About Us

History

The Epilepsy Association of Maryland was incorporated in 1964 by a group of physicians and parents of children with epilepsy who recognized a need for more than just medical treatment for individuals with epilepsy.

As time progressed, the organization began providing services to individuals with varying types of disabilities. To reflect a broader targeted population, [Abilities Network] was incorporated in 2000, and has grown from the volunteer-driven facilitation of support groups and public/professional education to our current extensive and varied organization.

Through its many expansions over the past 40 years, [Abilities Network] continues to work hand-in-hand with our sister organization, the Epilepsy Foundation of the Chesapeake Region, (EFCR). Today over 21,000 people are served statewide through a multiplicity of programs and services made available to individuals diagnosed with varying disabilities and to families at-risk.

Our Organization

Our mission is to provide customized services to children, adults and families of differing abilities that focus on one-on-one supports to foster broadened, more inclusive communities through education, training and advocacy. [Abilities Network] helps to create a personal path to independence by seeing abilities, not disabilities.

[Abilities Network] is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities to achieve their personal goals and reach their maximum potential. Services are customized to offer individuals and families choices. We provide extensive training opportunities for families, child care providers, teachers, and community members with the goal of fostering inclusion. The children, adults and families we serve are affected by a variety of at-risk factors, including a diagnosed disability, lack of environmental supports, low-socioeconomic levels, and limited knowledge about resources and/or the capacity to access them.

The Standards for Excellence

Abilities Network is proud to display this Seal of Excellence awarded by the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations. Certification in the Standards for Excellence program is bestowed only to the most well-managed and responsibly governed nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated compliance with 55 specific Standards for Excellence into all its activities to successfully complete this voluntary certification program. For more information about the Standards for Excellence program, please visit www.StandardsForExcellence.org

Annual Report

2005 Annual Report (PDF Format)
2007 Annual Report (PDF Format)