Federal Formula Grant Award Summary

The Administration on Disabilities awarded a formula grant of $188,180.00 to Disability Rights Maryland, Inc. (doing business as Maryland Disability Law Center) under the Voting Access for Individuals with Disabilities-Grants for Protection and Advocacy Systems program (CFDA 93.618) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. This award funds comprehensive voting access initiatives designed to ensure full electoral participation for individuals with disabilities throughout Maryland. Key deliverables include voter education and registration assistance, training for election officials and poll workers on the rights of voters with disabilities, advocacy and technical assistance related to Help America Vote Act (HAVA) implementation, support for filing complaints under state administrative grievance procedures, guidance on polling place physical accessibility, and education regarding accessible voting equipment and systems.

As Maryland's designated Protection and Advocacy system, Disability Rights Maryland will leverage this funding to provide direct voter assistance, conduct accessibility assessments at polling locations, offer training programs to election officials, and represent individuals with disabilities in grievance hearings related to electoral access. The organization will also pursue advocacy efforts to promote HAVA implementation and ensure equitable voting access across the state. This formula grant award reflects the program's commitment to supporting state Protection and Advocacy Systems in advancing voting rights for persons with disabilities, with funds obligated on an annual basis throughout the five-year award period.