The Board of Directors will consider the following criteria in evaluating an application for services offered by By Their Side, Inc.:

1. A diagnosis of developmental disability, with or without other disabilities, and/or considered eligiblefor services by the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
2. State of Maryland as the primary service area.
3. A Psychological Evaluation completed within three years of the date of application.
4. Each application will be considered by the Board of Directors individually based on the ability of the organization to meet the needs of the applicant.

(By Their Side, Inc., complies with all federal and state laws and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origion or ancestry, or physical disability.)

1. Print application form and mail completed form to By Their Side.
2. Receive approval by the Board of Directors.
3. Complete payment of sponsorship fee.
4. Establish an information file which documents the family, medical, and program history of the client and outlines the client's and family's interest and goals.

Implementation

Services can begin immediately and can accelerate with the death or disablement of the client's sponsor(s).

1. Activates advocacy services delivered by volunteers and By Their Side staff contracted on a fee-for-service basis.
2. Includes interaction with any named legal guardian or specified family member.
3. Level of advocacy is determined on a case by case basis and availability of resources. Sponsors are encouraged to establish a source of funds to pay for needed supplemental services.

Letter of Intent
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. A Letter of Intent worksheet can be filled in by families and is used by By Their Side staff as they begin to work with your family member.