Disability Rights Maine

11/04/2025

Polls are open until 8:00pm! For accessibility concerns at the polls, call DRM's hotline at 800-452-1948.

Alt text: A navy blue background with text in white font that reads, "Your Vote Has Power." A cartoon image of a light blue ballot box. A navy blue and white logo at the bottom that says the letters "DRM."

10/31/2025

Another update to share, this time from MaineHousing:

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, MaineHousing regrets to announce that the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) will not open on November 1 this year. ECIP, a key part of the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP), relies on federal funds that have not yet been authorized due to the shutdown. HEAP funds typically cover critical heating assistance programs, including the $3 million ECIP, which provides emergency aid to thousands of Maine households facing an imminent heating crisis.” For Winter Heating Resources, visit

Maine Winter Heating Guide The Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER) publishes an annual winter heating guide to help Maine people save money, stay warm, and find heating assistance if needed during winter. The 2025-2026 Winter Heating Guide (PDF) is now available. Click the image below to vie...

10/31/2025

Check out this recent episode of Maine Calling featuring our Public Policy Director Sara Squires and DRM Deaf Services Advocate Lisa Penney talking about assistive technology: https://www.mainepublic.org/show/maine-calling/2025-10-28/assistive-technology

10/31/2025

Sharing some key messages from DHHS’ Office of Family Independence (OFI) regarding November SNAP benefits:

- The regularly scheduled payment of SNAP benefits for November would take place from November 10-14th
- If there is a sudden change at the federal level, payments could still go out – albeit with possible slight delays
- Any funds that are currently on EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards from October can still be spent, despite the shutdown
- Current SNAP recipients should ensure that their contact information is correct with My Maine Connection, so that they receive updates and information from OFI https://www.mymaineconnection.gov/benefits/s/?language=en_US
- Individuals and families can still apply for SNAP benefits, and when/if benefits become available (if they are eligible), they will be in the system and ready to go
- Information on SNAP benefits in Maine, including answers to FAQs can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement

Due to the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Maine that November SNAP benefits will not be issued at this time. Updates will be provided when additional information becomes available. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a monthl...

10/30/2025

An exciting relaunch of this excellent resource!

For Immediate Release
October 28, 2025

**Official Relaunch of Ability Maine’s Disability Resource Website**

MAINE—Ability Maine, a project of Resources for Organizing and Social Change, is proud to announce the official relaunch of its website, featuring a complete visual redesign, an overhauled resource index, and exciting updates for readers and the Maine disability community.

The redesigned site offers an intuitive, modern interface that makes it easier than ever to access the wealth of information Ability Maine provides. A completely restructured resource index now includes dedicated sections for resources by disability type, by county, and by state-provided services. Additional sections provide guidance on adaptive sports, assistive technology, community connection, and disability-related news, alongside a new resource submission page that allows users to contribute helpful information to the platform.

In an exciting return, Breath & Shadow, Ability Maine’s celebrated literary journal publication, is back after a hiatus. Readers can look forward to an increased number of publications, rising from four issues per year to six, along with enhanced compensation for contributors. Full details on upcoming editions and submission opportunities will be available soon on the website.

The site also now hosts the archived and ongoing works of longtime Maine journalist Mike Reynolds, offering “Storytime” entries that explore the history and happenings of local Maine politics. These pieces provide a rich, engaging perspective for readers interested in the intersection of journalism, policy, and community life in Maine.

The relaunched Ability Maine website is live at abilitymaine.org, offering a central hub for information, inspiration, and engagement for people with disabilities, advocates, and the wider community.

10/28/2025

Another great resource for those facing food insecurity with the SNAP shutdown from Full Plates Full Potential:

https://www.fullplates.org/snap-shutdown

What can you do to help if November SNAP benefits are held during the government shutdown?

Over 170,000 Mainers are set to lose access to food assistance unless the USDA releases contingency funds - which are on hand and already approved by Congress - or the government reopens. We urge you to visit fullplates.org/snap-shutdown to learn how you can help, including contacting legislators, supporting local schools and food pantries, posting using a social media toolkit, and more.

Visit fullplates.org/snap-shutdown.

10/24/2025

Earlier this week, DHHS notified the public that November SNAP benefits will not be issued until the government shutdown ends or further guidance is received. This is deeply concerning to the nearly 170,000 individuals who receive SNAP in Maine.

Community members who are in need of food assistance during this time can access the following resources:

Good Shepherd Food Bank Food Map - https://www.gsfb.org/food-map/
211 Maine Basic Needs assistance - https://211maine.org/basic-needs/

Use Good Shepherd Food Bank's Food Map to find a local food pantry. We partner with over 500 hunger-relief organizations across Maine to help feed every county.

10/23/2025

We are so proud to celebrate Emeritus Professor and Director of the Rural Practice Clinic, Christopher Northrop (right), who was recently honored with the Attorney Change Agent Award by Disability Rights Maine! Atlee Reilly (left), Managing Attorney of the Education Advocacy Program at Disability Rights of Maine presented the award.

Throughout his incredible career—from representing low-income clients to founding and directing the Youth Justice Clinic at Maine Law for 16 years—Chris has been a powerful force for good. Now, even in "sort of" retirement, he continues to expand legal services in northern Maine with the Rural Practice Clinic.

Thank you, Chris, for your decades of service and dedication to justice. This recognition is so well deserved!

10/17/2025

Nearly half of Maine voters used absentee voting in the last election, but Question 1 on the November ballot would strip us of this right. This would be devastating to our rural communities, seniors, and people with disabilities. Follow for updates on how you can get involved. VOTE NO on Question 1!

10/15/2025

October 15th is White Cane Safety Day. Learn more from the American Council of the Blind!

Today is White Cane Safety Day – also known as Blind Americans Equality Day – a day to honor the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision and recognize the importance of the white cane.

On this day and every day, ACB reaffirms its commitment to creating a world where people who are blind or have low vision can navigate freely and independently. Check out a list of white cane laws by state on our website here: https://www.acb.org/white-cane-laws-states.

Read ACB’s White Cane Safety Day message: https://www.acb.org/recognizing-white-cane-safety-day-celebrating-independence-and-accessibility.

10/14/2025

Augusta Area residents - need a ride on Election Day to the Civic Center? Two vans will be providing shuttle rides on Election Day!

Learn more:

The city has rented two vans to transport people from previous votings sites to the Augusta Civic Center and back.

10/14/2025

Tonight at 7pm - Hannaford Hall, 88 Bedford St, Portland, ME

The rule of law is the foundation of our democracy. But what happens when that foundation begins to crack? Join Maine Lawyers for the Rule of Law for a public forum aimed at answering this question.

Not able to join in-person? Watch the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_ND2cdwkaiLjyw_mGBRNg