Many resources exist to help adults navigate through valuable services available to them.

Employment resources, some specific to Maryland and others nationwide, are listed on this page for individuals with disabilities. Here you will find organizations, services, and programs that are available to help you start or further your career.

Maryland Resources

Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD)
The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) provides resources for employers--and job seekers--to include transitioning youth, about employment for individuals with disabilities.

Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Maryland One Stop Career Centers provide a full range of assistance to job seekers and businesses (free of charge). Job seekers and businesses will find Maryland One Stop Career Center leaders using state-of-the-art technologies to match people with jobs and jobs with people.

Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is the only national organization focused exclusively on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community.

National Resources

Association of People Supporting Employment (APSE)
The Association of People Supporting Employment is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Learn more about your state’s APSE chapter and how to get involved.

Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities (EAPD)
The Employment Alliance for People with Disabilities works to ensure the highest success and independence of Americans with disabilities.

Employment and Disability Institute
The Employment and Disability Institute advances knowledge, policies, and practices to enhance the opportunities of people with disabilities through projects, training, technical assistance, research, and publications.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) helps individuals with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace. If you have a question about workplace accommodations or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) can help.

Mid-Atlantic Americans with Disabilities Act Center
The Mid-Atlantic Americans with Disabilities Center provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) tailored to meet the needs of businesses, government entities, organizations, and individuals in the Mid-Atlantic Region (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV).

National Center on Workforce and Disability
The National Center on Workforce and Disability (NCWD) provides training, technical assistance, policy analysis, and information to improve access for all in the workforce development system.

National Council on Disability (NCD)
The National Council on Disability (NCD) provides resources on laws, regulations, and employment models. Publications consider preparation and transition to the workforce, federal and other public employment, and financial incentives.

Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is an exciting and innovative new program that provides work and career development opportunities for adults and students with disabilities. Find programs all over the country. 

Ticket to Work
The Ticket to Work and Self Sufficiency (Ticket) program provides Social Security disability beneficiaries with the choices, opportunities and support they need to enter the workforce and maintain employment with the goal of becoming economically self-supporting over time.

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee. This resource defines disability discrimination practices and associated federal laws and regulations.

The planning resources below will help prepare you, or your loved one for a successful future. Here you will find information on estate planning, proxy decision making, and health insurance.

Advance Directives
This resource provides a new, more user-friendly advance directive form and instructions.

By Their Side
By Their Side works with Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to make sure their wishes are addressed. We provide advocacy for health, safety, rights, and happiness, even when their parents can no longer be there.

Estate Planning
Estate planning helps provide for the care of your loved one with special needs during your lifetime, and ensures that your assets continue to provide for your child when you are no longer there. This brochure provides caregivers with helpful information regarding this process.

Making Medical Decisions for Someone Else: A Maryland Handbook
This resource serves as a guide for Marylanders who are faced with making medical decisions for another individual.

Maryland ABLE
Maryland ABLE accounts are a new way to help people with disabilities save money and pay for qualified disability-related expenses without jeopardizing state or federal means-tested benefits such as SSI or Medicaid.

Maryland Centers for Independent Living  (CILs)
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are community-based, cross-disability, non-profit organizations that are designed and operated by people with disabilities. They are unique in that they operate according to a strict philosophy of consumer control, wherein people with all types of disabilities directly govern and staff the organization. Centers for Independent Living provide: peer support, information and referral, individual and systems advocacy, and independent living skills training.

Planning Now: A Futures and Estate Planning Guide for Families of Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities
This guide is intended to help you plan for the personal and financial future of your family with a developmental disability. You can also use this guide to design a plan with your child that others will help implement in the future.

Supported Decision-Making
Effective October 1, 2022, a Maryland law allows adults to use supported decision-making to receive support to understand, consider, and make decisions themselves. This guide from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council provides helpful details about supported decision-making. 

The resources below provide helpful information on the services and benefits offered to veterans, active duty members, their families and dependents.

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors: 2014 Edition
This handbook, provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs, offers explanations for benefits available for veterans, dependents, and survivors.

Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs offers five major to assist veterans, active duty service members, their families and dependents.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Veteran Services
Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the VA. Find information on services related to healthcare, benefits, memorials, and more.

Veterans Benefits Administration
Visit your regional benefit office website to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.

Veterans Health Administration
Locate a medical facility by selecting your area on the map or typing your address in at the top.