July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate the disability community, honor the progress of the disability rights movement, and reflect on how we can all help build a more inclusive world. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law 36 years ago, transforming accessibility and civil rights protections across the country. Disability Pride Month honors that progress while reminding us that inclusion is ongoing work—work that continues today through advocacy, community, and everyday acts of belonging. 

Creating space to celebrate disability pride helps normalize it. Every conversation, shared experience, and advocacy effort deepens understanding and brings us closer to communities where everyone truly belongs. 

Whether you’re a family member, a Direct Support Professional (DSP), a friend, or an ally, here are five meaningful ways to celebrate Disability Pride Month. 

1. Take a Deep Dive into Pride 

One of the most powerful ways to honor Disability Pride Month is to support people with disabilities in embracing their own sense of pride. This means following their lead—not defining what pride should look like for them.  

“Everyone carries a self-image that shapes how they see both themselves and the world around them. For people with disabilities, it’s often those closest to them who try to define that image,” said Niki Jones, Director of Living Options & Services at Fello. “When we empower people with disabilities to discover and embrace their self-worth independently, we do more than uplift how they see themselves—we affirm that their self-image is truly their own.” 

Activity: My Story, My Way 

Invite someone you know to share what disability pride means to them, using whatever mode of communication feels most comfortable. That could include conversation, artwork, pictures, music, or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). 

The goal isn’t to shape their perspective, but to give them space to express themselves authentically and on their own terms. 

2. Learn About Disability Rights History 

Disability pride carries deeper meaning when we understand its roots. Learning about the advocates who challenged barriers and changed laws helps us appreciate both the progress that’s been made and the work that continues today. 

Fello’s The Movement That Made Us series provides a decade-by-decade exploration of the history of the disability rights movement. Reading it together creates an opportunity to reflect on the victories and milestones that have shaped what it means to live with a disability today. 

• The Movement That Made Us: The 1960s 
• The Movement That Made Us: The 1970s 
• The Movement That Made Us: The 1980s 
• The Movement That Made Us: The 1990s 
• The Movement That Made Us: The 2000s 

The disability rights movement was driven by self-advocates dedicated to making a difference—and that spirit lives today. Anyone can be a self-advocate, and Disability Pride Month is the perfect time to begin. 

Activity: Write a Letter to Advocate for Disability Funding 

Work together to write a letter to your elected officials. Encourage the person to share their story and why disability services are vital—not just for themselves, but for the broader goal of inclusion. Find your elected officials here. 

If they find this activity meaningful, encourage them to stay engaged. Fello’s Living Boldly group empowers people with disabilities to raise their voices and advance rights across Maryland—and new members are always welcome. 

3. Explore the Community Together 

Some of the most memorable moments happen when we step outside our routines and experience something new together. Shared experiences like these create opportunities for growth, confidence, and connection. 

Set aside a few hours to visit somewhere that matches the interests of the person in your life—a new restaurant, a tucked-away coffee shop, or a park they’ve always passed but never explored. Often, the most meaningful adventures are the ones closest to home. 

“Home activities will always have their place, but people with disabilities often feel most fulfilled when they’re out in the world engaging, connecting, and contributing as neighbors and community members,” said Jodie Colombo, Director of Day Services. “An active life builds self-pride and strengthens our sense of belonging in the neighborhoods where we live and work. That’s something that benefits everyone.” 

Activity: Pride Walk 

Invite friends and family to join a neighborhood walk while everyone wears or carries something that represents disability pride—such as a shirt, a pin, or a flag. It’s a simple, visible way to celebrate together and stand with people with disabilities in your own community. 

4. Attend a Local Disability Pride Event 

Disability Pride Month is celebrated with events across the country—and in Maryland, there’s no shortage of opportunities to come together, connect, and belong. 

• Baltimore’s Annual Disability Pride Arts Fest offers free, inclusive art workshops and performances celebrating the creativity and leadership of the disability community. 

• Montgomery Parks’ Disability Pride Outside features accessible and adaptive outdoor experiences—kayaking, guided boat tours, and birding—so that everyone can participate. 

• The City of Frederick’s Cultural Connection brings the community together for an evening of art that highlights the experiences and contributions of Frederick’s disability community through creative expression. 

Activity: Free Events at Fello at The Mall 

Every month, Fello at The Mall, located in the Annapolis Mall, hosts free, accessible events designed for people with disabilities and their families. On July 28 and August 1, join us for an afternoon of crafting and creating—and an opportunity to learn about Fello’s services and connect with resources in your community. 

5. Reflect on Your Own Journey 

Disability Pride Month isn’t only for people with disabilities. It’s an opportunity for everyone to consider how we each contribute to building a more inclusive community. 

Take some time this month to reflect on your own attitudes and beliefs about disability. Are there assumptions or biases that might be holding you back from being a stronger advocate? Where is there room to expand your understanding or challenge your perspective? 

Those questions aren’t always comfortable—but growth rarely is.  

“Pausing to reflect on our own beliefs and envision the future we hope to create is one of the most important steps we can take when supporting and advocating for people with disabilities,” said Joan Green, Director of Community Engagement. “Being the best advocates we can be is a lifelong journey of checking in and showing up. It takes intention, and it’s always worthwhile.” 

Make This Month Matter 

Disability Pride Month is a reminder that inclusion isn’t built through one big moment. It’s built through everyday choices—listening with intention, creating opportunities for connection, advocating for accessibility, and celebrating the unique strengths and experiences of people with disabilities.  

However you choose to celebrate, what matters most is being there—for the people in your life, for the broader disability community, and for the inclusive Maryland we’re working to build together. 

This fall, Fello is celebrating a milestone that’s bigger than just a number. Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for Fello at 65, an evening marking six and a half decades of impact, connection, and community. Together, we’ll celebrate the people, families, and partners whose support and advocacy have shaped our story and helped build a more equitable Maryland for everyone. 

Tickets are now on sale, and we invite you to be part of this special celebration.  

Since 1961, Fello has been creating opportunities, removing barriers, and helping people build the lives they want for themselves. What began as a grassroots movement led by families has grown into one of Maryland’s leading providers of disability services and inclusive housing. While much has changed over the years, we remain grounded in a simple belief: everyone deserves the opportunity to live the life they choose.  

What to Expect 

Fello at 65 will bring together supporters, community leaders, advocates, and friends for an evening of celebration and reflection. Guests will enjoy exceptional food, live music, and inspiring stories that highlight Fello’s lasting impact across Maryland over the last six and a half decades.   

The evening will also feature a special awards presentation recognizing five honorees whose leadership, generosity, and advocacy have expanded opportunities and strengthened communities across Maryland. Attendees can look forward to celebrating an extraordinary group whose contributions reflect the values that have shaped Fello’s past, continue to guide our work today, and point toward the future we’re building together.   

Event Details & Ticket Info

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location: The Hall at Live!
Tickets: $150

Individual tickets are now on sale. Tables of eight are also available, contact us to reserve yours today. Tables are expected to fill quickly—reserve your seats at this memorable event early.  

“Our 65th Anniversary celebration will be more than a reflection on Fello’s milestones—it will be a tribute to the many Marylanders who have been part of Fello’s journey,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO. “This milestone is about community and the relationships that have shaped our work over time. We hope you will join us as we celebrate together.”  

This Pride Month, Fello was proud to join communities across Maryland in celebration of visibility, inclusion, and belonging.  

On June 13, Fello team members attended Catonsville Pride and Delmarva Pride, joining hundreds of community members, advocates, allies, and organizations to honor and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.  

Across both festivals, people gathered to celebrate identity, build connections, and demonstrate their commitment to creating communities where everyone is welcomed and valued. Fello team members spent the day meeting attendees, sharing information about our work, and connecting with people who share our vision for a more inclusive Maryland. 

The following day, Fello also participated in the Delmarva Pride Center Brunch, bringing together advocates, community leaders, and supporters for meaningful conversations about inclusion, equity, and the work that continues long after Pride Month ends. 

“It’s wonderful to see Pride events in Maryland grow each year. Catonsville and Easton are examples of how these events bring hundreds of people together to celebrate the community,” said Joan Green, Director of Community Engagement. “Fello was glad for the opportunity to introduce our work, make new connections, and above all, stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.” 

For more than 65 years, Fello has worked to create opportunities, remove barriers, and help people build the lives they want. Our commitment to inclusion is rooted in both our mission and our culture. 

Every day, we support people in living the lives they choose, pursuing their goals, and participating fully in their communities. We also strive to create a workplace where employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Those values are at the heart of everything we do—and they’re reflected in our support of events that celebrate belonging, visibility, and self-expression. 

Pride is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder that inclusion requires ongoing action. At Fello, we’re committed to creating communities where people can live authentically, feel welcomed, and experience a true sense of belonging—not just during Pride Month, but every day of the year. 

This year, as Fello celebrates 65 years of supporting people with disabilities and building inclusive communities, we’re reflecting on the history of the disability rights movement and the milestones that helped shape the work we do today. 

For decades, advocates worked toward a powerful goal: the right for people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. By the 2000s, many of those hard-fought victories began to transform the everyday experiences of people with disabilities in community life. 

The decade marked a turning point. Institutions continued to close, self-directed services expanded, and new opportunities emerged for people with disabilities to pursue employment, housing, and greater independence. Just as importantly, public perceptions continued to evolve, reinforcing the growing understanding that people with disabilities belong in every part of community life.  

The End of Rosewood 

By the early 2000s, the shift away from institutionalization was well underway. States had been closing facilities since the 1980s, and changing public attitudes, legal challenges, and growing evidence of the benefits of community living accelerated the trend. By 2004, the number of Americans living in institutions had declined 79% from its 1967 peak. 

Maryland was part of that transformation. Over time, the state closed major facilities, including Henryton State Hospital in 1985, Great Oaks Center in 1996, and Crownsville State Hospital in 2004. But few closures carried greater symbolic significance than the closing of Rosewood Center. 

For over a century, Rosewood stood as Maryland’s largest institution for people with disabilities. By the late 2000s, incidents, investigations, and a critical report from the Maryland Disability Law Center made one thing clear: an inclusive Maryland wouldn’t be possible while Rosewood remained open. Years of sustained advocacy intensified calls for change.  

On January 15, 2008, Governor Martin O’Malley issued an executive order to close Rosewood. Less than eighteen months later, on June 30, 2009, Rosewood permanently closed—bringing an end to a painful chapter in Maryland’s history and marking the beginning of a new era of community participation and belonging. 

Self-Direction Comes to Maryland 

As more people with disabilities moved into communities, demand for services continued to grow. Families and advocates increasingly pushed for approaches that offered greater flexibility and personal choice. One model began to stand out: self-direction. 

Early pilot programs across the country demonstrated promising results. Between 1997 and 2001, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation supported self-direction pilots in more than 18 states. In Maryland, a grant enabled 15 people with disabilities across four counties to manage their own services—and participants reported stronger social connections, greater satisfaction with services, and increased independence.  

Maryland embraced the model. In 2005, the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) launched New Directions, a statewide program that allowed up to 100 Marylanders to direct their own services. That program became the foundation for the self-direction model that thousands across the state rely on today. 

Fello has been part of that work from the beginning. Since 2006, we have served as Maryland’s largest Financial Management Services (FMS) provider, supporting thousands of people in navigating Self-Directed Services and exercising greater choice in their daily lives. 

New Opportunities for Housing & Employment 

As barriers to community participation began to fall, attention increasingly turned toward two essential building blocks of independence: housing and employment.  

Across the country, new housing models emerged to support people with disabilities who wanted alternatives to institutional settings. 

By 2002, the number of group homes nationwide had tripled over the previous decade, and advocates pushed for greater access to affordable housing that allowed people to live where and with whom they chose. 

In Maryland, Fello helped advance that vision through our A Home of Your Own Project, launched in 1999. By the early 2000s, hundreds of Marylanders had benefited from the program, pursuing homeownership and securing housing that offered greater independence and stability. 

Today, Fello Communities carries that work forward, creating quality, affordable homes that help people live the lives they choose. 

Unemployment was also a barrier. At the start of the decade, only 23% of people with a disability in the U.S. worked an integrated job in the community. Closing that gap meant creating jobs that matched people’s strengths. 

Customized employment emerged as an innovative approach that focuses on each person’s unique talents and goals. Programs built around this model demonstrated that people with significant disabilities could succeed in competitive employment when provided the right supports. In 2003, a Maryland initiative achieved an 89% employment rate for participating people with significant developmental disabilities over four years. 

Fello launched its own customized employment program in 2004, opening new avenues to meaningful work and economic independence. More than 20 years later, our workforce development program continues to provide comprehensive support, helping people with disabilities not just find jobs, but thrive in them. 

The Power of Words 

The disability rights movement has always been about more than laws and services. It has also been about dignity, respect, and how society talks about disability.  

During the 2000s, a growing movement challenged the continued use of the “R-word.” Once a clinical term, it had long since evolved into a widely used insult and a source of exclusion for people with disabilities and their families. Advocates argued that language shapes perceptions—and that changing language was an important step toward creating more inclusive communities.   

The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, launched in 2009, brought the conversation to millions. It inspired widespread pledges of support for respectful language. News media use of the word dropped sharply between 2006 and 2010, and the momentum eventually reached the federal level. 

In 2010, Rosa’s Law removed the term from federal statutes and replaced it with more respectful language. The legislation was inspired by Rosa Marcellino, a young Marylander whose advocacy helped drive change nationwide. 

The campaign demonstrated a lesson that has guided advocates for generations: when people challenge assumptions and speak up for inclusion, culture can change.   

The Decade That Opened Doors 

The 2000s were a decade of expanding possibilities.  

Institutions continued to close. Self-direction gave people greater control over their services. New pathways for employment and housing became more accessible. The language around disability evolved, too—moving toward greater accuracy and respect. 

By the end of the decade, more people with disabilities were living, working, and participating in their communities than ever before.  

The progress achieved during the 2000s reflected a belief that has guided Fello since 1961: every person deserves to build the life they choose, and communities are stronger when everyone has the chance to belong.  

Next in the series: The 2010s—healthcare reform, employment-first policies, and Fello’s continued expansion of person-centered services across Maryland. 

On June 3, Fello was proud to be named the Charity of the Match by Annapolis Blues FC during their home match against Lionsbridge FC. Through the partnership, Fello had the opportunity to share our mission with Blues supporters while raising critical funds to support children with disabilities and their families across Maryland.  

At each home game, the Blues select a local nonprofit and donate a portion of ticket sales to support its work. As Charity of the Match, Fello connected with community members who may be learning about our organization for the first time and invited them to support opportunities for children and families throughout the state. 

“Community support is essential to the work we do,” said Caroline Slobodzian, Director of Development at Fello. “We’re grateful to the Annapolis Blues for choosing Fello as Charity of the Match and helping introduce our mission to new supporters. Partnerships like this create opportunities for people to learn more about our work and raise funds that directly benefit children with disabilities and their families across Maryland.” 

More Than a Match 

Before kickoff, Fello board member and self-advocate Anastasia Kulik joined Blues leadership and members of the Fello community on the field for a special pre-match recognition. Her participation reflected the leadership and lived experience that guide Fello’s work every day.  

On the field, the Blues gave fans plenty to cheer about. While the final result didn’t go their way, the evening was still a win for children and families throughout Maryland.  

Funds raised through the match will help families access critical supports and resources that open doors for children with disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive. From direct services and educational advocacy to financial support through the Family Fund, Fello meets families where they are and provides support at every stage of their journey.  

We’re grateful to Annapolis Blues FC, their supporters, and everyone who helped make the evening a success. Together, we’re helping create a Maryland where children with disabilities and their families have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. 

On Wednesday, June 3, the Annapolis Blues FC will take on Lionsbridge FC at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium—and every ticket purchased helps support kids with disabilities and their families across Maryland.  

Fello is proud to partner with the Annapolis Blues for a special community night benefitting our Children, Youth & Their Families program. Ten percent of all ticket sales from the game will directly support programs that help children with disabilities and their families access the resources, advocacy, and support they need to thrive.  

The first 750 fans through the gate will also receive a limited-edition giveaway, so plan to arrive early and enjoy a great night of soccer for a cause. 

Game Details 

Annapolis Blues FC v. Lionsbridge FC 

Wednesday, June 3, 2026  

7:00PM Kickoff 

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium – 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401

Tickets 

Use the following promo codes at checkout: 

Adult tickets: FELLO 

Youth tickets: FELLOY 

Note: Only one promo code can be used per transaction. 

Come out, cheer on the Blues, and help build a more inclusive Maryland—one goal at a time. 

About Fello’s Children, Youth & Their Families Program 

Fello’s Children, Youth & Their Families program supports not only the child, but the family and support system around them. Programs are designed to meet families where they are and provide guidance, advocacy, and resources throughout every stage of life.  

Services span three key areas: direct services, educational resources, and financial support. Together, these programs remove barriers that families often face when trying to access the services and opportunities their children need. 

Whether it’s one-on-one support at home, help navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, or a financial grant for therapy that insurance won’t cover, Fello’s Children, Youth & Their Families team works alongside families to help children reach their goals and build brighter futures. 

Learn more about our work with children and families.

One year ago today, Fello took a bold step forward in our mission. 

For 65 years, we’ve worked toward a Maryland where everyone belongs—where inclusion strengthens communities and people have the opportunity to live the life they choose. Becoming Fello gave a new voice and renewed energy to that enduring mission. 

Rebranding meant more than adopting a new name or logo—it was an opportunity to reflect on who we are, celebrate how far we’ve come, and envision where we’re headed as fellow neighbors, fellow citizens, and fellow advocates. 

In our first year as Fello, we did more than honor that legacy—we amplified it.   

Opening Access for People with Disabilities 

This year, we expanded our efforts to create even more possibilities for the people we support.  

Opening Fello at The Mall 

Annapolis is where our services began 65 years ago, and this year, we continue to invest in the community that started it all. In February, we opened Fello at The Mall—a welcoming, accessible space inside Annapolis Mall where people with disabilities and their families can drop in for resources, support, and connection. Already, more than 1,000 people have walked through the door, leaving more informed, better supported, and reminded that they belong in the community. 

Advancing Wellness for All 

In 2024, Fello launched Health Connection—an on-site clinic providing urgent and primary care to our employees. Just four months after we became Fello, we expanded that resource to the people we support, creating a convenient, affordable pathway to essential healthcare that too many in our community struggle to access. 65 years ago, the conversation around healthcare for people with disabilities was very different. We’re proud to move the needle forward and connect people with disabilities to the person-centered healthcare they need and deserve. 

Supporting Children & Families 

Through Fello’s Family Fund, we awarded $136,071 to 116 families across Maryland this year, helping children with disabilities to access therapies, adaptive equipment, and services that insurance doesn’t cover. At this year’s Golf Fore Kids tournament, our community raised more than $271,000 in support of our Children, Youth & Their Families program. Children with disabilities and their families have more options for success and community integration now than they did in 1961 when we were founded—and we are proud to be part of that change.  

Building Affordable Housing & Inclusive Communities 

Since we opened our first home in the 1970s, Fello has worked to expand inclusive housing opportunities across Maryland. Today, that commitment has grown into more than 150 housing units shaped by our community’s needs and values and designed to create stability and connection for people and families throughout Maryland. 

This milestone year saw the debut of a major community-centered development and the launch of new projects to expand affordable housing and strengthen communities. 

The Laura House Opens 

In April 2026, we unveiled The Laura House—a newly constructed, mansion-style residence featuring seven two-bedroom apartments designed to thoughtfully fit within the surrounding neighborhood, blending affordability with market-rate options.  More than just a building, The Laura House is a place designed for stability, dignity, and long-term belonging. Creating housing has been central to our success from the beginning, and The Laura House is an exciting next step in our story. 

The Beginnings of Silo Court 

Our founders knew in the 1960s and 1970s that true inclusion for people with disabilities in their communities would require a revolutionary new way of thinking about how communities look and feel. Within this first year as Fello, we broke ground on Silo Court, a new community of 28 thoughtfully designed townhomes that prioritize both affordability and quality. Seven of these homes are dedicated to affordable housing, creating opportunities for families to live in homes they can be proud of in a welcoming neighborhood. 

Early Stages of Easton Crossing 

This year, Fello received full approval to develop Easton Crossing, an ambitious transformation of a former agricultural site in Easton, MD, into a vibrant, people-focused neighborhood with mixed-income housing, commercial space, green spaces, and more. Our founders never could have predicted that their vision of inclusive communities for their children with disabilities would someday lead to something as innovative and revolutionary as Easton Crossing. We are proud to be here, still doing the work, and making more inclusive communities a reality. 

Supporting the People Behind the Mission 

Over the last 65 years, thousands of employees have been part of Fello’s story, and our incredible achievements during our first year as Fello were only possible because of the passionate, dedicated leaders across the organization. In our first year as Fello, we continued to invest in our employees, the people who continue to bring our mission and vision to life 65 years later.  

Expanding Total Rewards 

We expanded our Total Rewards package with families in mind, adding two extra weeks of paid family leave for expecting parents, introducing a 529 college savings account open for employees’ children and grandchildren, and increasing PTO rates for part-time employees. Each addition reflects our commitment to supporting our employees as people, so they can continue showing up for the people we support, each other, and our communities. 

Developing Leaders at Every Level 

We launched the Leadership Institute to give every manager at Fello the tools they need to lead more effectively, introduced a Table Talks with Jonathon series to foster open dialogue between executive leadership and managers, and launched our Women’s Leadership Series to connect and support women Directors and Executives across Fello. 

Launching Fello Pulse 

Almost one year to the day since we became Fello, we launched Fello Pulse, an internal platform that gives employees a place to connect, share, and celebrate one another. Whether highlighting achievements, exchanging ideas, or sharing personal updates, Fello Pulse helps build the relationships that strengthen our team and our mission. 

The Next Chapter 

Becoming Fello wasn’t a new beginning—it was the next chapter in a mission six decades in the making.  

One year into this new chapter, our progress reflects what’s possible when people come together behind the shared belief that everyone belongs. United in purpose, energized for the future, and grounded in 65 years of impact, we look forward to continuing to build communities where every person has the opportunity to thrive.  

Despite a cold and rainy start to the day, supporters showed up in full force for this year’s Golf Fore Kids tournament at Queenstown Harbor Golf—umbrellas in hand, ready to support children with disabilities and their families.  

By the afternoon, the clouds began to clear, the sun came out, and the day ended the same way it began: with a community showing up for one another.  

This year’s Golf Fore Kids tournament welcomed 248 golfers and raised an incredible $271,170 to support Fello’s Children, Youth, & Their Families programs.  

Supporting Children and Families 

While the event is built around a day on the course, the impact reaches far beyond golf.  

Funds raised through Golf Fore Kids help children with disabilities and their families access advocacy, resources, inclusive opportunities, and critical support systems throughout the year. For some families, that means guidance in navigating school supports and services. For others, it means connection to community, resources after a new diagnosis, or opportunities for children to build confidence, friendships, and independence.  

At its core, Golf Fore Kids ensures that children and families know they are not navigating these challenges alone.  

A Community That Shows Up 

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out and supported this year’s tournament,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of Fello. “The support we saw throughout the day will create lasting impact for children and families across our community.”  

From the course to the clubhouse, the day reflected a shared commitment to equity and access for children and families. “Every golfer, sponsor, and volunteer helped create opportunities for children and families to be seen, supported, and included,” added Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families.  

The community also generously showed up in moments throughout the day, including a 50/50 raffle that raised $5,380 in support of Fello’s Family Fund, with the winner donating $1,000 of the winnings back to Fello—further extending the impact for children and families. 

Throughout the tournament, golfers enjoyed on-course contests, food and refreshments, and an afternoon celebration as the weather finally turned in everyone’s favor. The day also featured plenty of friendly competition across both the River and Lakes courses, with golfers competing for top honors and contest prizes. 

Fello extends a sincere thanks to every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, donor, and supporter who helped make this year’s tournament possible.  

Tournament Winners 

River Course – First Place

• Bob Park  
• Tim Park  
• Anthony Hanagan  
• Jimmy McCartin  

River Course – Second Place 

• Chris Chick  
• Pat McIntyre  
• Jim Schaefer  
• Doug Gentilcore 

Lakes Course – First Place

• John Shearin  
• John Camden  
• Larry Simmons 

Lakes Course – Second Place

• Matt Ruby  
• Aaron Matty  
• Nick Gary  
• Kenny Gary

Contest Winners 

River Course

• Women’s Longest Drive: Kinsey Shifrets  
• Men’s Longest Drive: Dylan Neperl  
• Closest to the Pin: Lucas Grabbe  

Lakes Course 

• Men’s Longest Drive: Jonathan Heaton  
• Closest to the Pin: Ben Smith 

See You Next Year 

Mark your calendars now—Golf Fore Kids returns on May 10, 2027. We look forward to welcoming golfers and supporters back for another unforgettable day supporting children and families across our community.

This year, as Fello celebrates 65 years of supporting people with disabilities and building inclusive communities, we’re reflecting on the history of the disability rights movement and the milestones that helped shape the work we do today. 

The 1980s were a decade of resilience. Advocates defended hard-won victories while continuing to work toward the changes needed to empower people with disabilities to participate more fully in their communities. 

That determination paid off. The 1990s brought groundbreaking civil rights protections at the national level and meaningful progress closer to home—achievements that continue to shape the lives of people with disabilities today. 

A Victory Decades in the Making 

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, marking a historic victory for people with disabilities. The ADA extended civil rights protections across key areas of public life, helping ensure that people with disabilities had the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. 

The victory didn’t come easily. The ADA was rewritten multiple times and faced opposition from some lawmakers and business groups. But advocates understood what the ADA would mean for everyday life—and they refused to let its potential slip away. 

Self-advocates played a critical role. By openly sharing their stories and describing what life looked like without basic protections, they helped lawmakers better understand the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity. 

The movement reached a turning point on March 12, 1990, when hundreds of advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., to demand action. In a moment that captured the nation’s attention, attendees left behind wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility aids to climb up the Capitol steps—a powerful symbol of what the law would mean for their dignity and freedom. 

That sustained advocacy carried the ADA across the finish line, earning bipartisan support, expanding civil rights protections, and reshaping public understanding of disability nationwide. 

Taking the Lead 

The momentum created by the ADA energized advocacy efforts nationwide. At the same time, decades of grassroots organizing helped expand access, visibility, and civil rights protections for people with disabilities. 

In Maryland, organizations like Fello helped move that work forward. Founded by families advocating for greater opportunity and inclusion, Fello continued to encourage policies that supported people with disabilities and their families in communities across the state.  

By the early 1990s, Fello’s advocacy was focused on strengthening community support services, supporting the workforce that assists people with disabilities, and promoting full implementation of the ADA in Maryland. 

Fello also supported changes in education. In 1990, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was reauthorized as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fello advocated for stronger transition support services from school to work and to adult life, while also supporting more inclusive educational opportunities for students with disabilities.  

As advocacy efforts expanded, so did the self-advocacy movement itself. During the decade, the phrase “Nothing About Us Without Us” became widely adopted, capturing the growing demand for self-determination, representation, and belonging. Decades later, that phrase still rings out at rallies and in legislative halls as people with disabilities work to shape the decisions that affect their lives. 

That spirit continues today at Fello through programs like Living Boldly, where self-advocates continue to speak up, influence policy, and help create more inclusive communities across Maryland. 

From Institutions to Community 

As civil rights protections expanded, the 1990s marked a clear shift away from institutionalization toward true community living. 

In 1955, more than 550,000 people lived in state institutions across the United States. By 1998, that number had declined to approximately 57,000. More people with disabilities were finally living and participating in their communities.  

In 1999, the Supreme Court’s landmark Olmstead v. L.C. decision—built on the foundation of the ADA—ruled that unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities is a form of discrimination. The decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. 

Change was happening fast—and it was far-reaching. Between 1990 and 1999, the number of people receiving Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) grew by 558% as states expanded alternatives to institutional care.  

Maryland experienced that demand firsthand. Growing waitlists led the state to establish the Waiting List Equity Fund in 1994. In 1998, Maryland launched an initiative to place nearly 6,000 people into services over five years—early steps toward closing a gap that still exists today. 

Fello responded to those needs at the local level. In the early 1990s, Fello expanded our Individual Support Services Program—sending Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) directly into homes to stabilize families in crisis, prevent out-of-home placements, and support people in building the skills they needed to live more independently. 

That work reflected a growing understanding that inclusion starts with community. Having access to support, housing, education, and meaningful relationships gives people the opportunity to live the lives they choose. 

A Decade That Changed Everything 

The 1990s were a defining decade for the disability rights movement.

From the passage of the ADA to the Olmstead decision advancing the right to community living, the progress achieved throughout the decade continues to shape everyday life for people with disabilities today. 

These victories were built on decades of advocacy and a growing understanding that people with disabilities deserve the same rights and dignity as everyone else. The country wasn’t just listening to what advocates had to say—it was acting. 

The progress of the 1990s laid the foundation for even greater change in the years ahead—and reinforced a truth that continues to guide our work today: inclusive communities are stronger communities. 

Next in the series: The 2000s—more inclusive language, the rise of self-direction in Maryland, and the closing of Rosewood Center. 

This year, as Fello celebrates 65 years of supporting people with disabilities and building inclusive communities, we’re reflecting on the history of the disability rights movement and the milestones that helped shape the work we do today.

The 1970s marked a turning point for disability rights. Effective advocacy led to landmark legislation. People with disabilities were finding their voice in greater numbers. Community-based housing was expanding. The future pointed toward greater inclusion. 

But progress isn’t always linear. The 1980s brought new challenges—requiring advocates to protect what they’d achieved while continuing to push for expanded rights and access.

Advocates didn’t step back. They continued the work—defending important protections and pushing for the changes people needed to live more independently in their communities. 

Responding to Early Challenges 

A shift in federal priorities tested the disability rights movement early in the new decade. 

The Reagan administration tightened disability reviews for Social Security benefits, sending termination notices to nearly half a million recipients. Roughly 200,000 people successfully appealed. Public outcry moved Congress to pass the Social Security Disability Reform Act of 1984, raising the standard for termination and strengthening protections during the appeals process. 

At the same time, existing legislation faced new threats. The administration proposed regulatory changes that would weaken the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—two of the most important disability rights laws of the previous decade.

Parents, self-advocates, and allies mobilized. A nationwide letter-writing campaign sent more than 40,000 messages to the White House. By 1984, those efforts had made an impact—proposed rollbacks on both laws were abandoned. 

The disability rights movement was growing stronger—and harder to ignore. 

Legislative Victories Continue 

While advocates worked to protect existing rights, they also continued to push for new opportunities that would allow people with disabilities to fully participate in community life. 

In 1984, the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act helped reduce barriers to voting by requiring greater physical accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. Decades later, that right still matters. At Fello, members of Living Boldly, our self-advocacy group, learn to use voting machines, supporting confident, informed participation in the democratic process.

Housing also remained a priority. The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 extended protections to people with disabilities—reinforcing the idea that everyone deserves a place in the community and supporting the broader shift toward independent living.  

At the same time, legislation also addressed conditions in institutions. The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA), passed in 1980, gave the Department of Justice the power to investigate abuse and neglect in public institutions. In the years that followed, facilities like the Rosewood Center in Maryland came under increased scrutiny for failing to provide adequate care. Rosewood’s population would continue to decline as community-based living alternatives grew. 

These changes mattered because they made everyday life more accessible, giving people greater access to housing, community, and the ability to make their own choices about how they live.  

Progress on a Local Level 

The national energy was only part of the story. Closer to home, Fello was advancing this work in meaningful ways—creating new pathways for people with disabilities to live more fully in their communities. 

In 1981, we opened Langton Green, increasing access to community-based housing and advancing the shift away from institutional living. It was part of a broader commitment to creating places where people could live with independence, stability, and connection. 

As the need for community-based supports increased, Fello expanded. In 1980, we launched a summer vacation program—creating opportunities for people to have new experiences, strengthen relationships, and be part of the community in different ways.  

That focus on opportunity and inclusion continued in 1982, when we co-sponsored College for Living with Anne Arundel Community College, opening doors to learning and personal growth beyond traditional settings. 

By 1987, as the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) increased support for community-based services, Fello broadened its family and individual support services, paving the way for what would become our Children, Youth & Their Families program—helping families live more independently and build lives rooted in the community. 

National advocates and local organizations like Fello were more determined than ever. Together, they were laying the groundwork for a transformation that was just around the corner. 

The Beginnings of the ADA 

Amid the victories and setbacks of the 1980s, one of the movement’s greatest achievements quietly took shape—the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

In 1986, the National Council on the Handicapped released Toward Independence, a report that outlined the barriers people with disabilities faced and made a clear case for comprehensive civil rights protections. In 1988, the Council published a follow-up report, On the Threshold of Independence, which included a draft of what would help shape the ADA. 

These reports were part of a broader push for civil rights legislation, highlighting the gap between existing laws and everyday experiences. The ADA was first introduced in 1988 and reintroduced in 1989, gaining momentum as advocates across the country rallied behind it. 

After years of effort, the ADA was signed into law in 1990, securing civil rights protections that the movement had fought decades to achieve. It was a victory built on generations of advocacy, and proof that a movement determined enough can change everything. 

The Movement Moves Forward 

The 1980s were a decade of resilience and progress for the disability rights movement. 

The decade brought challenges, but each one reinforced what advocates already knew: lasting progress requires persistence, and communities grow stronger when people continue to speak up, even in the face of setbacks.

By the end of the 1980s, the movement’s momentum was undeniable—setting the stage for one of the most defining decades in disability rights history.

Next in the series: The 1990s—the impact of the ADA, the expansion of education rights with IDEA, and a landmark Supreme Court decision that affirmed the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities.