Disability Rights Maine Project Director Receives Statewide Recognition
Augusta – Disability Rights Maine is pleased to announce that Youth Self-Advocacy Project Director, Kate Turpen, will receive the Community Star Award, which will be awarded tomorrow, April 10th, at the 2025 Comprehensive Sexuality Education Conference.
This award recognizes a community member or educator who demonstrates their commitment to comprehensive, inclusive sexual health education and has made a significant contribution to the advancement of sexual health education among young people within their community.
“Kate’s approach is deeply rooted in respect, empathy, and an unyielding belief in the capabilities of the young people they serve. Their advocacy goes beyond education; they actively work to dismantle the stigma surrounding sexuality and disability, challenging misconceptions and fostering a culture of acceptance and self-determination,” said Executive Director Kim Moody.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by young disabled Mainers, Kate has worked tirelessly to ensure they receive the comprehensive sexual health education they deserve. They strive to ensure that young people have the tools to advocate for themselves in all aspects of their lives. Kate reinforces the fundamental truth that all young people, regardless of ability, deserve access to comprehensive, inclusive sexual health education and the skills to advocate for themselves.
“I am honored to receive this recognition and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with youth and educators statewide to challenge misunderstandings about sexuality and disability,” said Kate Turpen.
Kate Turpen comes to DRM from the public education world, having worked as a school counselor for several years. Kate holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Vermont. Educating youth about the intersection of identity and civil rights through high engagement, authentic connection, and active participation has been the highlight of their career.
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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.
If you receive Developmental Services funded or provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) — including services for people with intellectual disabilities or autism — you have the right to file a grievance when a decision or action by DHHS, or one of your providers, affects your services, supports, or rights.
A grievance is a formal complaint. It can be about:
A denial, reduction, or change in services or supports.
Concerns about the quality or safety of your services, home, or program.
A violation of your rights.
Situations where your concerns are not being addressed, even after talking to your case manager or provider.
The grievance process exists to make sure your voice is heard and that problems can be reviewed and resolved fairly.
Summary of the Developmental Services Grievance Process
You can also ask for a grievance verbally, and your case manager or provider must fill out the form for you.
Your case manager must work with you to try to solve the problem within 16 calendar days.
If the issue isn’t resolved, your case manager will send your grievance to a DHHS Program Administrator (Level II) and notify you. The case manager should also notify Disability Rights Maine that a grievance has been filed by sending a copy to DSgrievancecopy@drme.org.
Level II – DHHS Program Administrator (Informal)
A Program Administrator from DHHS reviews your grievance.
They can look at documents, talk to you, and talk to your representative to understand the problem.
They must work with you to try to solve the issue within 30 calendar days.
You’ll get a written decision explaining their findings and decision.
Level III – Formal Administrative Hearing
If you disagree with the Level II decision, you have 12 calendar days to request a Level III hearing.
You (or your representative) must send a written request to your case manager and the Program Administrator explaining why you disagree.
A hearing will be scheduled within 15 business days.
A Hearing Officer (an independent person) will listen to you, DHHS, and any witnesses to decide what should happen.
You can have a representative, advocate, or support person with you at the hearing.
Mediation
You can ask for mediation at any stage of the grievance process and the deadlines will be put on hold. Mediation is when you and the other side talk with a helper to solve a problem. If mediation doesn’t fix your problem, you can continue with your grievance.
Disability Rights Maine’s Role in the Grievance Process
State rules require that all Developmental Services grievances be copied to Disability Rights Maine (DRM).
When filing a grievance, you (or your case manager) should send a copy to DRM at: DSgrievancecopy@drme.org
Sending this copy does not automatically mean DRM will assist with your grievance. It simply ensures that DRM is notified, as required by rule.
If you would like to request advocacy assistance for filing a grievance or representation at a Level III formal hearing, you can contact DRM to schedule an intake appointment:
Please note: DRM cannot guarantee that we will take on every grievance case, but we are always happy to provide additional information and resources to help you understand your rights and options.
FAQ – Quick Answers About Grievances
Q: Do I have to file a grievance right away?
A: No. You can try to solve the problem first by talking to your case manager or provider.
Q: Can someone help me file a grievance?
A: Yes! A case manager, a friend, family member, guardian, or advocate can help.
Q: What if I need an interpreter or other communication help?
A: DHHS must provide one for free if you ask.
Q: Will I get in trouble for filing a grievance?
A: No. It is your right to speak up if you’re unhappy or feel your rights are being ignored.
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.
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.
This award recognizes a community member or educator who demonstrates their commitment to comprehensive, inclusive sexual health education and has made a significant contribution to the advancement of sexual health education among young people within their community.