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Maryland Resources

AT: LAST, Inc
Assistive Technology: Loans, Acquisitions, Services, and Training, Inc. (AT:LAST, Inc.) is a non-profit organization endeavoring to eliminate barriers to the acquisition and effective use of assistive technology (AT) products and services.

The Assistive Technology Loan Program and the Telework Loan Program. These programs from the Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MD TAP) provide low-interest loans to pay for:

  • Motor vehicles and vehicle modifications
  • Computers, adaptive peripherals and software
  • Building modifications for accessibility
  • Wheelchairs and scooters
  • Hearing and vision aids
  • Braille equipment and scanners
  • Environmental control units
  • Hospital beds
  • And more
You don’t have to use work incentives to qualify for a loan, but they may help you afford the monthly payments. Not everybody qualifies for a loan, but most applicants are approved, including those who have had credit problems, have no credit or limited incomes. For more information, contact the Loan Programs at 1-800-832-4827 or loans@mdtap.org, or visit the MD TAP website.

DBTAC: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
Provides training, information, and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to businesses, consumers, schools, and government agencies within the Mid-Atlantic Region (PA, DE, MD, VA, WV, and DC).

Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD)
Oversees the reform of government delivery of supports to people with disabilities in Maryland through collaboration with all state government agencies.

  • Guiding Principles
    • Individuals with disabilities can live independent, productive, and full lives in their communities when provided with the right supports, training, and opportunities.
    • Supports and services intended for Marylanders with disabilities are best delivered in communities where people live, work, play, go to school, and prosper.
    • Collaboration between consumer organizations comprised of individuals with disabilities and program providers/administrators drives quality and program performance.
    • Individuals with disabilities are best served when they can meaningfully exercise informed choice throughout every level of the service delivery process.
    • Incrementalism is the enemy to innovation.
    • Mission is realized through the alignment of procedures with processes.
    • Less process burden and greater administration flexibility lead to greater program effectiveness and efficiency.
    • Program performance dramatically improves through increased coordination, reduced duplication, and adherence to user-friendly processes.
    • Progress results from the application of consistent strategies and measured performance.
  • Publications:
    • Emergency & Disaster Preparedness For Individuals With Disabilities (pdf) - this brochure gives an overview of how individuals with disabilities can prepare for emergencies and disasters.
    • Monthly Update - MDOD publishes a monthly update that includes news and events that occuring around the state. To view this publication, visit MDOD's website.
    • 2007 State Plan - MDOD pledges to work collaboratively with all units of State government to refine steps necessary to bring services to people with disabilities that are meaningful, accessible, and consistent with the principles of consumer empowerment.

Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC)
MDLC is a private, non-profit organization staffed by attorneys and paralegals. Their mission is to ensure that people with disabilities are accorded the full rights and entitlements afforded to them by state and federal law. Services offered are:

  • Information and Referrals to callers about many different legal topics.
  • Technical Assistance to other attorneys who help persons with disabilities.
  • Investigations of complaints that persons with disabilities are abused, neglected, or mistreated.
  • Case Advocacy for persons with disabilities to obtain certain services.
  • Legal Representation.
  • Public Education and Training.

Maryland State Department of Education
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
DORS helps Maryland citizens with disabilities go to work or stay independent in their homes and communities.

Services offered include the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, the Workforce and Technology Center, and Disability Determination Services.

View a Powerpoint presentation that provides an overview of DORS services.

Maryland Workforce Exchange
Now open to the public, the Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) enables existing and future customers to conduct MWE employment searches from any location that has an Internet connection (i.e. home, library, school, etc.).

RISE Program
The RISE program is an initative of the Maryland State Department of Education's Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). It's mission is to present self-employment as a vocational option to individuals with significant disabilities who are eligible to receive DORS services.

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program

The Social Security Administration (SSA) awarded 99 cooperative agreements to a variety of community organizations. These WIPA projects provide all SSA beneficiaries with disabilities (including transition-to-work aged youth) access to benefits planning and assistance services.

 Benefits InfoSource, the WIPA project within Independence Now, Inc, services the entire State of Maryland. For more information or to speak with a Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC), please call 301-587-4137 or 888-838-1776 or visit the Independence Now website.

 
 

 
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