilities and their families create positive change through advocacy.
• The Riot! – An e-newsletter for self-advocates. The focus is to help people live the life they want with the support they need.  It also covers life topics, such as dating, health and everyday fun.

EDUCATION

• From Emotions to Advocacy — Helps parents advocate for their children with disabilities. Includes articles, checklists, and resources.
• Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Center — PACER's mission is to improve and expand opportunities that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with all disabilities and their families.
• U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education — Education resources, research, statistics, publications, and more.

EMPLOYMENT

• Division of Rehabilitation Services - Supports the employment and economic independence of people with disabilities.
• Job Accommodation Network — Free consulting service that provides information about job accommodations, ADA, and the employability of people with disabilities.
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)  — An agency within the US Department of Labor, ODEP provides national leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate barriers to employment.
• Training and Technical Assistance for Providers — Assisting community-based service providers to develop their programs from segregated work and non-work options to competitive employment opportunities.
• WorkSupport.com — Information, research, and resources about work and disability issues.

FAMILY

• Family NET Works — Offers opportunities for Maryland families to interact with each other, posing questions and offering advice. Information on family support services, general family interest topics, disability and generic resources, and links to other sites.
• The Parents' Place of Maryland — This organization's purpose is to serve the parents of children with disabilities throughout Maryland. Publications, resources, and workshops are available.
• Planned Parenthood of New England – Relationship, sexuality & decision-making education for adults with developmental disabilities. This curriculum, the first of its kind in the country, is designed for self-advocates and staff to teach a sexuality education series together as a team.
• Sexuality Education of Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities — Policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

FUTURES/FINANCIAL PLANNING

• Easter Seals – Features “With Open Arms: Embracing a Bright Financial Future _for You and Your Child”- A New Financial Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities and Other Special Needs.
• The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council — Advocates for public policy and supportive practices and opportunities that promote the full inclusion of all people with developmental disabilities in community life. The site includes the “Planning Now” guidebook about Futures and Estate Planning.
• GovBenefits — A federal site that helps determine what government benefits you or your family member are eligible to receive.
• Social Security Administration Information — Articles, publications, forms, and other information regarding disability benefits.

HOUSING

• The National Home of Your Own Alliance — Creating housing and support opportunities that people choose and control.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Homes and Communities — Offers a variety of information about housing and also has a section specific to people with disabilities.

MENTAL HEATH

• Mental Health Association of Maryland - Promotes understanding about mental illness; Advocates for individuals with mental illness.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness - Support programs, and advocacy, for individuals with mental illness. 
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Resources (programs, policies, and information) for individuals with mental illness and substance abuse and dependence. 
• Prince George's County Mental Health and Disabilities Division - Information about services for individuals with mental illness in Prince George's County, Maryland. 

LOCAL & NATIONAL 

• American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD, formerly AAMR) - AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization of professionals (and others) concerned about intellectual and related disabilities.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Technical Assistance Program — Provides information, training, and technical assistance.
• The Arc of the United States — Resources and information from the national headquarters. News from Capitol Hill, links to state and local chapters across the country, a discussion board, and more.
• Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities — A coalition of national disabilities organizations working together to advocate for national public policy about issues for people with disabilities.
• Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)  — Provides information on provider agencies, resource coordination, how to apply for services, and other useful information for Maryland residents.
• The Disability History Museum — Promotes understanding about the historical experience of people with disabilities by recovering, chronicling, and interpreting their stories.
• Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) — HSRI works to develop support systems for children, adults, and families, and enhances the participation of individuals and their families to shape policy and service practices.
• National Council on Disability — An independent federal agency that makes recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting Americans with disabilities.
• State of the States in Developmental Disabilities — Updated guide by David Braddock, including charts, tables, profile revenue, and trends for long term services and supports.