PRESS RELEASE: Disability Rights Maine Invited to Participate in White House Event, Highlighting Investments that Expand Disability Rights
Posted on March 13, 2024
978-877-3871
jendicott@drme.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2024
Augusta – Disability Rights Maine is pleased to announce that Executive Director Kim Moody will join leaders from across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont at the White House on March 14, 2024 to participate in the Communities in Action, Building a Better America event.
“I am honored to take part in this event to highlight the many new exciting initiatives funded in part by the federal government, that have the potential to entirely transform our disability service system,” said Executive Director Kim Moody.
Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support Home and Community Based Services has seeded ideas and innovation within the system of supports and services for Maine people with disabilities, including for youth 14-18 who have not been served well historically and for people with ID/DD who also experience co-occurring behavioral health needs.
Maine also utilized ARPA funds to start its first crisis-receiving center, a transformative model that is currently being considered for expansion in other areas of the state to address critical gaps for people in need of mental health services.
As a result of new grants supported by federal funds, DRM has:
- Piloted a youth self-advocacy project, encouraging young people to learn new skills to be their best selves;
- Educated and informed thousands of individuals about COVID-19, and the availability of vaccines;
- Conducted an expansive health equity research project, highlighting the disparate impact of healthcare access among people with disabilities; and
- Developed a new program to address the disproportionate sexual violence that people with developmental disabilities experience.
The event is part of a series organized by the White House to highlight recent investments leading to positive impacts in local communities.
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.