FY2026 (padd) DD act state protection & advocacy systems

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living awarded $838,208 to Disability Rights Maryland, Inc. (doing business as Maryland Disability Law Center) on October 1, 2025, under the Developmental Disabilities Basic Support and Advocacy Grants program (CFDA 93.630), a formula grant.

Disability Rights Maryland serves as Maryland's designated Protection and Advocacy system for individuals with developmental disabilities. The award funds legal advocacy, rights protection, and support services to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to become independent, productive, integrated, and included in their communities. The organization investigates abuse, neglect, and rights violations; ensures voting rights and electoral access; facilitates community integration; promotes assistive technology access; provides legal representation; and offers information and referral services to vulnerable populations across the state.

The period of performance runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, with place of performance in Maryland. This is a formula award processed through a payment management system to the state. Disability Rights Maryland is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that holds multiple concurrent federal grant awards from the Administration for Community Living, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Department of Education, reflecting sustained federal confidence in its advocacy capacity.