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DEPARTMENT OF DISABILITIES

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS


In 1977, the Department of Disabilities originated as the Office for the Coordination of Services to the Handicapped (Chapter 946, Acts of 1977). Within the Office of the Governor, the Office reorganized in 1984 as the Office for Handicapped Individuals (Chapter 295, Acts of 1984). In 1991, it became the Office for Individuals with Disabilities (Chapter 103, Acts of 1991). The Office was abolished when the Department of Disabilities was created on July 1, 2004 (Chapter 425, Acts of 2004; Code State Government Article, secs. 9-1101 through 9-1118).

The Department evaluates programs and services for Maryland citizens with disabilities. It coordinates and supports public and private agencies serving people with disabilities, provides information and referrals, and identifies and recommends ways to improve services.

State government compliance with laws and policies that affect persons with disabilities is monitored and encouraged by the Department. At least quarterly, the Department consults with and provides technical assistance to the Maryland Advisory Council for Individuals with Disabilities. The Department also promotes local or regional coordination of services to persons with disabilities.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

217 East Redwood St., Suite 1300
Baltimore, MD 21202

Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary of Disabilities heads the Department. The Secretary chairs the Advisory Committee of the Technology Assistance Program and the Interagency Disabilities Board, and serves on the Interagency Committee on Aging Services; the Subcabinet for Children, Youth, and Families; the Maryland Partnership for Children, Youth and Families; and the State Coordinating Council (for Community Partnerships for Children, Youth, and Families). With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary appoints the Deputy Secretary.

Within the Office of Secretary are Communications, the Office of Research and Evaluation, and the Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff oversees Departmental programs: Access Maryland, Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan, Constituent Services, and Technology Assistance. The Office is aided by the Maryland Commission on Disabilities, and the Interagency Disabilities Board.


POLICY

The Deputy Secretary is responsible for Emergency Preparedness and Policy.


PROGRAMS

ACCESS MARYLAND PROGRAM

The Access Maryland Program assists State agencies with ensuring that their facilities are in compliance with federal mandates requiring accessibility for persons with disabilities.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM

Within the Office for Individuals with Disabilities, the Assistive Technology Guaranteed Loan Program started in 1999 (Chapter 468, Acts of 1999). The Program has been overseen by the Department of Disabilities since July 2004 (Code State Government Article, sec. 9-1118).

The Program helps individuals with disabilities purchase assistive technology equipment to enable them to become more independent and more productive (Code 1957, Art. 41, secs. 14-901 through 14-914).

Applications for loan guarantees and loan interest subsidies are evaluated by the Program's Board of Directors. The Board consists of eleven members. Eight are appointed by the Governor; one by the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene; and one by the State Superintendent of Schools. One serves ex officio.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES PROGRAM

For individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers, the Constituent Services Program provides assistance with information, referrals, resource listings, and access. The Program was assigned to the Department of Disabilities in July 2004 (Chapter 425, Acts of 2004; Code State Government Article, sec. 9-1118).

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

2301 Argonne Drive, Room T-17
Baltimore, MD 21218

Formerly under the Office for Individuals with Disabilities, the Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) was reassigned to the Department of Disabilities in July 2004. The Program provides information and technology services to people with disabilities. To enhance the quality of life for Marylanders with disabilities, the Program helps people to locate, evaluate, and purchase adaptive devices. The Program offers technology-related training and referrals in cooperation with the Office on Aging, the Division of Rehabilitation Services of the State Department of Education, and the Developmental Disabilities Administration of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Three model technology demonstration centers have been established by the Program at Cumberland, Hagerstown, and Salisbury. A main site lies at the Maryland Rehabilitation Center in Baltimore where technology resource specialists serve.

Created in 1990, the Program is governed by the federal Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-407; P.L. 103-218). The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research of the U.S. Department of Education funds the Program. Maryland was one of the first states to receive such a grant. Federal funding continues until September 30, 2002.

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