DRM’s latest advocacy video highlights a critically important topic: Guardianship Reform Thanks to DRM’s self-advocate partners and our partners at Speaking Up For Us for helping to put this video together.
Video Production: Catama Productions
ASL Version:
CONTACT: Julia Endicott
978-877-3871
jendicott@drme.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2025
Disability Rights Maine Releases 2024 Election Report
Augusta – Today, Disability Rights Maine released a report, which provides an overview of the agency’s efforts in 2024 to ensure disabled voters have equal access to vote.
In the leadup to the General Election, DRM engaged in an extensive outreach and training campaign to raise awareness about voting rights among disabled voters and election officials. On Election Day, DRM staff visited 210 polling places in all 16 Maine counties to conduct accessibility reviews. DRM found that while serious violations, like a lack of accessible entrance, were rare, 81% of polling places had one or more probable violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. When serious issues were reported, either through observation or reports to DRM’s voting access hotline, the majority were quickly resolved.
“We are pleased with the significant improvements made between 2023 and 2024 to improve access to the polls. DRM is grateful for our continued close collaboration with the Maine Department of the Secretary of State, which has been critical to making these advancements possible,” stated Kim Moody, Executive Director.
The report concludes that access to the Accessible Voting System and ADA compliance at municipal owned buildings like Community Centers and Town/City Halls remain statewide problems and will be the focus of continued advocacy in advance of the next election.
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Disability Rights Maine is Maine’s Protection & Advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance justice and equality by enforcing rights and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities in Maine.
Apply to join the MaineCare Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) to share your feedback and discuss your experience with MaineCare. You’ll be paid for your time!
The MaineCare Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) is a council of current or former MaineCare members, family members of a MaineCare member and paid or unpaid family caregivers of a MaineCare member, who will offer diverse perspective and insight to the MaineCare program through their experience. The council’s recommendations will support policy and program changes. When choosing members, preference will go to individuals who do not already participate in another MaineCare advisory group, worked in government, and do not represent an advocacy group – either paid or unpaid.
To apply, download the application or apply online.
For more information, contact:
Rachel Collamore at Consumers for Affordable Health Care
Phone: 207-480-2140
E-mail: education@mainecahc.org
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The Office of Aging and Disability Services will be offering FREE business classes over Zoom for individuals who are interested in launching their own small business. The business class series is being offered as part of the Self-Employment for ME Pilot Project and in partnership with New Ventures Maine.
The next business class series begins April 16th, 2025, and will end June 18th, 2025.
Learn more and download the application today!
DRM’s latest advocacy video highlights a critically important topic: the Social Security marriage penalty. Thanks to DRM’s self-advocate partners and our partners at Speaking Up For Us for helping to put this video together.
Video Production: Catama Productions
ASL Version: