Resources for Individuals With Disabilities

Office of Special Education supports the schools in providing a quality and individualized education for all eligible students (birth through age 21) requiring special education services. This support will develop the content knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable students with disabilities to reach their maximum potential as responsible, productive citizens and life-long learners.

Students with intellectual disabilities may be able to get certain types of Federal Student Aid.

The Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services provides leadership, support and accountability for results to local school systems, public agencies and stakeholders through a seamless, comprehensive system of coordinated services to children and students with disabilities, birth through 21 and their families.

A nonprofit with the sole purpose of enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities. Serving the parents of children with disabilities throughout Maryland, regardless of the nature of their child's disability or the age of their child.

This council advocates on behalf of children with exceptionalities, examines policy issues and influences local, state, provincial and federal legislation. It also monitors and makes recommendations for program regulations and funding.

A unique career and leadership program for high school students with disabilities who are in their final two years of high school. The weeklong residential program is typically held on a college campus, giving students a taste of dorm life while offering opportunities for them to increase their independence. Students meet and develop friendships with other students from across the state while cultivating their leadership skills and gaining valuable career information and guidance.

Open to renters and homeowners when a member of the household has a disability and the household income is at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income.

• HAMP Brochure
• HAMP Homeowner Application
• HAMP Renter Application

Only available to renters who are receiving a Housing Choice Voucher (governmental rental assistance).

• CHAMP Brochure
• CHAMP Renter Application (Voucher Holders Only)

This loan program is only open to homeowners and can provide low-cost or no-cost loans to support modifications to a single-family home that enhances accessibility for a family member residing in the home.

A project created to promote accessibility related improvements to the homes of seniors. It is run by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), in partnership with the Maryland Department of Aging (MDoA). These improvements may include, among others, the installation of grab bars and railings, widening of doorways and installation of ramps. Home improvements such as these represent for many older people the key to remaining in their home and maintaining their independence.

An international network whose goal is making all new homes visitable, not just “special” homes. Being at the party, the meeting, the family reunion, not isolated. Our method is policy, because the market alone is not enough to address the segregation, public health problems and fiscal waste of continuing to build houses with no access.

This center provides legal advocacy for the civil rights and human dignity of people with mental disability.

A special product designed to assist Maryland homebuyers with disabilities to finance their home purchase. Offered through the Maryland DHCD and is available statewide.

Rental Housing Locator allows people to locate available housing that best fits their individual and family needs.

A membership organization that advances the independent living philosophy and advocates for the human rights of, and services for, people with disabilities to further their full integration and participation in society. The local affiliate of NCIL is the IMAGE Center of Maryland.

Openings for new full-time and non-merit jobs with Baltimore County Government are available online.

The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) offers programs and services that help people with disabilities go to work or stay independent in their homes and communities. DORS is an agency of the Maryland State Department of Education composed of the public vocational rehabilitation (VR) program and the Disability Determination Services. The Maryland Workforce Exchange, run by the State's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation provides job search resources.

A statewide membership association that expands employment and business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

This program was created to provide Social Security disability beneficiaries the choices, opportunities and support needed to become and stay employed, increase their earnings and eventually leave and remain off benefits by being fully self-supportive.

JAN is a free consulting service that provides information about job accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the employability of people with disabilities.

Americans with Disabilities and Senior Citizens provides information about transportation programs and services that support public or private transportation opportunities for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens. Included are links to accessible gas pumps, welcome centers with TTY travel information, and more.

Mobility Paratransit Program is a service for citizens who are unable to use regular bus, Metro subway or light rail service. Paratransit service is provided by the MTA's Mobility Department and Yellow Van Service, Inc. Yellow is a private company that operates under a contractual agreement with MTA. Should you have questions about the program please call 410-727-3535 or TTY 410-333-3624 for those with hearing or speech impairments. More accessible transit information is available by calling 877-331-TRIP (8747).

A specialized transportation program providing service to Baltimore County residents 60 years of age and over, disabled residents aged 18 to 59 and those living in the rural area. Destinations include medical appointments, shopping and other general-purpose trips. CountyRide's vans have easy, low-step entrances and all can accommodate wheelchairs. Escorts may accompany riders needing special assistance at no additional cost. Additional information may be obtained by calling 410-887-2080 or sending an email to countyride@baltimorecountymd.gov.

BMC is an organization of the elected executives of Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties. The executives are committed to identifying regional interests and developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs which will improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the region.

Baltimore County Family Navigator offers support and guidance while helping families identify their strengths and challenges, find resources and develop a plan of action. This free service is available to Baltimore County families who have a child with intensive needs related to mental or behavioral health, or a developmental disability.

The Governor's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) was established in 2001 to provide expertise related to deaf and hard of hearing issues to Maryland citizens and facilitate their ability to access resources and services.

The Maryland Community Services Locator (MDCSL), sponsored by the University of Maryland, College Park, invites you to find approximately 9,000 health, social service and criminal justice resource programs in Maryland using their tool. MDCSL can provide you with service information, maps and driving directions to programs.

Maryland Relay helps people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled easily communicate through TTY (text telephone) with anyone using a standard telephone. Access Maryland Relay by dialing 711.

Maryland Transitioning Youth provides information and resources for transition planning, post-secondary education, employment services, health care, transportation and much more.

Maryland Access Point (MAP) is a “gateway” for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It is a statewide resource for information and assistance about long-term services and supports to allow individuals to remain at home and plan for future needs. State partners include the Maryland Departments of Aging, Disabilities, and Health and Mental Hygiene, as well as the regional Centers for Independent Living. MAP is part of the national Aging and Disability Resource Center initiative that provides a visible and trusted place to access information and assistance. The MAP of Baltimore County is found in the Department of Aging. Call MAP of Baltimore County at 410-887-2594 or send an email to aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.