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

New Resource – Question 1 Explainer Video [ASL]

Confused about Question 1? Learn more with DRM's ASL explainer video: https://youtu.be/dnS6nDJ6Dlg

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...

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...

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...

SAAM 2023: Emphasis on Survivors with Disabilities

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and this year the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has made the theme of this year’s SAAM Drawing Connection: Prevention Demands Equity. As the State of Maine’s Protection & Advocacy organization...

New and Innovative Employment Options Called for in 2022

In the wake of the series of massive and ubiquitous changes which the global COVID-19 pandemic has wrought to nearly every area of life, an opportunity for people with disabilities to enforce their right to work has emerged. The United States is facing an historic...

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