2024 Goals
Disability Rights Maine is Maine’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization authorized and mandated to protect and advocate for the rights of Maine people with disabilities. DRM derives its authority from federal and state laws, which, alongside feedback from the disability community, guide our organizational priorities. DRM believes the disability rights movement is inseparable from the human rights movements for racial, economic and gender equity. In 2023, we renewed our commitment to eradicate ableism, racism, sexism and bigotry, and to dismantle institutional and structural disadvantage.
Goal Highlights:
- People across disability labels will be safe from abuse, neglect and exploitation and will be guaranteed personal rights.
- Disabled people will be able to live in integrated, accessible settings in their communities with the support and services they choose.
- Children and young adults with disabilities will receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
- People with disabilities will have access to employment.
- People with disabilities will have access to equitable health care.
For our complete program priorities, visit: https://drme.org/what-we-do#program-priorities.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
DRM 20th Annual Celebration – October 12, Freeport
DRM is thrilled to mark our 20th Annual Celebration, which was originally scheduled for 2020. We will be offering an enjoyable and informative evening focused on disability rights, this time highlighting our keynote speaker, Maine’s Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows.
DRM offers multiple levels of sponsorship for this event, in addition to individual tickets. For more information visit: https://drme.org/2023-annual-celebration.
DRM Deaf Services Trash to Fashion Show – October 14, Mackworth Island
Looking for more fun in October? Support DRM’s Deaf Services program at the 3rd annual Trash to Fashion Show, a family-friendly, environmentally-friendly community fundraising event that is fully accessible and open to all. Make a donation or donate a prize for the fashion show contestants. Questions? Contact bcampbell@drme.org.
Giving Opportunities
Every year DRM receives far more requests for assistance than we can support. DRM welcomes monetary donations throughout the year from individuals and businesses who wish to support DRM’s mission and expand our capacity to serve more Mainers with disabilities. Become a DRM friend, ally, advocate or champion with a one-time or recurring gift! Donations can be made online or by check. To learn more about ways to give, visit: https://drme.org/donate or contact Julia Endicott at jendicott@drme.org.
Support DRM with Hannaford’s CLYNK bottle return program. Contact DRM and we will mail specially coded bags to your home or office.
Volunteer Opportunities
DRM is recruiting new candidates for our volunteer Board of Directors. By law, 51% of our board must be individuals with disabilities. Interested individuals, family members and those broadly knowledgeable about disability are encouraged to reach out.
The volunteer PAIMI Advisory Council advises DRM on priorities and issues important to people who receive mental health services in Maine.
DRM also provides intern/extern opportunities for qualified law students with an interest in public interest law. If you would like more information about any of these opportunities, contact DRM today!
