Family Support and Advocacy

We believe that children, regardless of their disabilities, belong with their families and should be provided opportunities afforded other children within their community. We also understand that the stress of raising a child with disabilities can be financially and emotionally stressful. Our Family Support Services are nationally recognized for helping families be successful.

We offer four essential features:

• Staff and families work together building relationships of equality and respect
• Creativity in providing services accountable to families
• Flexibility and responsive to emerging family and community needs
• Immediacy in responding to crisis to mobilize formal and informal resources

All services are family centered and tailored to your needs.

Families living in Calvert, St. Mary's and Charles Counties who have a child or children from the ages of birth to 22 years with a disability are eligible.

Here's how we can help...

• Refer you to the appropriate agency for services. Connect you with available resources in Calvert, St. Mary's and Charles Counties.
• Give you current information on legislation, regulations and decisions that affect persons with developmental disabilities and their families. Introduce you to a support group of concerned citizens.
• Provide you with services and supports to help you with the ongoing needs of raising a child with developmental disabilities, including:
• Financial Assistance
• Medical supplies
• Food/clothing/dietary supplements
• Home modifications (such as installation of ramps, rails or other architectural modifications)
• Disposable diapers
• Specialized and adaptive equipment
• Transportation
• Formal or informal counseling
• Educational assistance
• Respite care
• Crisis intervention
• Behavioral support services
• Camp Scholarships
• Sensory learning toys & games

Our goal is to help families keep their children with developmental disabilities at home for as long as is possible or practical.

We have Family Service Coordinators in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties who will provide informal counseling, respite care information and referrals. We visit your home and will empower and support families outside the home such as during the IEP process.