Programs that provide services to Maryland's disabled residents were awarded grants totaling more than $325,000, the Maryland Department of Disabilities said Wednesday.
Much of the funding went towards community-based crisis intervention programs connecting first responders with resources that improve communication, identify mental health resources for those in crisis, and ensure officer and community safety, the department said.
The Carroll County Health Department's Third Annual Crisis Intervention Training Conference was among the grant awardees. The Affiliated Sante Group Baltimore County Crisis Intervention Team received funding for expanded crisis intervention programming. The de-escalation crisis intervention program "Hearing Voices," run by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, was also a recipient. In Frederick and Washington Counties, a law enforcement training program teaching officers how to respond to emergency calls with individuals with disabilities also won funding.
Additional funding was awarded to the National Federation for the blind to enhance the work of the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual access, the Youth Leadership Forum to cover costs of the Personal Care Attendants and nursing services at a summer youth forum at Towson University, the Metropolitan Washington Ear, Inc. for a toll-free telephone line that serves as a dial-in news and information service, and the Independence Now, Inc. to cover transition costs for individuals working with the Centers for Independent Living.
