Disability Rights Maryland (DRM), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is Maryland’s designated Protection & Advocacy agency (formerly known as “Maryland Disability Law Center”). DRM is federally mandated to advance the civil rights of people with disabilities. We provide free legal services to Marylanders of any age with all types of disabilities (developmental, intellectual, psychiatric, physical, sensory, learning, traumatic brain injury), who live in facilities, in the community or who are homeless.

DRM envisions a world where people with disabilities are fully included in the workplace, neighborhoods and all aspects of community life.  We help people with disabilities pursue opportunities to participate fully in all aspects of community life, and champion their rights to self-determination, dignity, equality, opportunity, and freedom from discrimination and harm. Our 2024 Advocacy Service Plan (PDF) outlines the services that take priority considering DRM’s limited resources. The annual plan is a product of community input and DRM’s expertise in providing legal services to Marylanders with disabilities.

DRM maximizes resources by using an array of advocacy strategies, including information and referral, advice and counsel, outreach and education, monitoring and investigations, training and technical assistance, coalition and policy work, individual representation, impact litigation and support for self-advocacy.