Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition Secures Legislative Victories for Marylanders with Disabilities
The Maryland state legislative session for 2025 was an especially successful one for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition, a group of community organizations that advocates for policies aiding Maryland residents with disabilities. In addition to several inclusive laws being passed, the coalition’s efforts to work with the local government have led to an allocation of more than $1 billion to support helpful resources for people with disabilities.
Some of the bills passed during the legislative session, which ended on April 8, were ones that the coalition has championed. These include “Right to Repair – Powered Wheelchairs,” which requires wheelchair manufacturers to make certain parts readily available to wheelchair users so they can perform their own repairs, and “Ace’s Law – Student Elopement Reporting,” which requires schools to notify parents when a child with disabilities attempts to leave school.
“This was a difficult session, but a transformative one for Marylanders with disabilities,” says Laura Howell, chief executive officer of the Maryland Association of Community Services, in a news release. “We want to thank the budget leaders, the governor’s team and the Maryland General Assembly for working with us to support the needs of the more than 18,000 Marylanders who live with disabilities.”
The budget secured during this session will support causes like the End the Wait Act, which will see a reduced wait time for people to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, as well as support for people who rely on caregivers with dedicated working hours.
“This year’s successes mark a turning point for disability services and rights in Maryland,” says Ande Kolp, executive director of The Arc Maryland, in the release. “The DD Coalition remains committed to building a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future where all people with developmental disabilities can live with dignity, independence and full community participation.”
Frederick Independent School Alliance Launches for Private, Charter Schools
Three Frederick County independent schools—Friends Meeting School, The Banner School and Lucy School—have joined forces to launch the Frederick Independent School Alliance (FISA). This organization aims to connect schools that operate outside of the Frederick County Public Schools system, encouraging collaborative work between teachers and administration from different schools.
FISA held its first event April 28, an independent schools admissions fair at the C. Burr Artz Library in Frederick. The fair was meant to inform local families about independent school offerings, including college preparatory schools, democratic schools and religious schools. It included the three FISA schools, as well as St. John’s Catholic Prep, New Life Christian School and Barnesville School of Arts and Sciences.
“We believe that by working together, we can enrich the educational experiences of students in Frederick and make it easier for families to explore their options within the independent school community,” says Dan Buck, Head of School at Lucy School, in a news release. “We’re excited to continue working together for the benefit of our students, families and community.”
Caregiver Wellness Inn Seeks Funding, Local Leadership
A Mother’s Rest (AMR), a network of retreats and inns across the country offering low-cost retreats to parents of children with disabilities, is seeking help. After seven years of retreats held in the historic Terrace Guest House in New Market, “the nation’s first year-round caregiver wellness inn,” the nonprofit has put out a request for monthly donors and room sponsors.
The nonprofit was founded to provide rest and relaxation for parents of “extra needs” families, as well as foster and adoptive parents, special educators and spouses of people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. These three-night getaways give parents and caregivers the opportunity to unwind and decompress when they may not be able to during their daily lives.
However, this mission is an expensive one, with a total cost of $120,000 per year. AMR has only been approved for a few grants during its operating period, leaving it largely reliant on donations from community members.
“Caregivers give so much of themselves to ensure their loved ones’ needs are met,” says Andrea Roberts, executive director of A Mother’s Rest, in a news release. “Yet, the emotional and physical toll of caregiving can lead to burnout, depression and even physical health issues.”
To continue providing caregivers needed respite and help AMR expand reach to meet growing demand, learn more at amothersrest.org/marylandrespiteinn.
