The Advocate Junkie LLC

04/16/2026

SECAC Resource Fair Vendor Spotlight

03/18/2026

Don’t miss out stop by Elijah’s house on April 4!

We are so excited to welcome Jasmine Moore-Mason to Eliza’s House!! Save the date on your calendar and join us for this fun and interactive event featuring her book, Jaden’s Special Superpower. See you on April 4th from 12-2 pm!

03/05/2026

Once again, DD services face big budget cuts.

Join the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition on Thursday, March 12th at 12 pm (noon) on Lawyers Mall in Annapolis. Together we'll let everyone know:

WE CAN’T GO BACK, AND WE WON’T GO BACK.

This is not possible without you! Please join us, wear red, and be ready to advocate. Learn more at https://mailchi.mp/md-council/2026-rally-ddservices

03/05/2026

🚌 Our Operators Are Trained to Help

Washington County Transit operators receive specialized training to assist riders with disabilities safely, respectfully, and professionally.

Whether it’s deploying a ramp, securing a mobility device, or providing boarding assistance, our team is here to help make your ride smooth and comfortable.

If you need assistance — just ask. We’re committed to making every rider feel supported.

✔ Ramp and lift assistance
✔ Securement support
✔ Boarding and alighting help
✔ Clear communication

Accessibility matters at WCT — and so does your experience.

👉 Learn more:

🔗 https://www.washco-md.net/transit/paratransit/
🔗 https://www.washco-md.net/transit-101/

03/03/2026

The Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), in partnership with The Arc Maryland, is urging providers, families, DSPs, and advocates to contact legislators starting tomorrow, March 3, as the General Assembly deliberates the DDA budget.

Governor Wes Moore’s proposed reductions total $155.4 million in State General Funds and $310.8 million overall. If these cuts move forward, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have their access to essential supports put at risk.

What’s at stake:
• Reduced one-to-one staffing for people with significant medical and behavioral needs
• A proposed budget cap that could mean fewer service hours, loss of meaningful day opportunities, and even potential discharge from services

These are not abstract numbers. They impact real people, real families, and real lives. For many Marylanders, these services mean stability, safety, independence, and community inclusion.

Take Action: Call or email your legislators and urge them to oppose these DDA budget cuts. Share how these changes would affect you or your loved one.

03/02/2026

Input needed - proposed changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver. We are hosting webinars on March 4 and March 11 to provide an overview of changes DDA is requesting to improve the long-term sustainability of the Community Pathways Medicaid waiver program. The webinar will also include a Question and Answer segment. The proposed changes to the current waiver will be considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We encourage the community to share feedback. DDA has opened a 30-day public comment period that runs through April 1, 2026. Comments can be submitted to [email protected] or mailed to: DDA Federal Programs Unit, 201 West Preston Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore MD 21201. Register for the March 4th webinar: https://bit.ly/3OTR6WS. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/4l8haJm.

02/26/2026

SAVE THE DATE📣❗

You're invited to the 6th annual virtual Wrightslaw Conference is on September 17, 2026!

Stay tuned for ticket information🎟

02/24/2026

Support Critical Disability Legislation!

Three major sets of bills are currently being considered that will protect services, improve transparency, and ensure no one is left behind during times of crisis.

📋 The Quick Summary:

Ralph’s Act (HB1015/SB721): Helps people moving to Maryland to live with family after losing a primary caregiver. It ensures they get an eligibility decision for services within 30 days so they aren't left without support during a tragedy.

The Self-Directed Services Act (SB583): Requires the DDA to give the public 90 days to comment before changing the Self-Directed Services Manual. This prevents "surprise" policy changes and ensures families have a seat at the table.

Maryland Protecting People With Disabilities Act (HB1445/SB742): Stops people from losing their Medicaid and DDA waivers due to administrative errors or paperwork delays. It requires the state to help people keep their coverage so their life-sustaining services aren't cut off.

How You Can Help:

We need to tell our State Senators and Delegates to vote YES on these bills!

Personal stories are the most powerful, if you’ve ever struggled with DDA waitlists or sudden policy changes, let them know.

Find Your Legislators
If you don’t know who your representatives are, use the official Maryland General Assembly lookup www.mgaleg.maryland.gov

02/23/2026

Following up on last week‘s developmental disability day at the legislature, here is some information on the FY27 DDA budget reductions and cost containment.

Please reach out to the following legislatures letting them know that these proposed cuts threaten the system that allows people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in their community.

Senate Budget and Taxation Committee:
[email protected]

House Appropriations Committee:
[email protected]

Your Local District Representatives
It is vital to contact the specific Senator and Delegates who represent your home address. They are most responsive to "constituent" stories.

How to find them: Use the Maryland General Assembly "Lookup" Tool

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/members/district

Presiding Officers:

Speaker of the House: Adrienne A. Jones
[email protected]

President of the Senate: Bill Ferguson
[email protected]

02/23/2026

Ready to give your property or business a facelift? The City-Wide Redevelopment Grant Program is officially open, and it's designed to put money back in your pocket while you level up our community.

Whether you're looking to modernize a storefront space, rehabilitate a mixed-use property, or tackle a major renovation, this program covers a full third of your project costs.

💰 The Numbers:
Eligible Project Range: $15,000 to $75,000+

Grant Amount: Get reimbursed for 1/3 of your total investment.

Your Impact: Transforming vacant or underutilized spaces into vibrant assets.

🏗️ What’s Eligible?
From structural upgrades to aesthetic overhauls, the grant supports redevelopment efforts that drive economic growth and eliminate blight. If you have a vision for a local property, we want to help you fund it.

Reach out to a City of Hagerstown Economic Development team member to discuss, or check out more details for this incentive program here: https://www.hagerstownmd.org/1561/City-Center-and-City-Wide-Redevelopment-

02/22/2026

One week left to get your grant applications in!

Rotary Club of Hagerstown Sunrise Foundation, Inc.
Is accepting applications from Non-profits for
Capital improvement funding requests.

Deadline: no later than 4:00 pm on February 28, 2026, using the Application Link:
https://form.jotform.com/sunriserotarygrants/application

Questions regarding this grant opportunity should be directed to: Ashley Whaley, Board Chair - [email protected].