Ask Susan Collins to Support Legislation for a National Museum of Disability

Dear Senator Collins:

We, the undersigned organizations and individuals of Maine, ask you to co-sponsor legislation alongside Senator Bob Casey to establish a museum dedicated to disability history and culture in Washington, D.C.

1 in 4 American adults have a disability, and that rate is even higher for Mainers. Disability impacts all Americans. The history of Americans with disabilities is as old as the history of the country and Americans with disabilities have been fighting for equal rights for generations.

A national museum would uplift the stories of disabled people and educate the public on the historical challenges, landmark legislation and judicial rulings, and technological advancements to support the disability community. Maine, as a leader in disability rights, should be leading the charge to uplift disability rights!

Sincerely,

Disability Rights Maine
Syntiro
Aiello Law, LLC
Consumer Council System of Maine
Thatcher Brook Center
Alex Pelton
Katherine S. Ritchie
Nancy Matulis
Lincoln Tiner
Lisette Belanger
Frances M White
Megan Garrity
Ashley McAlpine
Elizabeth Sanchez
Suzanne Jones
Charles Reid
Kristina Andrade-Falls
Hilari Simmons
Kenneth Shapiro
Eric McVay
Suzanne Albright
Izzy Ostrowski
Jeanette Plourde
Mason PC Labonte
Kevin J Smith
Jessica Payson
Jennifer McCann
Jean Schmick-Hopkins
Simonne M Maline
Alison Jacoby
Andrew R. Sarapas
Maggie Hoffman
Jessica Russell
Cara Pelletier
Ivory Mills
Jacynthe Jacques
Harper Chance
Lucy Barnhart
Becca Hector
Kile Pelletier
Anne Doody Ryan
Amy Shepard
Beth Talbot
Samantha Aho
Kathleen Fries
Debbie Gilmer
Christina R. Blake
Megan Salvin
Julia Endicott
Brittany Lorance
Amy Bradford
Chantelle Flores
Amanda Scarpone
Avery Olmstead IV
Brian Harnish


Add your support and sign on today!

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 Underrepresented: An Analysis of Adult Guardianship in Maine, which provides an overview of Maine’s current guardianship system.

This report, the first of its kind in Maine, synthesizes three years of guardianship data across Maine’s independent probate courts. This data is not otherwise tracked or analyzed, which for years hindered understanding of the scope and use of guardianship. DRM collected information on over 2,200 cases involving adult guardianship, and this report looks at how many cases resulted in the appointment of a guardian, the type of guardianship, the age of the adult, and whether the adult had an attorney to advocate for their interests and represent them in the guardianship proceeding.

In 2019, Maine overhauled the Probate Code and adopted a model law that imagined the appointment of an attorney in almost every guardianship case. Unfortunately, however, the data DRM collected over the three-year period showed that in more than 75% of cases, adults for whom guardianship was sought did not have attorneys. When the individual had a developmental disability, that number increased to 90%. “Disability Rights Maine has been working on guardianship reform for 20 years and although we have had significant success, this report highlights how much more we have to do,” said Kim Moody, Executive Director. “It is unacceptable that 90% of people with labels of intellectual or developmental disability who are facing the removal of their basic rights, are not appointed a lawyer to represent them. We must fix this.”

Maine people experience guardianship at nearly twice the rate of the national average, often starting when a young person turns 18. More than 90% of individuals under 21 had no attorney, and more than 90% were subsequently placed under guardianship.

“No person should have to face a complex legal proceeding without the aid of an attorney, especially when it affects their fundamental right to control their own life. Our analysis showed that when people had attorneys, less restrictive alternatives to full guardianship were far more likely to be implemented. Maine continues to show an overreliance on the use of guardianship, despite changes to the law,” said Legal Director, Lauren Wille.

“Maine must do a better job to educate families and schools that guardianship is not the only option to support their young adult into adulthood. Probate courts must do better in ensuring that people are provided the zealous advocacy they are entitled to. Many families may not fully understand the long-term implications of guardianship for their loved one.  An attorney can play a crucial role in helping to clarify these complexities and exploring less restrictive alternatives that prioritize the individual’s rights and independence. It’s much easier to prevent a guardianship in the first place, than reverse it,” said Senior Managing Attorney, Staci Converse.

The updated Probate Code was necessary to uphold the rights of people with disabilities, but this recent data shows us that it was not enough to drive the change that was intended.  People facing guardianship proceedings must be appointed lawyers to represent their interests and the courts must consider alternatives to full guardianship.

###

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.

Healthcare Survey

The Great Plains ADA Center and the University of Missouri are conducting research on physical barriers to accessibility in hospital facilities. They have developed an anonymous survey that asks participants about their last experiences regarding accessibility while visiting a hospital survey.

Interested in participating? Complete the online survey today.

There is also the option to answer the survey on a Word document instead of online. If you would like to answer the survey on a Word document, you can download this Word Document. Please download it, answer the survey, and send the document back to Dr. Debora Verniz at vernizd@missouri.edu.

NDEAM: Job Opportunities with Maine Sea Grant

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Looking for a new opportunity and interested in working in Maine’s fisheries industry? Check out two employment opportunities with Maine Sea Grant.

Lobster Research and Extension Coordinator

The Lobster Research and Extension Coordinator will coordinate an ongoing collaborative to increase the American lobster industry’s resilience to the biological, economic, and social impacts of ecosystem change in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and southern New England.

To see the complete Job Description and to apply: Lobster Research and Extension Coordinator

Fisheries Extension Associate

The Fisheries Extension Associate will coordinate a community engagement program for an Innovative Fishing Gear Library project led by the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR), focused on the American lobster industry.

To see the complete Job Description and to apply: Fisheries Extension Associate

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 intensive, day-long workshop to prepare for this training, will come to YOU to teach your clients the ins and outs of the Person-Centered Planning (PCP) process. They’ll also be joined by staff from DRM or SUFU to assist.

The training covers:

  • Pre-Planning: Get ready for a successful PCP Meeting
  • Setting Goals: Create clear, achievable goals
  • Advocacy: Make sure their voices are heard

Schedule your training today—it’s time to make sure everyone’s voice is at the center of their plan.


To schedule a training or find out more:

Contact Brian Harnish
Email: bharnish@drme.org
Phone: 207.626.2774 x104 (V/TTY)


Download and share the flyer (PDF)!