Developmental Disability Advocacy

The Developmental Disability Advocacy Program at Disability Rights Maine works to center the voice, choice, and independence of people with developmental disabilities and autism across Maine.

This is DRM’s longest running program and was the first program authorized by the federal government as a response to widespread abuse and neglect exposed in the 1970s.

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The band Blue Room Frankenstein performing at Disability Pride 2023.

Systemic Initiatives

Press Release: Disability Rights Maine Releases Report on the State of Guardianship in Maine

CONTACT: Julia Endicott 978-877-3871 jendicott@drme.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 16, 2024 Disability Rights Maine Releases Report on the State of Guardianship in Maine Augusta – Today, Disability Rights Maine released a report, Overprotected and...

Unlock the Power of Person-Centered Planning

Are you a provider agency looking for training? Join DRM to unlock the power of person-centered planning. Empower your clients with this dynamic, one-hour training, led by a passionate self-advocate who's been there! The self-advocate, who recently completed an...

Survey on Services for Autism in Maine

On behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine is conducting a survey of people with autism spectrum disorder and their families to find out how you feel about the services you receive in Maine’s...

PRESS RELEASE: Maine Supreme Court Reverses Parental Rights Termination, Faults State for Violating Disability Rights

MEDIA CONTACTS: Julia Endicott Communications Director, Disability Rights Maine jendicott@drme.org | 800-452-1948, ext. 212 Samuel Crankshaw Communications Director, ACLU of Maine SCrankshaw@ACLUMaine.org | 859-595-8158 (call/text) Maine’s highest court reversed a...

DRM Recognized for Work to End Sexual Violence

Disability Rights Maine was recently honored by the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) for our work to address sexual violence for people with disabilities. We are humbled and honored to receive...

SAAM 2023: Emphasis on Survivors with Disabilities

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and this year the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has made the theme of this year’s SAAM Drawing Connection: Prevention Demands Equity. As the State of Maine’s Protection & Advocacy organization...

New and Innovative Employment Options Called for in 2022

In the wake of the series of massive and ubiquitous changes which the global COVID-19 pandemic has wrought to nearly every area of life, an opportunity for people with disabilities to enforce their right to work has emerged. The United States is facing an historic...

“I Don’t Wanna Be So D**n Protected”

Mikala Bolmer, DRM Intern, Student at University of Maine School of Law Britney Spears’ high-profile, protracted, legal battle contesting her conservatorship (known as guardianship in Maine) sheds light on the role of conservatorship/guardianship as an excessive...

Twenty Five Years After Pineland’s Closure: Striving Towards a Restraint-Free Future for All Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Maine

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the closing of Pineland Center. Since the Maine Legislature appropriated funds for the earliest iteration of the institution, the purpose, effect, and philosophy of Pineland changed in response to societal whims and social...

Protecting the Rights of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced all of us to adjust to a “new normal” as we go about our lives. As infection rates begin to decline in harder-hit areas, signs of recovery are emerging. Restaurants, stores and public areas are slowly reopening. Throughout the...

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