Posted on December 07, 2023
Disability Rights Maine and the City of Westbrook are partnering to run a pilot program for the upcoming March 5th election. The focus of the partnership is to increase the visibility of the disability community and encourage civic engagement, by serving as poll workers. What is a poll worker? Citizens that help to manage elections for their community Why become a poll worker? Interact with your communitySupport fair and accessible electionsEnsure polling places meet the needs of all voters, especially those with disabilitiesReceive $13.80 an hour for your time (must complete paperwork in advance) To serve as a poll worker ...Read More
Posted on December 01, 2023
Do you want to help students reshape their future and lead youth efforts to support students transitioning from high school into adulthood? If so, consider joining the growing Executive Student Transition (EST) Committee, a project by the Maine Department of Education Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education! We’re a passionate group of young individuals with diverse abilities and unique challenges, dedicated to shaping a brighter future for individuals transitioning into adulthood. • We’re on a mission to expand our reach across the state, extending our support to more communities, schools, and groups. • Our focus is on enhancing opportunities ...Read More
Posted on November 28, 2023
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Posted on November 17, 2023
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Posted on November 15, 2023
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Posted on October 27, 2023
Following the horrific events in Lewiston last week, Disability Rights Maine (DRM), Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA), and the Volunteer Lawyer’s Project (VLP) are working together to address the legal needs of families impacted by this terrible tragedy. Our organizations are also working to coordinate with other legal aid providers to ensure all needs are met. We know that victims, families, and our community have been profoundly impacted by the violence and trauma of this event. We also know that legal needs will emerge for those most directly impacted, including needs for assistance with matters related to estate and probate ...Read More
Posted on October 26, 2023
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Posted on October 06, 2023
The Disability Project wants to hear from disabled and Deaf trans people—particularly Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), low income and rural community members. Intentionally collecting stories, needs, and priorities from community is a tool to fight systemic oppression and advocate for ourselves. This survey is about building community power. We know a lot is going on and things are rough out there—yet our experiences matter! If you can, please take the time to share your perspectives and truths in this groundbreaking survey. Visit dtpsurvey.org You can take the survey in English, Spanish or ASL with closed captions. You can ...Read More
Posted on July 17, 2023
For the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidance and recommendations, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
Summary of recent changesCDC recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax, to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.Everyone 5 years or older should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.Children 6 months to 4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
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Posted on June 20, 2023
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Posted on May 26, 2023
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 MECASA's 2023 Make A Difference Award and NSVRC's 2023 Visionary Voice Award. On April 25th, we gathered at Maple Hill Conference Center to celebrate! ...Read More
Posted on April 26, 2023
From: Aiello Law167 Water Street, Hallowell, ME 04347Kristin@AielloLawMaine.com207-248-6055207-458-9703 – cellKristin L. Aiellowww.aiellolawmaine.comFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"Effective April 20, 2023, the Maine Board of Bar Examiners (MBBE) has made historic changes to Maine’s Bar Application by permanently removing questions asking applicants about their history, diagnoses, or treatment of mental health or substance use disorders. Instead, the MBBE will use questions that focus on conduct or behavior when evaluating an applicant’s ability to practice law in a competent, ethical, and professional manner. These changes come as the result of a disability discrimination complaint filed with the Maine Human Rights Commission."Read the complete press release about ...Read More
Posted on March 30, 2023
On a nearly daily basis, we witness situations of mass violence across our country. The Gun Violence archive reports that there have been 131 mass shootings in the first three months of 2023. It is unfathomable. As people search for answers to why this keeps happening, the blame quickly lands on individuals with labels of mental illness. We must confront this stigmatizing narrative. People with psychiatric labels are not the cause of violence in our country. Across the world, more than 790 million people live with a diagnosed mental health disorder. Yet, we only see this pervasive violence occur in ...Read More
Posted on December 13, 2021
MDOE confirms that students with disabilities outside of their school districts retain all of their rights under the IDEA, including stay put protections On November 24, 2021, the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) issued Administrative Letter # 28 clarifying the obligations of Maine schools who receive students with disabilities from a home/sending school district through the IEP process. DRM has heard from families with students who are left with little to no education when a receiving school decides that they will no longer serve the student – leaving the sending district and the family scrambling. While the sending district maintains ...Read More
Posted on October 21, 2021
From the Bangor Savings Bank Website: "Living with a disability is often associated with significant amounts of extra costs. That’s why individuals and families can now contribute to ABLE accounts — tax-advantaged accounts that can fund disability expenses without impacting means-tested benefits eligibility. What are ABLE Accounts? ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families. ABLE Programs were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, better known as the ABLE Act. The beneficiary of the account is the account owner, and income earned ...Read More
Posted on October 14, 2021
"A disturbing new report by the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) reveals widespread abuse and neglect at for-profit youth residential treatment facilities. The report, Desperation without Dignity, provides a comprehensive review of investigations by the nation’s Protection and Advocacy agencies and others in 18 states. It examines the history of the for-profit residential treatment industry, the private funding structure that fuels it, and discusses alternatives to residential placement that are both nurturing and provide the treatment that children and youth need. “Our investigators, along with other powerful advocates, have been inside these facilities,” said NDRN Executive Director Curt Decker. “In ...Read More
Posted on October 01, 2021
WASHINGTON, DC – In recognition of the beginning of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) calls on Congress, the Administration, and state policy leaders to work toward the employment of people with disabilities in jobs that pay a competitive wage and are integrated. NDEAM is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. Led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, the purpose of the month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. NDRN has a long ...Read More
Posted on September 30, 2021
Augusta, Maine - Disability Rights Maine (DRM) is pleased to announce Atlee Reilly (he/him) as its new Legal Director, effective October 1, 2021. Peter Rice, current Legal Director, has been appointed General Counsel. “I think this is a great move for Disability Rights Maine,” said Kim Moody, the Executive Director. “I look forward to the many new directions toward which I know Atlee is uniquely qualified to help us move. This is an exciting time. And I thank Peter Rice both for being an excellent Legal Director for 22 years and for being willing to stay on after his ‘retirement’.” ...Read More
Posted on September 10, 2021
“To the extent progress was made to improve the conditions for those at Long Creek, it appears to have been lost,” Disability Rights Maine lawyer Atlee Reilly wrote to corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty on Sept. 2.Click the link below to read the full article
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Posted on May 28, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 28, 2021 U.S. Department of Justice Reaches Settlement with Lewiston Public Schools to End Discriminatory Use of Shortened School Days Complaint filed by Maine civil rights organizations initiated the DOJ investigation Augusta, Maine – Lewiston Public Schools (LPS) will have to end the district’s systemic and discriminatory practice of excluding students from full-day school because of behavior related to their disabilities, according to the terms of a settlement with the United States Department of Justice. The settlement, which was announced late on Thursday, will also require LPS to provide equal educational opportunities to its English learner students ...Read More
Posted on April 20, 2021
Maine AG Aaron Frey was one of 17 Attorneys General to sign onto a letter in support of the Keeping All Students Safe Act, which would ban the use of seclusion and restrict the use of restraints in the nation's schools. Specifically, "KASSA would make it illegal for any school receiving federal funds to seclude children and would ban mechanical, chemical and supine restraint as well as practices that restrict breathing, including prone restraint." Read the letter to Congressional Leadership (PDF) In an April 1, 2021 letter to AG Frey, DRM thanked him for his support of KASSA, noting that ...Read More
Posted on April 16, 2021
Parent and Student Advocatesi Respond to MSBA Statement Regarding LD 552 LD 552 ‐ An Act to Strengthen the Individualized Education Program Process was designed to provide parents of students with disabilities with an equal voice during the development and revision of their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Specifically, LD 552 would require parental consent before a previously agreed upon IEP could be changed. The Maine Legislature’s Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs recently voted to pass the bill and send it to the entire legislature. But groups representing school administrators are working against the bill and using incomplete and at ...Read More
Posted on April 10, 2021
Disability Rights Maine is working to ensure that all Mainers, including people with disabilities, are able to receive COVID-19 vaccines. This page contains information about the vaccines (Moderna & Pfizer), the latest news from the Governor and Maine CDC, and a listing of vaccine clinics across the state. COVID-19 Vaccine Considerations and Changes as of November 28, 2023 Additionally, the Federal Government ended the Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 on May 11, 2023. Learn more about what this means for you by reviewing the Fact Sheet from February 2023. You can also stay up to date on the impact through the Office ...Read More
Posted on April 02, 2021
Click Image to Participate in the Youth Support Survey ~ Participants Eligible to Receive $10 Amazon Gift Card!
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Posted on April 02, 2021
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Posted on February 26, 2021
Selectmen in the town of Paris are among those making a mockery of rights won by people with disabilities. By The Editorial Board Thirty-one years ago next month, a group of protesters with disabilities ditched their wheelchairs and crutches and began moving – slowly – up the 78 steps of the U.S. Capitol’s West Front, demanding their rights. Known as the Capitol Crawl, it was the culmination of a decades-long and ultimately successful effort to get Congress to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act. It took one protester, an 8-year-old with cerebral palsy, almost an hour to get to ...Read More
Posted on February 23, 2021
As Maine rebuilds from the pandemic, our "new normal" should be more equitable.
This moment is an opportunity to help people regain lost ground, and to build a more resilient future where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.
Click the link below to visit the website and learn more about the Vision for an Equitable Maine. ...Read More
Posted on January 21, 2021
Administrative Letter: 1 Policy Code: IHBEA To: Public School Administrators From: Pender Makin, Commissioner Date: January 21,2021 Subject: Change in the Ending Age for Special Education Eligibility – Effective Immediately The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide “[a] free, appropriate public education . . . to all children with disabilities residing in the State between the ages of 3 and 21 inclusive[.]” 20 U.S.C. § 1415(a)(1)(A). IDEA permits an exception to this general age range: “[t]he obligation to make a free, appropriate public education available to all children with a disabilities does not apply with ...Read More
Posted on January 13, 2021
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Posted on January 04, 2021
Click the link below to download this helpful guide (PDF), which was developed by the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council. ...Read More
Posted on November 19, 2019
Click the link below to read the Portland Press Herald's article on Kristin Aiello's recent case before the Maine Human Rights Commission. ...Read More
Posted on September 12, 2019
Taken from https://www.mainejjtaskforce.org/aboutWho We AreChaired by Rep. Michael Brennan (D-Portland), Department of Corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty and Jill Ward of the Maine Center for Juvenile Policy and Law, the Task Force is comprised of government leaders from multiple agencies, legislators, members of the Judiciary, practitioners and individuals from impacted communities. Task Force members will work with national experts to assess the efficacy of the current system and develop recommendations to improve outcomes for system-involved youth. To lead the assessment, the state Juvenile Justice Advisory Group has contracted with the Center for Children's Law and Policy (CCLP) to work in collaboration ...Read More
Posted on September 05, 2019
Guests:Ross Greene, founder, Lives in the Balance; clinical child psychologist and author of the books The Explosive Child, Lost at School, Lost & Found, and Raising Human Beings; developed the model of intervention called Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Ben Jones, attorney, Disability Rights Maine, and author of the May 2019 report "Restraint and Seclusion in Maine Schools" Pender Makin, Commissioner, Maine Department of Education Patty Chamard & Jennifer Johnson - Two mothers with children who've been subjected to restraint and seclusion ...Read More
Posted on September 04, 2019
"Supported decision-making, an alternative to guardianship, has made Joshua Strong of Damariscotta a pioneer among Maine’s developmentally challenged."
You can read the full story by clicking the link below and visiting Press Herald's website. ...Read More
Posted on June 10, 2019
Full Report (PDF)Full Report (DOC)Press Release (HTML) ...Read More
Posted on May 17, 2019
For Immediate Release May 16, 2019 Task force created to help transform juvenile justice in MaineNew task force is collaboration of state legislators, the Department of Corrections and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group AUGUSTA – Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, announced today a newly formed task force to examine the state’s juvenile justice system and develop recommendations for continuum of care for system-involved youth and those at risk for becoming involved in the justice system. Chaired by Brennan, Department of Corrections Commissioner Randall Liberty and Jill Ward of the Maine Center for Juvenile Policy and Law, the task force brings together ...Read More
Posted on May 13, 2019
CONTACT: Ben Jonesbjones@drme.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 13, 2019 Disability Rights Maine Report Calls for Action to Address the Rise of Seclusion and Restraint in Maine Schools AUGUSTA – This morning, Disability Rights Maine (DRM) released a report entitled Restraint and Seclusion in Maine Schools: Reviewing the First Six Years of Data Required by MDOE Rule Chapter 33. DRM’s report is based on a review and analysis of the first six years of data collected by the Maine Department of Education, as well as data reported to the federal government and data DRM obtained through public records requests. It serves to ...Read More
Posted on May 10, 2019
Visit the Bangor Daily News site, via link posted below, to read this article. ...Read More
Posted on May 09, 2019
May 3, 2019 Dear Colleague: The Division for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened at the Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, along with Disability Rights Maine Deaf Services, are together writing to let you know that the Legal Interpreting Fund was recently repealed in the Governor’s budget. This fund had paid for interpreters for private lawyers and advocates needing to meet with their Deaf clients and those resources will now be used to assist Deaf Maine citizens in ensuring access to effective communication. As of July 1, 2019 this fund will no longer be available ...Read More
Posted on April 26, 2019
“Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month Events” Monday, May 6th is “Children’s Mental Health Awareness” Day “Suicide Prevention: Strategies that Work” Join us for our kickoff event in collaboration with the Office of Child and Family Services, Children’s Behavioral Health Services! Come and hear from our Governor in addition to several Maine family members and youth who will share their heartfelt stories about suicide and resiliency! The Maine Alliance of Family Organizations and children’s behavioral health providers from across our state will also be present to offer information how they help support the families and youth in Maine!! All parents/caregivers ...Read More
Posted on April 16, 2019
BIAA-ME's 10th Annual Conference on Defining Moments in Brain Injury will take place on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at the University of Southern Maine's Abromson Center in Portland. The conference is open to professionals, survivors, caregivers, students, and anyone interested in learning more about brain injury. Download the "Save the Date" flyer here. Beverley Bryant Memorial Lecture We are currently seeking submissions from Maine brain injury survivors, family members, and others who are interested in giving the Beverley Bryant Memorial Lecture at the conference. You can download the application here. Please submit your application by May 6, 2019, to be ...Read More
Posted on March 20, 2019
Maine kids with disabilities are entitled to quality services in their homes and communities! The legislature is about to consider two crucial issues that impact the well-being of Maine youth with disabilities. First, close to 60 of our youth are in residential treatment programs out of state – some as far away as Utah, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. This is harmful and painful for youth and families. Second, there are up to 300 residential beds currently licensed in Maine, and hundreds of Maine children waiting for in-home and community services. Yet DHHS has proposed building more institutions for young people ...Read More
Posted on March 07, 2019
For Immediate ReleaseMarch 7, 2019Contact: Annie Clark (Collins) 202-224-2523 Matthew Felling/Jeff Sobotko (King) 202-224-5344 Bipartisan, bicameral bill would streamline federal programs for those looking to modify their homes to support independent living WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today introduced the Senior and Disability Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, and a group of their colleagues. The legislation would make it easier for older Americans and individuals with disabilities to access federal home modification programs and remain in their homes. By helping these populations navigate and utilize these ...Read More
Posted on February 27, 2019
Chief District Judge Jon D. Levy is pleased to announce that effective March 1, 2019 the Court has appointed Kristin Aiello and Susan Faunce to serve on the Local Rules Advisory Committee. The Local Rules Advisory Committee studies the rules of practice and makes recommendations to the Court concerning its rules and procedures and is a vital link between the practicing bar and the Court. Attorney Kristin Aiello represents individuals with disabilities who have been discriminated against in employment, state and local government and public accommodations. Kristin's work focuses on litigation. She leads the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Team ...Read More
Posted on February 19, 2019
The Office of Child and Family Services invites you to attend a training regarding the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who Are Children in Need of Treatment and the Educational Rights of Children with Disabilities. This training was developed in partnership with Disability Rights Maine (DRM). The training will review the Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services Who are Children in Need of Treatment with participants, and discuss real situations. This training will also review obligations of providers to honor children/youth’s rights, and ensure children/youth are aware and understand their rights. Each session will also provide an ...Read More
Posted on January 22, 2019
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Posted on January 17, 2019
Pine Tree Society and Spurwink are pleased to present the 11th annual Southern Maine Autism Conference! The conference is designed for parents and family members of children with autism spectrum disorders, as well as educators and other service providers. The conference is at no charge to the participants, though registration is required as this is often a "sold out" event.
Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 8am-4pm. DoubleTree by Hilton, Portland.
Keynote Presentation You Belong: Stories from our Neurodiverse Friendship
by Kyler Shumway, MA & Daniel Wendler, MA
Follow the Southern Maine Autism Conference Facebook page @southernmaineautismconference for updates & registration announcements
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Posted on January 16, 2019
On April 13, 2018, the President signed the Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018 which authorizes the nation’s Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system to monitor and investigate how social security representative payees are administering Social Security funds. The law directs P&As to conduct periodic, onsite individual or organizational representative payee reviews along with additional discretionary reviews. In addition, the P&As conduct educational visits and conduct reviews based on allegations they receive of payee misconduct.
Rep Payee Program Handout (PDF) ...Read More
Posted on January 10, 2019
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Posted on January 10, 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Kirsten Capeless, Maine Department of Health and Human Services(207) 624-7900 or kirsten.capeless@maine.gov Maine Department of Health and Human Services Releases Report of Children’s Behavioral Health Services The Mills Administration today released a report completed during the LePage Administration on children’s behavioral health. Augusta, MAINE – The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) today released a comprehensive assessment of Maine’s Children Behavioral Health Services (CBHS), conducted by Public Consulting Group, that identifies strengths, weaknesses, and gaps within the CBHS system of care. This independent evaluation conducted by national experts has provided beneficial insight into ...Read More
