Accessibility of County Government

All programs, services and facilities of county government are accessible and available to citizens with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Call Disabilities Services (410-313-6402) for information.

Accessibility Inspections

The Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (410-313-1804) inspects all new construction and investigates complaints regarding accessibility and compliance with the state building code.

Poll Accessibility

Voting is accessible to all persons with disabilities in a variety of ways including barrier-free polling locations, assistance with reading, absentee ballots, reserved parking and re-assignment of polling location. Call the Board of Elections (410-313-2727) for information.

County Government Employment

Howard County government offers many employment opportunities for people with disabilities and encourages those who meet the qualifications to apply through the Human Resources Office (410-313-2033) for vacant positions.

Employment Assistance

The State Division of Rehabilitation Services (410-480-7832) helps persons with disabilities to prepare for, achieve and maintain employment. Services include:

• counseling for career choice;
• help in paying for medical services needed for physical or mental restoration;
• sponsorship in various job training areas; and
• assistance in job placement.

Diagnostic services are provided at no charge. Medical and training services are based on income with a yearly contribution required from some recipients.

Employment Assistance for Disabled Veterans

Disabled Vietnam era veterans in need of supportive or employment services can request job development and referrals through the Veterans Outreach Program of the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (410-312-5774).

Employment Resources

Disabilities Services (410-313-6402), TTY(410-313-6401) maintains a contact list of agencies assisting qualified workers with disabilities to secure employment.

Alternative Living Units

Adults with psychiatric disabilities can contact Social Services (410-872-4204) to apply for an alternative living unit. A social worker will assess the client's functioning level and resources to determine placement in Project Home.

Barrier-Free Housing

For a resource list of how to obtain barrier-free, low-income housing, call Disabilities Services (410-313-6402; TTY 410-313-6401).

Chore Services

Individuals needing chore services to remain at home can call Social Services (410-872-4204) for In-Home Aide Service. A social worker will assess the client's needs and functioning level, assign an aide if available or purchase services if funds are available.

Evaluation Services

Persons of any age having physical and/or mental difficulties maintaining their living environment can call Adult Community Evaluation Services (410-313-6450) for evaluation services supported and staffed by the Office on Aging, Health Department and Department of Social Services.

Smoke Detectors

Fire and Rescue (410-313-6040) furnishes smoke detectors for hard of hearing or deaf people.

Independent Living

The Independent Living Program of the Division of Rehabilitation Services (410-480-7832) helps persons who have severe disabilities who need services to remain independent in the community. People can learn independent living skills at a unit at the Maryland Rehabilitation Center.

Nursing Home Screening

Potential or current nursing home residents with a diagnosis of psychiatric or developmentsl disability can receive pre-admission screening and an annual resident review. Call Adult Community Evaluation Services (410-313-6450). Funding is from the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Public Housing

Community Outreach

The Department of Recreation and Parks (410-313-4628) reaches group homes, treatment centers and schools to encourage individuals with disabilities to take part in community recreation programs and classes.

Complaint Mediation

The Human Rights Office (410-313-6430) will mediate complaints and address concerns about accessibility and compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities.

Disabled Business Enterprises

An individual with disabilities who owns a business may apply to the county for certification as a Disabled Business Enterprise. Call Management Services (410-313-2050) for details.

Interpreter Services

Call Citizen Services (410-313-6402; TTY 410-313-6401) three business days in advance to request interpreter services for any county government meeting, program or service.

Library Home Delivery

Persons with temporary or permanent disabilities can arrange for a volunteer to deliver library materials by calling the Howard County Library (410-313-7850).

Library Materials

Closed-caption decoders, portable TTY's, audio-described and captioned videos, large-print books, books on tape and multimedia kits may be borrowed from the Howard County Library.

Library Resources

The public may access a TTY at any Howard County Library location. The library catalog is also on an interactive computer which magnifies or reads aloud the text. Also available is the Reading Edge, a machine that scans printed material and reads it aloud.

Medical Assistance