Welcome to Family NET Works, the most comprehensive online resource for disability-related information and supports specific to the needs of Maryland families that include a member with a developmental disability. This is an ever-changing, interactive site designed to empower families across the state to share, discover and connect with one another. The photographic icons above will connect you to a wealth of information on a wide range of issues that cover the lifespan. You may also want to get connected and informed by participating in some of the events listed on our calendar.
We value your feedback, encourage you to submit additional resources for the site, and to actively connect with other families throughout the state by joining the Family NET Works Egroup today!
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities
Council is overseeing the Family NET Works project under a grant
from the U.S. Administration on Developmental Disabilities. The project
was developed in partnership with people with developmental disabilities,
parents, advocates, service providers, and state agencies.
Family NET Works is focused on:
- Improving and increasing supports and services available to Maryland
families that have a child with a developmental disability;
- Increasing families' knowledge and understanding of a wide range of
traditional, generic, and progressive family supports so they access
the services they need; and
- Reaching families that have traditionally been underserved, especially
those who are from cultural or linguistic minority backgrounds and those
new to Maryland.
Components of Family NET Works are this website, and the Family NET Works egroup, which we hope you find interactive, family-friendly and very useful. Another key component is through the awarding of mini-grants and support grants, through which outreach, training, and empowerment of underserved and un-served families has occurred.
The following values have shaped the content of the Family NET Works
site:
- Communities are rich and diverse. This project encourages communities
that value every one, regardless of where they are perceived to fall
on the spectrum of ability.
- The term "family" is used to define any configuration of
people who are supportive to an individual with a disability, in the
way a family is recognized as doing; and whom the individual recognizes
as their family, regardless of whether there is a blood relation or
if the involved individuals reside in the same household.
- Services should focus on the entire family- the person with the disability,
parents, siblings and other involved people.
- Families and individuals should have personal choice and control over
their lives. They should be full partners in support systems.
- Services should be reliable and easily available, but not imposed
on families.
- Care and support received from extended family, friends, neighbors,
and religious and community organizations is important.
- All supports should be provided within the community; and, individuals
and families needing supports should be the ones to determine which
supports best meet their needs. They should have control over funding,
delivery, and quality of supports.
- All communities and the supports they provide should welcome and be
fully accessible for every citizen. Whenever possible, people with disabilities
should access the same services and supports that members of the community
without disabilities access.
- Families deserve support to care for their family member at home,
in a manner that builds on social networks and natural resources.
- Services and supports should encourage inclusion of individuals with
disabilities in their home communities.
Contact Information
How to Use the Site
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