Mission Statement

By Their Side guides families and advocates for Marylanders with developmental disabilities. By Their Side believes everyone deserves respect, choices, and quality of life. We support our mission

• through lifelong personal advocacy for those we serve;
• by protecting the legal rights of our clients;
• by guiding our clients through the maze of resources in the service delivery system; and
• by assisting families with transition planning.

We understand your concerns.

For more than 40 years, our organization has been working with Marylanders with developmental disabilities and their families. When you join By Their Side, we will get to know both you and your family member well. We know how to navigate the complexities of the state support system on your behalf and we will advocate for placements with appropriate state-funded programs. We will participate in the formulation of appropriate service plans, and follow up to make sure they are carried out in accordance with his/her best interests.

We will provide professional support to your trustees to make sure that the specific funds you’ve bequeathed are spent wisely in your loved one’s behalf. If siblings, relatives, or legal guardians are looking after your loved one’s interests, we will provide professional support to help them ensure that your son or daughter’s needs are met. If there are no family members available to serve as advocates for your loved one, then we will be there to carry out your wishes when you are no longer able to do so.

Here’s what we do:

• Make regular visits to your family member with a disability, to assess his/her well being and the quality of care provided.
• Attend Individual Planning meetings to represent your loved one’s interests.
• Review reports from service providers, noting any areas of possible concern.
• Maintain phone contact with service providers to monitor care.
• Advocate for changes when appropriate.  We look for any and all factors that can improve your loved one's quality of life.
• Advise your Trustee/Advocate regarding planning for your loved one's needs and carrying out appropriate expenditures on his/her behalf.