Harford County Resource Guide - Disability Resources

| Resource Guide | Disability Resources |

DISABILITY RESOURCES

Abilities Network/EFCR is a nonprofit that works with individuals with over 80 different disabilities. The organization has 6 program areas that serve individuals, on a one-on-one basis, from gestation through retirement. Program services include: Autism Services, Community and Employment Partners, Epilepsy Services, Healthy Families, Project ACT and Support Services.

A grassroots organization (representing consumers, state/local, and public/private business organizations) working towards achievement of employment of persons with mental illness. Meetings are held monthly.

Residential program and psychiatric rehabilitation program for people with chronic mental illness. Assists in learning skills which empower people to reach social and economic independence.

Website: www.arcncr.org

Provides employment, independent support services and supported living services to people with developmental disabilities. Transportation coordinated between client homes, job sites, and day activities. In addition, support services to families with children with developmental disabilities. Services include parent support group; resources for respite care; advocacy; some financial assistance; teen support group; family-to-family networking; resource referral; play group; and family and sibling activities.

Family Support Services

Support services to families with children with development disabilities. Services include parent support groups; resources for respite care; advocacy; some financial assistance; teen support group; family-to-family networking; resource referral; play ground; and family and sibling activities.

A local and national organization that provides support and education to people who have a hearing loss.

Offers a variety of sports and recreational activities for physically-challenged children (ages 2-21) who ambulate with or without assistive devices, as well as programs for children who use a manual or electric wheelchair. Also offers a summer sports camp for some populations. Nominal fees.

Provides permanent residential services for adults with mental and/or physical disabilities. Also provides short-term housing and care through the Respite Care Program. Serves both adults and children.

The Residential Program at Caring Hands, Inc. welcomes volunteers interested in becoming an advocate for adults having various physical and/or mental disabilities who live in the residential program. Client advocates form unique friendships with individuals by volunteering several hours a month. Hours are flexible. Volunteer opportunities are also available in the Operations Department of Caring Hands, Inc. for individuals who wish to assist with maintenance of our homes. Other volunteer opportunities are available. Flexible hours.

Support group for parents of children with attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity. Meets 1st Tuesday of each month at Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air at 7:15pm.

Provides residential, day, vocational, respite, health, transportation, and social/recreational programs for adults and children with a developmental disability. The coverage service area includes Cecil and Harford counties in Maryland and New Castle County, Delaware.

Volunteer corps of concerned community leaders providing public awareness of the capabilities of people with disabilities. Annual Awards Luncheon recognizes employers and individuals for outstanding accomplishments in integrating people with disabilities into the mainstream.

On-site coaching services based in neuroscience for children and adults facing learning, executive function &/or behavioral challenges. Consultants & coaches recognize and build upon individual strengths and provide specialized instruction utilizing a multi-disciplinary, multi-sensory approach towards learning and success.

Grottoes of N. America Humanitarian Foundation

Owings Mills MD 21117-0586

Website: www.scgrotto.com

The Dental Care for Children with Special Needs Program is designed to help children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystropy and those who are mentally challenged. Also provide dental treatment for organ transplant patients. The service is rendered free of charge to any child under the age of 18 who cannot receive traditional dental services. Please call for additional information.

Central Maryland Regional Office

Community-based residential, day, and support services for developmentally disabled individuals residing in the Central Region of Maryland. Individuals determined eligible for these services are served in state funded provider agencies based on priority of need and availability of service.

Adult Day Care Services

309 Thomas Run Road

Bel Air MD 21015

Adult Medical Day Care provides socialization, therapeutic exercise and activities, as well as respite for the caregiver. A Registered Nurse attends to medical needs like medication administration, blood pressure monitoring and implementing physician orders. A light breakfast, hot lunch and snack are usually provided; door-to-door transportation is typically offered.

Future Independence & Education for Learning

FIELD was established in 1993 for young adults who have been diagnosed with developmental disabilities. The group provides socialization as well as educational opportunities to promote independent living. FIELD provides parents and guardians of members with a network to exchange information and resources. Membership open to young adults age 18 and older.

Provides therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities in Cecil County (Port Deposit). Volunteers welcomed. Please call ahead and make appointment.

Disability Support Serv ices

Website: www.harford.edu

HCC is committed to serving students who have documented disabilities. Students bear responsibility for taking initiative in contacting Disability Support Services. Appropriate services will be determined on an individual basis. Services might include adaptive aids and equipment, notetakers, readers, and signers. Other services include career counseling, study skills workshops, and tutoring.

A private non-profit corp. whose mission is to provide coordinated, comprehensive services to Harford County children and families.

Harford County Transit (formerly Harford Transportation), provides public transportation services to the citizens of Harford County. There are eight fixed routes providing service to the general public.

Specialized Demand Response transportation is also available to senior citizens and persons with disabilities traveling to work, medical and social service appointments, senior centers and shopping. Call for information and/or to apply for specialized services. A fleet of lift-equipped vans and buses provides these services within the boundaries of Harford County. Call for information and/or to apply for specialized services.

The chapter currently meets at the McFaul Activity Center 525 W. MacPhail Rd., Bel Air (Behind the MVA off of Rt. 24) Please call for details.

410-836-7177 Ext. 617

220 S. Main Street

Bel Air MD 21014

This advisory body, appointed in 1996, is charged with promoting the economic, social, and political status of individuals with disabilities in Harford County.

Disability Coordinator

220 S. Main Street

Bel Air MD 21014

Promotes the economic, social, and political status of individuals with disabilities in HC by providing information and referral services, coordination of programs/projects relating to people with disabilities, advocacy on issues concerning people with disabilities, and arranging community education programs.

Saturday Special - Aberdeen Council

A year-round program designed to meet the recreational needs of individuals of all ages with mental and physical disabilities. Functional and independence skills are reinforced through art, music, and sports; enrichment of leisure time through social and cultural experiences; and fostering a sense of community within the program and the community.

Therapeutic Recreation

Various recreational opportunities and programs for individuals with disabilities. Call for registration, information and accommodations. Volunteer opportunities available.

15 S. Main Street

Bel Air MD 21014

Rental assistance program for income qualified citizens. Housing rehabilitation programs. Rent and mortgage delinquency counseling, also home ownership and reverse mortgage counseling. Call for listing of available housing.

A program for families with infants and toddlers, up to their third birthday, who may be delayed in development and who may have special needs. Call for information.

Program is aimed at locating children, ages 3 thru 20, with special needs who are not currently receiving help. These children are then evaluated and, when appropriate, individual programs are planned to provide the help they need.

The Hearing & Speech Agency

3800 N. Charles Street

Baltimore MD 21218

The Hearing and Speech Agency offers diagnostic and individual treatment services to children, from birth through adolescence, who demonstrate speech, language and/or hearing disorders. Parents are encouraged to participate in treatment plan. Services provided by certified speech-language pathologists from the Hearing and Speech Agency.

Website: www.jan.wvu.edu

Offers advice as to the cost and means of making various job accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

(HC Department of Parks and Recreation) This program provides a recreational experience for participants 3-2l year of age enrolled in Intensity V programs who are developmentally disabled. Students in Intensity VI programs will be considered and admitted on a case-by-case basis.

A parent support group provides professional information. Offers individualized referrals. Can provide speakers on learning problems, disability law, and education of the disabled.

One of a federally-mandated national network of Independent Living Centers. These non-profit centers are defined as consumer-controlled, community based, advocacy and service organizations designed and operated within their local communities by people with disabilities to provide an array of consumer services. Their mission is to empower people with all types of disabilities to live more independently and have control over their lives.

Website: www.mdrelay.org

A telephone communication system that connects telephone conversations between people who can hear and those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, late deafened, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled using text telephones (TTYs). Call for details. Maryland Relay has 24-hour customer service located in the Maryland Relay Center. For general questions contact Customer Services at 866.269.9006.

1.800.201.7165 (Voice)

1.800.735.2258 (TTY/HCO)

1.800.785.5630 Speech-Speech

1.800.877.1264 Spanish Relay

A private, non-profit protection and advocacy agency which protects the rights of children and adults with disabilities. Legal services provided to individuals with disabilities when the issue relates to the disability.

Rehabilitation and Technology Information (DORS)

2 South Bond Street

Bel Air MD 21014

Provides a wide variety of services to adults who have physical, mental or emotional disabilities which limit their ability to find, get or hold a job. Services may include, but are not limited to counseling and guidance, vocational evaluation, vocational training, job placement, physical and mental restoration, services for the deaf and hearing impaired, and services for the blind and visually impaired. Some services are dependent upon economic need. Eligibility determined by staff.

Through vision screenings and public education the society identifies people at risk for vision impairment and guides them to the resources they need to save their sight. The volunteers for the Visually Impaired Program matches the needs of people who are visually impaired with the help offered by sighted volunteers.

Provides talking, braille, and large print books and magazines by mail to borrowers. Provides information and referral services.

(MD Technology Assistance Program)

The Maryland Technology Assistance Program provides information on available products, devices, services and other resources to assist individuals with disabilities and senior citizens.

Mentally Ill Emergency Needs and Dental Care, Inc

Serving chronically mentally ill adults in Harford County having no insurance to maintain their dental health. Additionally, MEND, Inc. is capable of providing limited housing, transportation and other emergency needs to consumers in the Harford County area.

Ministers to children with special needs via Sunday School, fellowship events and summer "Vacation Bible School" in evening. Also ministers to families of children with special needs via worship services, total communication classes (signing), and parent support group.

Serving people with Multiple Sclerosis. Support group meets on the third Monday of the month to provide support and information on MS research. An active group with professional speakers and social activities for those with MS, their families, and friends. Group meets the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Please call for more information.

Website: www.md.nmss.org

Provides education about MS, information and referral, counseling services, support groups, advocacy, short-term respite, recreational programs, and assistance with durable medical equipment to individuals who have MS and their family members. Educational programs and information about MS available to the community.

Core Service Agency of Harford County

206 South Hays Street

Bel Air MD 21014

The Core Service Agency of Harford County (CSA) is responsible for the development, planning and management of the local mental health system in Harford County. The purpose of the Core Service Agency of Harford County is to ensure culturally competent, efficient, coordinated and effective mental health services to the Harford County community.

Services include: information and referral, advocacy, emergency assistance for prescriptions, housing (eviction prevention) and laboratory assistance, child and adolescent respite referral, adult residential referral, and complaint resolution. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

1.800.888.1965 (24 hr)

A statewide, parent-directed, family centered, cross-disability organization whose soul purpose is to enhance the ability of people with disabilities to participate as fully as possible in home, school, and community life through education, information, referral, technical assistance, and support activities designed for their parents and families. Also assists parents through education workshops to be better advocates for their children. Membership is open to all parents of children with disabilities throughout Maryland regardless of the nature of the child's disability or age.

Established to help parents get involved with their children's education and to build a working relationship among parents, educators and the community. Services include information on educational and community services, basic training for parents and educators in cooperative planning of a child's special education and help for parents who need to know what the next step is in getting help for their child.

A group of self advocates who believe that all people should have the right to make decisions and control their lives. This group meets monthly to advocate for their rights as citizens focusing on three goals: #l - To educate ourselves about our rights; #2 - To educate others that people with disabilities want to be treated as PEOPLE first; and #3 - To have fun!

Provides help for mentally ill and/or adults who need supportive housing arrangements in order to reside in the community.

Harford County Health Department

The Real Choices Program provides information to you or a family member facing the prospect of needing nursing home or institutional services. The Real Choices Program is for Harford County consumers, families, caregivers and providers and will tell you what services are available to solve a problem and how to get the information you need when the subject of a nursing home or institutional care services is raised and if it involves someone who is 18 years of age or older.

1200 Churchville Road

Bel Air MD 21014

Worship service at 9:50 a.m. on Sunday. Friendship and Bible study. Audio cassettes and Braille hymnals for worship services are available.

Provides case management services for persons with developmental disabilities and home visits for individuals accessing the service system.

Provides disability benefits under the Social Security disability insurance program to eligible individuals. Administers retirement program, survivor and disability benefits, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income programs.

HC OFFICE: 410.569.9971

Adult & Child Protective Services

After Hours Call Sheriff's Office. Unit provides crisis intervention on a crime scene, resource and referrals within the county, and general advocacy for victims of crime. Provides services to people over the age of 18 who are in some way disabled and at risk of abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation.

On-line Stroke Support and Information

An on-line stroke support and information group designed to help everyone in the stroke family. Our purpose is to provide on-line support for stroke survivors and caregivers of adult stroke survivors. Stroke survivors, stroke caregivers and health professionals welcome.

A support group for teens with disabilities.

Serving people with physical disabilities. Facilities consist of a large heated pool and fitness center. Services include workshops, training classes, and adult day care.

A 7-day service providing reading of six daily newspapers, 25 magazines, and other information to individuals who are blind or physically disabled.

Provides therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities at Normandy Farms, Street, MD.

In-Home Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled

A service which provides referrals to housekeepers, companions, personal care aides, and persons who will prepare meals. In-home care is available on an hourly, daily, overnight or weekly basis. Fees set according to a sliding scale based on income and family size. All home care workers are thoroughly screened.

Provides a variety of services to adults and children with disabilities including day habilitation, medical day care, supported employment, residential services, individual and family support services, respite care, educational services, information and referral, and camp/recreational services.

Provides a vocational training program for youth and adults with disabilities. This program is designed to teach job search skills, review basic academic skills ending in service-related employment.

2301 Argonne Drive

Baltimore MD 21218

Volunteers for Medical Engineering (VME) is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization located at the Workforce & Technology Center on Argonne Drive in Baltimore. VME's mission is to improve the independence of people with disabilities through innovative engineering. VME products include the design and fabrication of unique, one of a kind, assistive devices, a computer loan service, and client referral to commercial items by searching product catalogues and the World Wide Web. Volunteers include engineers, medical professionals and citizens of the central Maryland area.

A day habilitation center licensed by Maryland DDA. Programs help developmentally disabled individuals to acquire and maintain life skills, to cope more effectively with the demands of daily living and to improve physical, mental and social functioning.

2409 Creswell Road

Bel Air MD 21015

Co-educational, multi-sensory and research-based program serving students in grades K-8 with learning differences including language processing difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia and other learning needs.

100 Thomas Run Road

Bel Air MD 21015

John Archer School is the only public special education school serving students with disabilities in Harford County. Staff members are committed to meeting the needs of students with significant disabilities. In a positive, welcoming environment, students are challenged to meet high expectations, so that they can develop skills needed for independence. Working in partnership with parents, students can achieve success.

1509 Vera Avenue

Baltimore MD 21227-4035

Website: www.avrsinc.net

Sales, service and rental of scooters, wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs and lift chairs. AVRS submits Medicare claims for clients in order to seek reimbursement for them.