Disability Rights Maryland – Baltimore, MD

Championing the Rights of People with Disabilities

Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is a private, non-profit law firm and the designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency for the state of Maryland. Formerly known as the Maryland Disability Law Center, DRM is federally mandated to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities. While not a traditional commercial law firm, DRM provides critical free legal services to Marylanders with disabilities who are facing abuse, neglect, or discrimination. If you or a loved one are encountering barriers due to a disability and need to find a lawyer who specializes in civil rights and accessibility, DRM is the state’s leading advocate.

Legal Advocacy and Services

DRM offers legal representation and technical assistance in specific priority areas. Their work focuses on systemic change and individual cases that can set legal precedents. Key practice areas include:

• Abuse and Neglect: Investigating and litigating cases of abuse in nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, and other facilities.
• Employment Discrimination: Representing individuals who have been unfairly treated or denied reasonable accommodations in the workplace.
• Education: ensuring students with disabilities receive the Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) they are entitled to under the law.
• Community Inclusion: Fighting for the right of individuals to live in the community rather than in institutions.

A Mission of Equality

Established in 1977, the organization has a long history of protecting the most vulnerable citizens. The staff includes experienced attorneys and paralegals who work tirelessly to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to housing, transportation, and voting. Because resources are limited, DRM operates under an annual advocacy service plan to determine which cases they can accept. They are located in the Union Mill building in the Hampden/Woodberry neighborhood of Baltimore.