Resources

DORS will be one of forty-three service providers on hand to answer questions and provide details about services at the 2009 Disability Awareness Day on  Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Westfield Annapolis Mall (near the Pottery Barn). The Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues and the County Executive John R. Leopold are sponsoring the event.

The public can meet with individuals with disabilities, family members, and agencies that provide services to those with disabilities. The County Executive will present awards to individuals and businesses for their contributions to improving conditions for those with disabilities. Entertainment will be by Hands of Harmony and the OBI Bell Choir along with a demonstration by Canine Companions for Independence.

Exhibitors include Abilities Network/Epilepsy Foundation, Active Start, Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, Anne Arundel Community College, Arundel Community Development Services Inc., and the county’s Board of Education, Department of Health, Department of Aging and Disabilities, Department of Recreation and Parks, Department of Social Services, Office of Emergency Management, Office of Child Support Enforcement, and Police Department.

Also participating are the county Mental Health Agency, Arc of Central Chesapeake, Maryland Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, the county chapter of the Autism Society, Bello Machre, Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, Canine Companions for Independence, Chesapeake Regional Accessible Boating, the Coordinating Center, and Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services.

Additional providers are Gallagher Services, Health and Mobility, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Koons Mobility Center, Making Choices for Independent Living, Maryland Relay, Maureen Flanagan Speech for Kids, National Alliance on Mental Illness of Maryland, the Governor’s Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing, On Our Own of Anne Arundel County, and Opportunity Builders Inc.

The remaining participants are Partners for Success Resource Center, People Connect, Providence Center, The Seeing Eye Inc., Service Coordination, Special Olympics of Anne Arundel County, UCP of Southern Maryland, and Volunteer Center for Anne Arundel County.

The county Department of Aging and Disabilities is providing accessible curb-to-curb transportation for the event. Reservations are required and must be made by Oct. 21 by calling 410-222-4826.
 
For information on disABILITY Awareness Day, call 410-222-4383 or use Maryland Relay
7-1-1.