Independent Living Specialist: IMAGE Center, Baltimore MD

Independent Living Specialist: Independence Now, Montgomery County MD.   Applications due April 5, 2013

Administrative Assistant/ Receptionist:  Maryland Nonprofits, Baltimore MD

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6w16s123877ea53&llr=6tlvi8cab

Maryland ADAPT and Medicaid Matters! Maryland are about to show Maryland Medicaid the love. On Feb. 14 at noon, consumers, advocates, legislators and state officials will rock Lawyers Mall in front of the Statehouse in Annapolis at the “Have a Heart for Maryland Medicaid” celebration, from noon to 12:35

Maryland’s Medicaid budget for community services has been under siege while institutional budgets have been increased.  This year, the disabilities community needs legislators to have a heart for those who depend on Medicaid’s life saving benefits and services. 

The Have a Heart for Maryland Medicaid campaign is part of a national day of celebration and education about the program. Advocacy groups around the country will host events that demonstrate how much they cherish a program that allows them to lead independent and fulfilling lives. 

Cupid will pump up the crowd in Annapolis, many of whom know Medicaid’s value personally. Individuals will have a chance to have their “My Medicaid Matters to me because…” story recorded for posting. [note: Volunteers welcome/requested]

Right after the rally, educational Valentines will be distributed to the entire Maryland legislature.

This event will take place rain, snow, shine, or bitter cold, as long as public transportation is running. Please see the attached flyer  for Mobility paratransit drop off/pick up information.

Organizations interested in participating should call Cheryl @ 301-758-4473 or email haveaheartmaryland@gmail.com so that we bring enough materials. If you would like to be a sponsor and have your logo on the Valentines, let us know at haveaheartmaryland@gmail.com by Thursday February 7th.

www.mdlclaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Have-a-Heart-Rally-Flyer-2-14-2013.pdf

Sponsored by Think Beyond the Label and Brazen Careerist, the fairs involve some of the country’s major employers, and the first one is scheduled on March 5.  There will be 3 additional fairs held later in 2013.  It’s easy to register and participate; take a look!

Please join MDoD and UMBC for a SUCCESS Program Open House on January 25, 2013 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. Get an overview of the program, have your questions answered and take a brief tour of the campus.

Read the SUCCESS brochure for more information.  Reservations can be made by contacting Nan Brittingham at MDoD: 410-767-3948 or nbrittingham@mdod.state.md.us

In response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is intended to harness the power of the community to help those less fortunate.  Your Giving Tuesday donation to MDLC “buys” justice for at-risk people with disabilities and will also be doubled.  The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation generously offered MDLC a $50,000 challenge grant.  When you help MDLC meet this challenge, you receive a dollar-for-dollar match that allows us to reach more people with disabilities in need.  We cannot do it without your support!

To make an online donation, please use the “donate” button on our home page:  www.mdlclaw.org. 

The following is just one example of the kind of help MDLC can provide with your generous donation: 

MDLC helped “Daniel,” a young man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who was stuck in Children’s National Medical Center, find his way from a facility into a community home.  The State had previously approved Daniel’s placement in a group home but revoked that plan once he needed a tracheotomy and ventilator and therefore, nursing or trained caregivers.  A history of neglect in his family home ruled out that option.  A family that had two adult children with the same diagnosis and care needs was willing to provide Daniel a home, and this is what he wanted.  However, the State refused to allow this plan, raising a series of legal and practical obstacles.  Over MDLC’s objection, Daniel was moved to a nursing facility.  MDLC advocated for Daniel over several months to resolve every obstacle and develop a plan and budget for him to move into the home he chose, where he would be empowered to direct his trained caregivers.  With MDLC’s skill and persistence, Daniel was discharged from the nursing facility.  Beyond the positive result for Daniel, MDLC turned this case into an opportunity to educate the State on the possibilities under Maryland law for individuals with disabilities who retain cognitive capacity to direct their own care and receive Medicaid waiver funding for non-nurses to provide skilled care.