Special Section
Inclusive Resources: A Guide for Adults with Disabilities
Sometimes, finding the right option for care, employment assistance, or peer support can be challenging. Baltimore is home to a vast network of organizations committed to helping people with disabilities discover all these things and more.
By Molly Williams — January 2023
Living with a disability can present unique challenges, especially when paired with adulthood obligations. When seeking resources for specific aspects of life, knowing where to look can be difficult. Whether you’re seeking around-the-clock care, a sense of independence, or anything in-between, there are myriad organizations in the Baltimore area dedicated to helping adults with disabilities reach their goals and meet their needs.
The purpose, according to Breanna Durst, communications manager for The League for People with Disabilities, is simple: “It’s people getting the most out of their lives,” she says. “It’s people getting quality experiences and support that really helps them with creativity and behaviors and professional goals, personal successes; it’s whatever they want to do. We’re here to help them.”
Durst explains that, through programs ranging from volunteerism to vocational training, The League for People with Disabilities sees its goal of helping people live full lives come to fruition on a daily basis. “We have an individual … a blind male who is early 30s, and he’s been working with Blind Industries and Services of Maryland for about 12 years now. And through that program, he is experiencing financial independence,” says Durst. “He loves going to baseball games and football games … he’s just living his life. There’s nothing that can stop this individual.”
Many organizations that help people with disabilities connect with others and enhance their lives are located in the Baltimore area, so if community involvement is something you or someone you love or care for is interested in, these programs are a good place to start.
Community involvement doesn’t just come in the form of day programs or vocational skills training. Organizations like Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake offer opportunities for people with disabilities to form bonds through individualized support groups. Additionally, they host fun events so that people can learn more about one another, in hopes of gaining valuable advice about how to cope with mutual struggles. It all depends on the type of support you’re seeking.
Taya Johnson, a board member at Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake, says connections between people through activities, socializing, and support groups are a way to help people feel “fully appreciated and accepted for the person that they are.”
The state of Maryland also offers multiple federally funded tools to help adults with disabilities with aspects of life like becoming and staying employed or financing a home. (More information on these programs follows in the guide.) These initiatives are in place to help mitigate the financial barriers that people with disabilities might face. There are also organizations in Baltimore that aim to help those with disabilities gain professional and financial skills and knowledge in order to reach their goals, whatever they may be.
The resources in Baltimore do not end here but also include local assets that people with disabilities can utilize. There are collegiate programs, like Community College of Baltimore County’s (CCBC) CASE Program, which offers college classes tailored to a wide range of reading and math levels; career services through organizations like St. Peter’s Adult Learning Center; live-in care facilities like Easter Seals; and resources to assist with anything from legal advice to medical care.
“Talk to everyone you encounter,” Johnson encourages, when she speaks to people with disabilities and those who care for them. “If you extend yourself just a little bit, to be vulnerable and open and communicative, the opportunities that will help ground you in the community are usually within your reach.”
Looking for resources for yourself or your loved one? Here are 16 organizations in the area that provide diverse experiences and assistance to adults with disabilities:
THE ARC BALTIMORE
With a legacy of service since 1949, The Arc Baltimore offers a wide array of resources for those with disabilities, ranging from day programs to community living, to employment services and more.
410-296-2272, thearcbaltimore.org
AUTISM SOCIETY OF BALTIMORE CHESAPEAKE ASBC
This organization offers experiences that are heavily focused on building community among those with autism, as well as among parents and caregivers. They offer a monthly support group specifically aimed at adults with autism that gives people a space to talk with others who understand them and work through issues that they may be facing. Other support groups and activities are available for individuals and their family members/caregivers. ASBC also provides recommendations for other local resources if they think something might meet an individual’s needs.
410-655-7933, baltimoreautismsociety.org
CENTER FOR AUTISM AT SHEPPARD PRATT
Sheppard Pratt offers individualized care for people with autism through adulthood. Medication, therapy, job training, inpatient care, and housing are just a few of the resources available to those who choose to utilize this facility. This program does not take insurance; however, some costs might be paid back through certain mental health coverage plans.
410-983-5000, sheppardpratt.org
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF BALTIMORE COUNTY (CCBC) CASE PROGRAM
CCBC’s CASE Program offers coursework for people of all reading and math levels, as well as vocational programs for students with disabilities who want to learn skills for the workplace.
410-840-3262, ccbcmd.edu
DISABILITY RIGHTS MARYLAND
This nonprofit provides legal assistance to Marylanders with disabilities, free of charge. According to their mission statement, “DRM envisions a world where people with disabilities are fully included in the workplace, neighborhoods and all aspects of community life.”
410-727-6352, disabilityrightsmd.org
EASTER SEALS
Easter Seals Adult Day Services has two missions: offering individualized care for people with disabilities and giving respite for those who provide care. The facility hosts a variety of activities and services and their staff encourages self-expression, aiming to include specific interests in day-to-day programming. “If folks have a different interest than what’s on the program, they’re not limited to just doing what we have scheduled,” says Tangela Carthy, director of adult services at Easter Seals.
410-277-0940, easterseals.com
FIRST MARYLAND DISABILITY TRUST
Comprised of disability and elder law attorneys, this organization aims to help people with disabilities maintain access to benefits, both public and private, in order to make sure the individual’s needs are properly and consistently met.
410-296-4408, firstmdtrust.org
KENNEDY KRIEGER INSTITUTE
Internationally recognized for improving the lives of those with neurological, rehabilitative, or developmental needs, Kennedy Krieger offers many programs for adults, including adaptive sports and employment services.
443-923-9200, kennedykrieger.org
THE LEAGUE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Currently, this organization offers 12 programs and services to assist people with disabilities in their daily lives. There’s a medical day program specifically aimed at serving adults, as well as resources like vocational services and recreational opportunities for people of all developmental, cognitive, and physical levels.
410-323-0500, leagueforpeople.org
L.I.F.E. INC.
L.I.F.E. stands for Living in a Free Environment, and their mission is helping people with disabilities do just that. Their adult medical day program provides access to medical care, activities, meals, and more. Transportation is available for participants within a certain radius. L.I.F.E. also offers a community living program with care options that correspond to each person’s needs, from around-the-clock support to more independent living.
410-735-5433, lifeinc.org
MARYLAND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADMINISTRATION
The MDDA works to provide those with developmental disabilities with necessary services, with the goal of helping recipients enhance their lives and get involved in their communities. Applicants’ needs are met based on eligibility, and those whose requirements cannot be met immediately are currently being placed on a waiting list.
410-572-5920, health.maryland.gov
MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES
MDOD is focused on offering employment resources like housing, education, transportation, and disability benefits. Employers looking to hire people with disabilities can also turn here to learn more about disability law and accommodations, as well as how people with disabilities can positively impact the workplace.
410-767-3660, mdod.maryland.gov
MARYLAND DORS PROGRAM
Aimed at helping people with disabilities find jobs and stay employed, DORS is a federally funded, eligibility-based program that provides resources to help individuals reach that goal. “It’s statistically shown that most people have better physical and mental health when they’re gainfully employed,” says Kimberlee Schultz, director of public affairs for DORS.
410-554-9442, dors.maryland.gov
MARYLAND HOMEABILITY PROGRAM
HomeAbility helps people with disabilities finance their home purchase through assistance with loans, down payments, and closing costs. Information on the program’s eligibility requirements can be found online or by phone.
301-429-7852, mmp.maryland.gov
PATHFINDERS FOR AUTISM
Here, people with autism will find access to resources, information, activities, and more that they can utilize throughout their lifetime. For adults specifically, Pathfinders offers their own resources, as well as information about other valuable options, like medical care, support groups, and employment, with the goal of helping people with autism live the fullest lives possible.
443-330-5370, pathfindersforautism.org
ST. PETER’S ADULT LEARNING CENTER
St. Peter’s offers numerous programs that aim to help adults with disabilities become active members of society. Their day program offers volunteer opportunities, job readiness activities like resumé writing and computer skills training, visits to local parks and museums, and much more. There are also many resources for members who might be seeking employment.
410-685-7340, stpetersalc.org