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.  

By the 1970s, the momentum built by advocates in previous decades was beginning to transform the country. Disability rights leaders pushed for stronger civil rights protections, people with disabilities began organizing to advocate for themselves, and Americans started questioning whether institutions were the right place for anyone to live.  

It was a decade that would bring landmark legislation, growing public awareness, and a new vision for community living—changes that also shaped Fello’s work here in Maryland.  

Civil Rights Take Center Stage 

In the early 1970s, the disability rights movement gained momentum as people with disabilities, families, and advocates across the country continued pushing for stronger legal protections and greater recognition of their rights.  

Their leadership helped reshape federal policy throughout the decade.  

In 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children (EHA) Act guaranteed children with disabilities the right to a public education. For the first time, schools were required to provide the services and supports students needed to thrive.   

Building on Kennedy-era legislation originally passed in 1963, Congress enacted the Developmentally Disabled Assistance and Bill of Rights (DD) Act in 1975, strengthening protections for people with disabilities and recognizing their right to services that promote independence and community participation. 

But it was Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that became the first federal law to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. Despite its landmark passage, Section 504 went unenforced for years—prompting disability rights advocates to stage nationwide sit-ins at federal offices. Within weeks, activist pressure succeeded in securing enforcement of the regulations. 

The achievements of the 1970s were the result of focused advocacy, collaboration, and the voices of people directly impacted by barriers. That same energy fueled the rise of self-advocacy groups, giving people with disabilities the opportunity to speak for themselves, lead change, and shape the communities they call home.  

Self-Advocacy Reaches a New Height 

As people with disabilities began making their voices heard, the Independent Living Movement (ILM) emerged, grounded in the belief that people with disabilities deserve the same civil rights, opportunities, and control over their own lives as anyone else.  

Around the same time, the People First movement began, led by and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its message was simple and powerful: people are more than their disabilities. Today, People First has grown into an international network, inspiring self-advocacy worldwide. 

The self-advocacy movements of the 1970s showed that advocacy is not just about laws or policies—it’s about giving people the tools, support, and confidence to speak their truth.  

That same spirit continues today through Living Boldly, Fello’s self-advocacy program. Consisting of 36 members with disabilities throughout Maryland, Living Boldly members represent themselves, their ideas, and their interests to shape a more inclusive community for everyone. As they work with legislators and decision-makers, they also invest in themselves by learning new skills and techniques that empower them to speak confidently and lead change in their own lives and beyond.  

Advocacy has always been at the heart of Fello’s work. In the 1970s, that advocacy naturally extended to housing, because having a home in the community is central to independence, belonging, and full participation in life.  

Rethinking Housing 

For decades, institutional life remained hidden from public view, and people with disabilities had little choice about where or how they lived. In the 1970s, journalism and public awareness fueled the debate about what it truly meant for people with disabilities to live with dignity and highlighted the urgent need for change. 

One of the most widely viewed reports came in 1972, when journalist Geraldo Rivera exposed the conditions found in the then-largest state-run institution for people with disabilities in the nation. The footage shocked millions of Americans and sparked a national conversation about dignity, care, and human rights. Maryland experienced a similar moment when the documentary Throw Away the Key uncovered what was really happening at Rosewood, a notorious institution outside Baltimore. 

As the public confronted the realities of institutions, it became clear that true inclusion starts with a home—a place where people can live safely, participate in community life, and make choices about their daily lives. Across the country, group homes grew in numbers. By 1977, nearly 1,000 group homes operated across the U.S., providing people with disabilities the support they needed while living in neighborhoods, participating in daily life, and being part of a community. 

Fello was part of this transformational shift. The first group home in Maryland opened in 1971, the same year that Fello opened its first group home on Benton Avenue in Linthicum. Today, Fello still owns that property, which continues to provide housing to the people we support. Additional homes followed in Linthicum and Annapolis in 1975, and by 1978, Fello launched Alternative Living, Inc., an apartment-based community living program. 

Over 50 years later, housing remains a cornerstone of Fello’s work. Through Fello Communities, we maintain over 100 housing units throughout Maryland, and we’re continuing to expand with new developments throughout the region—all advancing our vision of quality and inclusive housing for all. 

Building Something Better 

The 1970s were a defining decade for the disability rights movement. Civil rights victories expanded accessibility and recognized the dignity and potential of every person. Acts of self-advocacy had an individual and collective impact nationwide. And for the first time, Americans were asking hard questions, with communities across the nation rethinking housing, creating opportunities for people to live with independence, connection, and choice.  

What happened nationally was reflected at the local level. Fello’s work—from advocacy and self-advocacy programs to creating homes in the community—set the stage for the person-centered communities we continue to build today.  

The lessons of this decade continue to guide us: change is possible when people speak up, communities listen, and systems evolve to put people first. As Fello celebrates 65 years of supporting people with disabilities, we carry this commitment forward, building on the progress of the past and creating more equitable, inclusive communities for the future.  

Next in the series: The 1980s—a decade of continued growth for the disability rights movement, a national shift away from institutionalization, and Fello’s expansion into family and individual support services. 

As Fello continues to grow its presence across Maryland, we’re opening a new kind of door—one that meets people right where they are. 

In Episode 9 of the Fello Thinking Differently podcast, Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, and Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Their Families, explore the vision behind Fello at The Mall. Located inside Annapolis Mall, the 5,900 sq. ft. space provides people with disabilities and their families a place to drop in for resources, support, and connection. No appointment needed. 

In this episode, Jonathon and Sara also discuss: 

• What inspired Fello to open a space in Annapolis Mall 
• How the space is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all 
• What families can expect when they walk through the door 
• How Fello at The Mall strengthens community connection in Annapolis

Listen Now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify 

Increasing Access in Everyday Spaces 

Fello’s work has always centered on meeting people with disabilities and their families where they are: in their neighborhoods, communities, and lives. We build services around each person’s unique goals and needs, reducing barriers to information and support along the way. 

Access shouldn’t require multiple steps. With Fello at The Mall, we’ve created a place where people can walk in, ask questions, and receive the resources they need without an appointment. 

“Here at the Annapolis Mall, where there is still traditional mall shopping, there’s also a richness of community,” said Jonathon. “We want to be where people are coming anyway and create that level of accessibility so we can include people with disabilities and their families right here.” 

Opening a space in a familiar public setting makes support easier to access and part of everyday life. 

Designed with Accessibility in Mind 

From the moment you arrive, Fello at The Mall feels different. An Information & Resource Specialist greets each visitor and learns about their interests, needs, and how Fello can support them. 

“From there, we can offer information, resources, and referrals to other team members within Fello—making it a person-centered approach to working with their families,” said Sara. 

The space was intentionally designed to be accessible—physically and operationally. It’s not a traditional office setting; it’s an open, welcoming environment where people and families can start a conversation about their goals and explore what support looks like. 

“It doesn’t feel like a storefront at the mall,” said Jonathon. “It feels like an intentional space that people can come for resources.” 

And because the focus is community, there’s something for the entire family. 

“We want to support the whole family, so we want to make sure that the resources we’re offering support not just the children, but any family members, parents, and everyone involved,” said Sara. 

A Continued Commitment to Annapolis 

Fello has long been part of the Annapolis community.

“Annapolis has been a big part of who we are, who we’ve been, and who we will be in the future,” said Jonathon. 

Fello at The Mall builds on that foundation. The space is a hub for creating new connections, strengthening partnerships with neighbors and community partners, and opening new pathways for people to learn about and access services, advocacy, and community engagement. 

“Families are really used to having to jump through hoops to be able to access services and resources for their children,” said Sara. “And I think having a space here at the mall is going to break down one more barrier for them, creating an accessible space where they can come in at their time and on their schedule, and get the support they need for their children.” 

Listen to the Full Conversation 

Listen to Jonathon and Sara talk about what Fello at The Mall means for families and the future of community connection in Annapolis. Tune into Episode 9 of Fello Thinking Differently today. 

Listen Now: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify 

Every March, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) invites communities across the country to recognize the contributions, leadership, and experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

At Fello, DDAM reinforces what guides our work every day: building communities where people with disabilities are included, heard, and empowered to lead.  

That commitment comes to life through Living Boldly, Fello’s self-advocacy group led by people with disabilities who are strengthening their voices and supporting one another in driving change.  

Finding a Voice 

Fello launched Living Boldly in 2022 to ensure people with disabilities are not just included in conversations about policy and community life—they are actively shaping them. What began with a focus on legislative advocacy has grown into a leadership space where members build confidence, develop practical skills, and learn how to advocate for themselves across all areas of life.  

“Self-advocacy looks different depending on the goal, something Living Boldly members understood from the very beginning,” said Rylie Shewbridge, Director of Government Relations. “They committed themselves to embracing a comprehensive approach to advocacy that prepares them for any situation or conversation.” 

Through peer-led meetings, skill-building workshops, and direct engagement with policymakers, members strengthen public speaking skills, deepen their understanding of issues that affect them, and practice navigating systems independently. They challenge themselves to step out of their comfort zones—whether by participating in financial literacy courses to better understand their purchasing power or by partnering with Fello’s behavioral health team to stay connected to their well-being.   

Each experience reinforces a powerful truth: self-advocacy is learned, practiced, and lived. 

Growing Leadership 

What began with just 10 members has grown into a dynamic self-advocacy group boasting 36 members across Maryland, organized into two chapters—Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore—with elected peer leaders guiding each chapter. 

Living Boldly is intentionally structured to center leadership. Members help set priorities and determine where their collective energy should focus. Fello provides support and guidance, but direction comes from within the group.  

“Fello’s role is to support Living Boldly, not direct it,” said Joan Green. “The members shape everything from meeting agendas to upcoming activities—and they lead with genuine enthusiasm and a deep awareness of their influence in the community.” 

As the group has grown, so has its vision. Members have expressed interest in expanding outreach and building connections with other self-advocates beyond Fello’s services, strengthening the network of disability leadership across Maryland.  

Proving What’s Possible 

In just four years, Living Boldly has built a reputation for showing up for the community, ready and willing to make a difference. 

Each year, members travel to Annapolis for Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature to share their experiences and advocate for policy priorities. In 2026, they joined hundreds of advocates rallying against proposed cuts to the Developmental Disability Administration—standing together to protect critical services thousands of Marylanders rely on.  

Living Boldly also shows up in their local communities. During Volunteer Day last October, Living Boldly members gave their time and skills to local organizations—and several have continued volunteering long after the event ended.  

Whether influencing policy or serving their neighbors, the message is the same: self-advocates are leaders, contributors, and changemakers.  

Awareness in Action 

DDAM reminds us that inclusion is built when people have opportunity, confidence, and support to advocate for themselves and one another.  

At Fello, we believe people with disabilities belong at the center of decisions that affect their lives. Living Boldly demonstrates what’s possible when that belief is put into practice. 

This DDAM, we invite you to join us in strengthening self-advocacy across Maryland.  You can make a difference by: 

• Speaking out against budget cuts to critical services 
• Supporting policies that expand access and opportunity 
• Following Living Boldly’s journey and other important updates on policy by engaging with Fello on social media 
• Amplifying stories that highlight leadership within the disability community

Awareness starts in March. Leadership, advocacy, and community impact continue all year—and together, we can help ensure every voice is heard. 

Fello is excited to bring back its annual 50/50 raffle, a fun and easy way to win big while supporting children with disabilities and their families. Every ticket purchased directly contributes to Fello’s Family Fund, which provides financial grants so families can access therapies, equipment, and other educational and life-enriching opportunities for their children. The raffle prize grows larger each year, with last year’s winner taking home over $3,000. Every ticket gives you an opportunity to win big while making an even bigger difference in our community. 

How to Participate 

While the winning ticket will be drawn at Fello’s annual Golf Fore Kids Tournament on May 11, you do not need to attend the tournament to be eligible to win.  

Tickets are now available for $5 each or five tickets for $20. Each ticket you purchase increases your chances of winning and your impact on the lives of families and children throughout our community. 

To get your tickets:

1. Click here or complete the form below.  
2. Select the number of tickets you’d like to purchase.  
3. Complete your payment securely online.

The raffle drawing will take place on May 11 during the tournament. Winners will be notified directly, and you don’t need to be present to claim your prize.

The Power in Your Purchase 

All proceeds from the raffle support Fello’s Family Fund, a 100% donor-funded program that helps families pay for essential services that are often expensive or not covered by insurance.  Founded in 2021, the Family Fund has distributed over $382,000 to 239 families, with 2025 being the most successful year for the program yet.  

Behind every grant is a child with unique goals and the resources that help build the right support around them.  

For Christa, watching her nine-year-old daughter Della’s mobility decline was heartbreaking. As her bones grew faster than her muscles could keep up, Della lost the ability to straighten her legs fully for more than four years.  

As Della approached her pre-teen years, Christa knew this was a critical moment. Children often experience rapid growth during this stage, and the right intervention can make all the difference for their future independence.  

After years of research, Christa found a specialist who offered a less invasive procedure, called PERCs, with the potential to preserve Della’s strength and mobility. Insurance deemed the costly procedure ‘cosmetic’. 

With a grant from the Family Fund, Della was able to receive the surgery over summer break, giving her time to heal and focus on physical therapy without missing school.  

The results were immediate and remarkable. Within weeks, Della was doing things once thought impossible—like standing up by herself. The impact of the surgery was more than physical.  

“This really reduced my stress as a mother,” said Christa. “Having to watch my child struggle just to move her own body every day just hurt. This surgery that my daughter had will essentially affect her whole life. She has greater movement, more comfort, and better stability.”  

Hundreds of children like Della rely on the access the Family Fund provides, and the need grows steadily each year. Since the 2026 application opened in February, Fello has already received over 360 applications, a record high. 

“High-impact resources that empower children with disabilities to meet their potential are unfortunately out of reach for many families in our community,” said Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth & Families. “The Family Fund helps close the gap by expanding access for families and creating opportunities for children to set and achieve their unique goals specific to their needs.” 

When you purchase a raffle ticket, you are not just entering to win. You are helping provide access, opportunity, and life-changing resources to children, like Della, who need them most. Join us in participating in the 50/50 raffle and help us reach more families through the Family Fund. Read more about how our grants change lives.

Fello’s offices in Linthicum, Severn, Annapolis, and Easton, and Day Services will be OPEN tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24, and will operate during standard hours.

All essential employees must report to work in-person at their designated program location.

• All Direct Support Professionals will report for their shifts as scheduled. Please reach out to your manager immediately if you have questions about your shift.

All non-essential employees must report for their workday as scheduled.

• Notify your manager immediately if you are running late or are unable to report for work.
• Non-essential employees may be allowed to use accrued PTO rather than report to work.
• Please reach out to your manager immediately if you have questions about your shift.

Please review our Inclement Weather or Emergency Closings Policy for additional information.