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.

Learn more about disability rights by topic!

The band Blue Room Frankenstein performing at Disability Pride 2023.

Resources and Systemic Initiatives

Centering Disability During Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This April marks the 24th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Since 2001, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has designated April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month to lift up and support survivors of sexual violence across the country....

Press Release: Disability Rights Maine Project Director Receives Statewide Recognition

CONTACT: Julia Endicott 978-877-3871 jendicott@drme.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 9, 2025 Disability Rights Maine Project Director Receives Statewide Recognition Augusta – Disability Rights Maine is pleased to announce that Youth Self-Advocacy Project Director,...

Developmental Services Grievance Process: Know Your Rights and How to File

What is a Developmental Services Grievance? 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...

Video Release: Challenging the Guardianship System

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...

Self-Employment for ME Business Class

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...

Ask Susan Collins to Support the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA)

Dear Senator Collins, We, the undersigned organizations and individuals of Maine, urge you to co-sponsor the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA) S.533. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 allows employers to obtain special certificates...

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...

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...

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