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RSA-227 for FY-2025: Submission #61

Maine
09/30/2025
General Information
Designated Agency Identification
Disability Rights Maine
160 Capitol Street
Ste 4
Augusta
Maine
04330
https://drme.org
1-800-452-1948
1-800-452-1948
1-800-452-1948
1-800-452-1948
1-207-621-1419
Operating Agency (if different from Designated Agency)
Additional Information
Meghan Ryan
Meghan Ryan
1-207-626-2774 x204
mryan@drme.org
Part I. Non-case Services
A. Information and Referral Services (I&R)
8
0
0
0
0
2
10
B. Training Activities
14
399
Throughout this year, CAP staff updated existing trainings and developed additional comprehensive trainings on individual due process rights within Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services. CAP staff continued to provide trainings to new VR counselors throughout the year and increased our training to individuals with mental health disabilities, which proved very successful.

11/13/2024: Training on Employment First and Employment Advocacy at Maine Association of People Supporting People First (Maine- APSE), a conference hosted in collaboration by Maine’s Department of Labor, Education and Health and Human Services. CAP staff trained 160 professionals, including state employees, advocates and educators on the availability of the CAP, and common issues that can arise when individuals with disabilities access VR services. A total of 160 professionals attended this training.

4/22/2025: Training on Employment First and Employment Advocacy provided to Maine Community Health Workers. CAP staff trained professional health workers on the availability of the CAP, individuals rights for employment, and community integration. 36 professionals attended this training.

5/14/2025: Training on Employment First and Employment Rights at Hope Conference. CAP staff trained individuals with mental illness on their right to work, protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and availability of employment support services. 35 individuals with disabilities attended.

7/28/2025: DRM hosted a webinar discussion around the history of the disability rights movement as part of DRM's virtual Disability Pride activities. This discussion included the rights of individuals in employment and Maine’s existing Employment First policy. 27 people attended and 59 people registered. The recording is available on DRM's YouTube channel for future viewing.

7/29/2025: DRM hosted a panel of three self-advocates to share about their experiences with advocacy, including their experiences with employment and services available through Vocational Rehabilitation, as part of DRM's virtual Disability Pride activities. 28 people registered for the event and 16 people attended.

7/30/2025: DRM hosted the Executive Director of the National Disability Rights Network, Marlene Sallo, for a presentation on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at 35 and the future of the disability rights movement. This training was the third part in a series of virtual webinars designed to increase access to Disability Pride activities in recognition of the 35th anniversary of the ADA. 51 people registered and 33 attended.

9/16/2025: Training on Employment First and Employment Rights at Tufts Medical School- Maine Track. CAP staff provided training to medical students on individual rights to employment and the availability of CAP and employment advocacy services. 10 students attended.

9/23/2025: Training on Employment First and Employment Rights at annual conference for Speaking Up For Us. CAP trained individuals with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on their right to employment, requesting accommodations and the availability of the CAP and employment advocacy services. 20 individuals attended.

10/1/2024 – 9/30/2025: Throughout the year, CAP staff provided several trainings to new VR counselors. CAP staff trained new VR hires on the purpose and role of the CAP, issues identified through individual cases, and the rights of individuals when receiving VR services. The goal of this training is to ensure all new VR staff, and seasoned staff who need refresher training are educated about the CAP. These trainings also serve to strengthen relationships between the CAP and VR. Throughout this year a total of 62 new VR counselors attended.
C. Agency Outreach
Over the course of this fiscal year, Disability Rights Maine completed outreach activities throughout the State of Maine. A two-prong approach to outreach was developed; the first was a focus on the most rural counties. These counties, which geographically make up roughly one third of the state, have limited resources. The second prong, an expansion on outreach activities from the previous year, saw CAP staff completing outreach in collaboration with other DRM teams. Through this collaboration, CAP staff completed outreach activities at club houses, peer support centers and psychiatric hospitals throughout Maine. As a result of this intentional and wide-ranging outreach strategy, DRM reached a total of 5,878 individuals at 61 separate outreach events.
D. Information Disseminated To The Public By Your Agency
32
0
1
6360
61
97
DRM published an informational video on the CAP in FY23. During FY25, the video received an additional 97 views.
E. Information Disseminated About Your Agency By External Media Coverage
Although no specific to the CAP, Disability Rights Maine as an agency was featured in 394 external media mentions, including 11 radio or podcast shows, 95 television stories, 72 print publications and 216 online mentions. When information about DRM is carried out by external media coverage, it can lead to individuals learning about the CAP.
Part II. Individual Case Services
A. Individuals served
5
17
22
2
6
B. Problem areas
0
5
16
2
0
0
2
0
0
0
C. Intervention Strategies for closed cases
11
8
0
0
0
0
0
19
D. Reasons for closing individuals' case files
13
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
2
0
0
N/A- no value entered into D12.
E. Results achieved for individuals
2
0
0
0
11
0
2
2
0
2
During this year DRM completed intake assessments that did not result in cases due to one individual withdrawing their complaint and another individual not engaging with DRM.
Part III. Program Data
A. Age
1
6
7
6
2
22
B. Gender
14
8
0
0
22
C. Race/ethnicity of Individuals Served
1
2
0
3
0
13
2
1
D. Primary disabling condition of individuals served
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
19
E. Types of Individuals Served
7
0
16
0
0
2
Part IV. Systemic Activities and Litigation
A. Non-Litigation Systemic Activities
1
Two regional Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) agencies were found to be contributing to systemic concerns, involving distribution of providing timely services for people with disabilities. DRM gathered records and raised concerns in meetings with Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. Vocational Rehabilitation provided with DRM copies of updated CRP contracts, as well as sharing data reporting methods and quality assurance measures for the CRP’s that distribute VR services.

Additionally, CAP staff were involved in a number of other systemic activities in FY25, including the following:

1. DRM’s CAP program began regularly participating in the Maine Reentry Network meetings. These network meetings are focused on individuals within the state correctional system, focusing specifically on those who are working toward reentering the community. DRM attended three meetings to share information on individual rights to work and availability of the CAP’s employment advocacy services.

2. DRM holds a seat on the Commission on Disability Employment (CDE), which is a statutorily required committee of the State Workforce Board (SWB). CDE activities focused on ongoing efforts to promote disability employment statewide. CDE developed and then presented a training on disability employment to the full SWB. Following structural changes to the commission, the relationship and connection between the CDE and SWB has become disconnected. In an effort to solidify and strengthen the relationship between the CDE and SWB, the CDE with assistance of DRM drafted a request for a permanent CDE seat on the State Workforce Board.

3. DRM’s CAP program staff meets quarterly with staff of the Maine Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA). This continued collaboration allows the CAP and the WIPA to share key updates and trends that may impact individual accessing VR and community rehab providers. This year DRM followed up regarding a concern about accessibility of WIPA outreach materials and application for services.

4. DRM’s CAP program staff meets quarterly with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) leadership to discuss systemic concerns with the provision of BRS services as observed through individual cases, involving DVR, DBVI and Independent Living services. This remains the most effective method for making policy changes and to facilitate the changes described above. In addition, during FY25, DRM monitored and raised numerous issues with BRS leadership including:

a. Community rehab providers requesting information on intake forms that is not necessary for service delivery, and untimely distribution of services;
b. Client choice and involvement in developing referrals for evaluations as part of the VR Individual Plan for Employment process;
c. VR’s implementation of the new Post Grad Parent Plus Loan-EFC Financing form
d. Lack of CAP referral information provided by new VRC, CRP and CIL.

5. Participation on the DVR and DVBI State Rehabilitation Councils (SRC’s):

Membership on Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, State Rehabilitation Council (DVR/SRC) DRM attended all meetings held by the DVR SRC this year, which included its two work groups and a general whole business meeting. In the general meeting, VR reported increased staffing and provided an update on its waitlist categories. Currently, categories 3 and 4 are still closed. VR started to share data to highlight internal trends with applications, eligibility determination and case closures. Due to ongoing accessibility issues, the subcommittee created to update Bylaws has not been able to meet. The SRC-DVR goal to update their 2013 Bylaws to be compliant with WIOA continues. The website continues to require attention to ensure accessibility.

Membership on Division of Blind and Visually Impaired State Rehabilitation Council (DBVI/SRC) DRM attended all meetings of the DBVI-SRC this year, and one meeting of the Program Assessment Committee (PAC) within the SRC. PAC meetings analyze data of applications and case closures to identify trends, these data reports are shared with the SRC-DBVI to foster discussion regarding next steps. PAC is working to develop an all-in-one report with DBVI performance measures; looking to RSA Dashboards/WIOA standards/State-Partner Agreements, in an attempt to determine if the current performance outcomes are what was anticipated. Further development to continue in next fiscal year.


6. DRM holds a seat on the Maine Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), a new staff successfully transitioned into the CAP seat on the SILC during this fiscal year. Through active participation, increased financial transparency for the Center for Independent Living was achieved by encouraging the SILC to develop a finance committee. Additionally, DRM staff recruited an additional eight people with disabilities to join the SILC, increasing representation of people with disabilities across disability type, age and location.

7. CAP staff participated in the Policy and Working Group for the Moving Maine Network (MMN). The goal of MMN is to increase public transportation in Maine and ensure safe, walkable, streets. This year, the Policy and Working Group focused on a bill to improve MaineCare Non-Emergency Transportation (NET), which includes transportation to work. In the year prior, DRM and people with disabilities provided feedback about challenges with the NET system. People with disabilities reported missed rides, long wait times, and hours long trips for short distances. The working group and MMN then created a bill to implement a public facing complaint dashboard and Ombudsman Program for the NET system. The bill received 60 pieces of testimony in total. 59 items were in favor, the majority people with disabilities- the 1 piece of testimony against the bill was submitted by the MaineCare Director. Unfortunately, the bill was tabled by the legislature until 2026.

8. As part of our ongoing advocacy to improve transportation for people with disabilities in Maine, Disability Rights Maine (DRM) continued our active participation on the Public Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC). Over the course of the year, DRM contributed to the development, review, and finalization of the 2025 PTAC Biennial Report—ensuring that accessibility and disability perspectives were prioritized in statewide transit planning. Following the report’s release, DRM continued to monitor implementation efforts, including legislative actions such as the passage of LD 1359, which requires the Maine Department of Transportation to report on progress toward PTAC’s recommendations by December 2025. The most recent PTAC meeting focused on leadership transitions, planning for legislative follow-up, and addressing rural transportation challenges, including volunteer driver shortages. DRM’s consistent participation helped elevate accessibility considerations within Maine’s public transportation policy framework.
B. Litigation
0
0
0
The CAP at DRM is not involved in any systemic litigation at this time.
Part V. Agency Information
A. Designated Agency
External-Protection and Advocacy agency
Disability Rights Maine
No
B. Staff Employed
In FY25 the person-years staffing the CAP program was .80. This includes .64 FTE full-time staff, for which there was a 40% vacancy. Clerical staff, both full and part-time, comprise .16 FTE and there were no vacancies.
Part VI. Case Examples
Case Examples
DRM Advocate Assists Client with Obtaining Follow-Up Neuropsychological Evaluation to Assist with Employment Plan. An adult with a mental illness contacted DRM for assistance with accessing a second neuropsychological evaluation from Vocational Rehabilitation. The evaluator for the first evaluation did not have correct or updated information, and some conclusions were based on these errors. The client wanted to know the process for getting an evaluation to ensure she was involved. First, DRM provided self-advocacy education on how they could ask for another evaluation– which was successful. They were able to include a second Neuropsychological evaluation in their Individualized Plan for Employment. The DRM advocate also learned more about VR’s referral process, and educated the client. Finally, the advocate provided self-advocacy assistance to help the client prepare for her second evaluation. In a follow up conversation, the client shared that they’ve chosen a provider for the second evaluation and they know what they could do to self-advocate to make their questions heard.

Client Receive Tuition Assistance from VR with DRM’s Assistance. A young adult with autism contacted DRM for assistance to understand the post-secondary education accommodation process and accessing tuition assistance from VR. The DRM advocate shared information about the accommodations process, reviewed records for post-secondary accommodations at their university, and supported them in a meeting with the university’s Office of Disability Services. DRM also shared information about appeal rights and supported them in a meeting with VR. The client felt like the VR counselor was talking down to them. DRM assisted the client in drafting a letter, which resulted in a new VR counselor being assigned. The client shared that VR has successfully agreed to financially support the costs for school and felt better about working with their new counselor.

Client Accesses Driver’s Evaluation with DRM’s Help. A young adult with a physical disability contacted DRM for help accessing their informed choice of provider for a driver’s evaluation for assistive technology. A DRM advocate assisted the client in drafting a letter to VR, and escalating the issue to the regional manager after getting a vague response. DRM learned that as a result, the client had successfully scheduled a date the following month to complete the driver’s evaluation with their chosen provider.
DRM Advocacy Allows Client to Access Assistive Technology to Maintain Employment. An adult with a physical disability came to DRM seeking assistance with obtaining assistive technology in the form of a vehicle modification (a wheelchair lift) through VR that was needed to maintain their employment. A DRM advocate helped the client request an informal review of the denial, which was then paused to allow the client to complete a driver’s evaluation. During this time, the client’s employer stated that they would cover the necessary technology so that the client could keep her job, which the client accepted. Due to DRM’s advocacy, the client was able to access the vehicle modification that allowed her to continue employment.

DRM Helps Client Obtain Approval of Plan for Nursing Education. A young adult with mental illness contacted DRM for assistance with VR approval for her Individual Plan for Employment (IPE) to support her educational goals. DRM provided her with information about her rights and due process options. DRM provided technical assistance in requesting an informal review of VR’s denial to support her educational goal to participate in the Registered Nurse program. After making this request for an informal review, VR approved her educational goal, allowing her to proceed and access necessary financial resources to start her nursing program.
Certification
Reports are to be submitted to RSA within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this report. Please be reminded that you can enter data directly into the RSA website via the internet. Information on transmittal of the form is found on pages 19 and 20 of the reporting instructions.
Name and Title of Authorized Certifying Official
I agree to submit this form by electronic means. By signing this form electronically, I certify under penalty of perjury that my answers are correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that an electronic signature has the same legal meaning and can be enforced in the same way as a written signature.
Meghan Elizabeth Ryan
Project Director
Yes
2026-01-29
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