Adults
The Maryland state government is divided into different offices, and each one has a special job to help people. Here are a few groups that can help you:
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MARYLAND STATE GOVERMENT
Maryland State Department of Education - Provides guidelines on school rules, rights, and learning objectives for every grade.
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MSDE Division of Special Education - Manages Maryland’s IEP standards, offering resources on student rights and special education best practices.
Family Support Services - Helps parents resolve school issues quickly and informally. They answer questions, explain programs, and connect families with the right staff to avoid legal disputes.
Publications - List of resources and documents for families of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
MD Developmental Disabilities Council -This group supports people with disabilities by changing policies, sharing information, and funding new projects.
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Current Projects - This is a list of the projects the Council is currently working on.
DD Day at the Legislature - Each year, the Council holds a day in Annapolis where families and people with disabilities meet with state leaders to share their stories.
Publications - Easy-to-read guides on saving money (ABLE accounts), building inclusive playgrounds, and planning for your family's future (guardianship and estate planning).
Maryland Waiver Programs - These programs provide special care so people can live at home instead of in a facility.
Autism Waiver - The Autism Waiver pays for healthcare of autistic children and youth. For eligible children, it funds healthcare costs.
Maryland Autism Waiver - This fact sheet provides information on the Waiver program, which is housed in the Maryland Department of Special Education.
Model Waiver - This program helps kids with high medical needs live at home. It is for people 21 or younger whose home care costs less than a nursing home or hospital.
Developmental Disabilities Administration Medicaid Waivers - The DDA offers three programs for people with disabilities. To join and stay in them, you must meet certain health and financial rules.
Maryland ABLE - An ABLE account lets you save money for disability expenses without losing your state or federal benefits.
MD ABLE User's Guide -This guide explains how Maryland ABLE accounts work. These accounts let you save money for disability costs without losing your government benefits, like SSI or Medicaid.
NON-GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
People On the Go Maryland (People On the Go) has support groups across Maryland and resources about independence for people with disabilities. They are a statewide self-advocacy group that is run for and by those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
Autism on the Go has virtual events for autistic people to connect with and learn from each other. They are connected with People on the Go.
AHN is a resource hub to find, create, and learn about accessible housing for autistic people. This is a project of the Madison House Autism Foundation.
The Maryland Autism Coalition has resources for the safety of autistic people.
Itineris offers behavioral services, day programs, employment support, and training and consulting on autism, neurodiversity, and related topics.
DRM provides free legal support for matters in their area of work. They focus on disability-related matters. They also review the law and help advocate for people with disabilities.
The Autism Society of Maryland supports individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and communities through programs, support groups, training resources, and advocacy.
Madison House Autism Foundation works to improve the health and wellbeing of adults on the spectrum throughout the lifespan and across the country. They focus on identifying housing resources.
Provides many different kinds of therapeutic and medical supports for autistic children and adults. This includes inpatient and day hospital programs, outpatient clinics, home and community services, education, and research.
