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W
hether caring for a young
child or teenager with
a disability, an aging parent or
friend, Caregivers may find
themselves navigating their way
around what may seem like miles
and miles of bureaucratic red tape and limited resources.
Managing the day-to-day challenges of caregiving can lead
to feelings of frustration and a sense of being overwhelmed.
Disability rights laws and regulations offer certain protections
and safeguards. To be effective advocates, Caregivers should
have some idea of the relevant laws and protections they
offer. Those caring for school aged children with disabilities
may be afforded certain rights under the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act. The IDEA sets out specific requirements
for public schools to identify and evaluate children with
suspected disabilities and determine eligibility for special
education and related services. For eligible children, the
IDEA mandates the provision of certain services, including
those regarding suspensions and other disciplinary action.
Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in
any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance,
including public schools. The Americans with Disabilities
Act is a federal civil rights law that prohibits states, local
governments and places of public accommodations from
discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities.
Protections are also afforded through the Fair Housing Act,
which prohibits discrimination in housing and many other
anti-discrimination statutes. Having some awareness or
knowledge of relevant laws and their safeguards will equip
Caregivers with the confidence to
be better systems navigators and
advocates.
Effective
advocacy
includes
knowing when to seek help and
call upon available resources. There is a vast array of resources
available to Caregivers. Local human services agencies such as
the Maryland Department of Social of Social Services or the
Howard County Department of Community Resources and
Services may serve as a good starting point in the Caregiver’s
journey to acquiring information or support. Another helpful
resource is the local Aging and Disability Resource Centers
(ADRC), known locally as Maryland Access Point (MAP).
Maryland Disability Law Center is Maryland’s designated
Protection & Advocacy agency, which has as its focus, the
advancement of rights of people with disabilities and may
serve as a legal resource for Caregivers. In instances where
there are accessibility questions or concerns, Caregivers should
know that they may call upon Americans with Disabilities Act
employees in local government as well as their local Office of
Human Rights. In addition to local government and nonprofit
organizations, there are many caregiver support groups - from
Alzheimer’s to Zika Virus - and many free or low cost classes
that are designed to enhance caregiving skills.
The road of caregiving and advocacy can be a rough and
bumpy one - a road that is fraught with hills and turns - but
despite the long stretches of sometimes inevitable hardships,
Caregivers are not travelling that road alone. Available
resources are myriad and are there to be used.
Caregivers and
Disability Advocacy
By
MICHELLE A. HENRY
ADA Coordinator for Howard County Government
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H OWA R D C O U N T Y C A R E G I V E R G U I D E