Resource Guide: AGENCIES

Last Updated; March 1, 2024

Alpha One

1-800-640-7200 or 767-2189 (V/TTY)
1-866-906-5375 or 767-5387 (TTY)
799-8346 (FAX)

South Portland office
127 Main Street
South Portland, ME 04106

Bangor office
11 Bangor Mall Blvd., Unit A
Bangor, ME 04401

Presque Isle office
66 Spruce Street
Presque Isle, ME 04769

Website: Alpha One

Alpha One is a community-based program directed and managed by people with disabilities to provide independent living opportunities. Alpha One promotes peer interaction, community resource utilization, and self-advocacy skills. It seeks to ensure equal opportunity and compliance with all disability-related laws through increased public awareness, professional consultation, and community advocacy.

The Adaptive Equipment Loan Program (also known as mPower Loan Program), Adaptive Driver Education, and Information and Referral Service are of special interest to deaf citizens and agencies who serve deaf clients.

The Adaptive Equipment Loan Program (also known as mPower Loan Program) lends funds for assistive equipment, such as hearing aids, to individuals in Maine who are able to repay the loan over time. Loans have flexible terms and can cover hearing aids, flashing alert systems and other equipment.

Title 7, Part B Grant Program provides financial assistance to help consumers with disabilities address: health and disability management, self-care, mobility and home accessibility, communication, and learning difficulties. Funds are available to purchase services and adaptive equipment such as hand controls, lifts for vehicles, ramps, showers, hearing aids, flashing alarms and signals. Priority is given for people who are at risk of institutionalization.

Area Agencies on Aging

Aging & Disability Resource Centers

These agencies provide services to older adults, adults with disabilities and their families, including information and assistance, education, advocacy, Medicare counseling, nutrition programs and caregiver education, respite, and support.

Aroostook Agency on Aging
260 Main Street, Suite B
Presque Isle, ME 04769
1-800-439-1789 or 764-3396 (V)
Maine Relay 711 (TTY)
764-6182 (FAX)
Email: information@aroostookaging.org
Website: www.aroostookaging.org

Spectrum Generations
One Weston Court, Suite 109
Augusta, ME 04330
1-800-464-8703 (TTY)
1-800-639-1553 (V)
622-7857 (FAX)
Email: Spectrum@spectrumgenerations.org
Website: www.spectrumgenerations.org

Eastern Area Agency on Aging
240 State Street
Brewer, ME 04412
1-800-432-7812 or 941-2865 (V)
941-2869 (FAX)
Email: info@eaaa.org
Website: Eastern Area Agency on Aging

Southern Maine Agency on Aging
30 Barra Road
Biddeford, ME 04005
1-800-427-7411 or 396-6500 (V)
TTY Users 711 Maine Relay
517-6240 (FAX)
Email: info@smaaa.org
Website: www.smaaa.org

SeniorsPlus
8 Falcon Road
Lewiston, ME 04243
1-800-427-1241 or 795-4010 (V)
795-4009 (FAX)
Email: Info@SeniorsPlus.org
Website: SeniorsPlus

Disability Rights Maine-Deaf Services (DRM)

1-800-639-3884 (V/TTY within Maine)
207-797-7656 (V/TTY)
207-766-7111 (Front Desk VP)
207-797-9791 (FAX)
Email: deafservices@drme.org

Riley Albair, Program Director
Email: ralbair@drme.org

Michelle Ames, Program Director
Email: mames@drme.org

Website: Disability Rights Maine-Deaf Services

Programs for individuals who are D/deaf, late-deafened or hard of hearing.

DRM Civil Rights Program

The DRM Civil Rights program provides advocacy for individuals to ensure communication access and equality for people who are D/deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened or deaf-blind. The program also offers scribe services, information and referral assistance, and training on rights and self-advocacy. The Civil Rights program also advocates on public policy and promotes systemic change on matters of importance to the community.

Are you experiencing barriers to communication access at school, at work, at the doctor, or in other businesses and services? Have you been denied a request for ASL interpreters, CART, captions, or other communication options? Do you believe you have been discriminated against because you are Deaf or Hard of hearing? These are just some of the situations with which DRM may be able to assist.

DRM does not provide assistance with criminal or family law cases.

For more information, contact:
Riley Albair, Program Director
Email: ralbair@drme.org

DRM Maine Relay Outreach Program

The Maine Relay Outreach Program at Disability Rights Maine educates consumers about Maine Relay statewide.

Maine Relay (MERS) is a free statewide service that connects voice telephone users with individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened or have a speech disability. The service allows consumers to use specialized equipment (such as captioned telephone, TTY, VCO or HCO) to communicate with standard voice telephone users through specially trained relay operators (RO). MERS includes 711, Relay Conference Captioning, IP Relay and Speech-to-Speech (STS) Relay. Maine Relay Service is available 24 hours a day, every day, 365 days a year. All calls are confidential. No records of any conversations are maintained.

The Maine Relay Outreach Program visits support groups, senior organizations, rotary clubs, medical organizations, businesses, professional groups, veteran's organizations, and other agencies to share information and provide training on Maine Relay services, adaptive telephone equipment, and telecommunication access. Our staff can provide general information, one-on-one training and education for individuals interested in learning more about using Maine Relay. Virtual and in-person exhibits, presentations and demonstrations are provided at no cost. Learn more: Telecommunications Relay Service Council

For more information contact:
Riley Albair, Program Director
Email: ralbair@drme.org

DRM Peer Support Group & Visual Gestural Communication

Peer Support Group (PSG) is a structured gathering for D/deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or non-verbal (hearing) adults with intellectual disabilities who use signs and gestures to communicate, as well as their caregivers, and families. PSG gatherings are conducted in a combination of American Sign Language and visual-gestural communication. The focus of these gatherings is to offer language immersion and enhancement communication skills through structured activities, for consumers, supporters and family. Meetings are held monthly. A listing of upcoming events can be found here: View upcoming trainings here:
www.maine.gov/dhhs/setu/oads-sponsored-training

Visual Gestural Communication (VGC) is useful to many people who need an alternative technique for expressing and understanding the needs and wants of other people in their environment. VGC is not a language like English or American Sign Language. It is a communication mode that uses gestures, facial expressions, and body language to communicate with people who have limited formal language. VGC training sessions are held throughout the state and are open to all - case managers, direct support professionals, family members, friends or other individuals. Sponsored by Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

For more information contact:
Michelle Ames, Program Director
Email: mames@drme.org

Bridget Campbell, Advocate
Email: Bcampbell@drme.org

DRM Telecommunications Equipment Program (TEP)

The Telecommunications Equipment Program (TEP) was established by state law to provide no- or low-cost adaptive phone equipment to any Maine resident who cannot use their home's conventional telephone due to a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability. The program was established to assist low-income residents, and most clients pay nothing for the phone equipment they receive. Through a simple application process, DRM's TEP staff determine which amplified, captioned, or voice-activated telephone and/or call signaler will best meet your needs.

To apply, complete the TEP application form, available online at Disability Rights Maine-Deaf Services TEP Disability Rights Maine-Deaf Services or call to have us mail you one. Send completed application to DRM with: Verification of Disability (note from doctor, an audiogram, or diploma from deaf school) and Proof of Household income for all family members for prior 12 months (tax returns, pay stubs, social security award letters, or bank statements). DRM Program staff will assist you in selecting the best phone for your needs. Staff are also available to assist with installation and training. As of March 2020, we are providing virtual appointments- contact us for more information. If you find that the equipment does not meet your needs, DRM staff will assist you in selecting a different phone. Through the TEP Lending Program, clients may keep the equipment for as long as you need or want it, but you cannot give it to someone else, or take it out of the state of Maine. If your needs change or the equipment breaks down, DRM staff will work with you to resolve the issue by repairing or replacing your equipment.

For those whose income may put them above the program limit for no-cost assistance, we offer a 'Cost-Share' option. Cost-Share allows individuals to pay a portion of the equipment cost, on a sliding scale, to purchase the equipment they need. As with no-cost equipment, we ship the equipment directly to you. However, the equipment is the client's property, just as if it had been purchased from any store. If repairs or replacement needs arise, program staff can refer Cost-Share clients to the appropriate repair center or warranty process. The cost of repair or replacement for Cost-Share equipment is the individuals responsibility.

TEP applicants who are over age 65 have the option of receiving a single telecoil-equipped hearing aid instead of a phone. There are additional requirements for applicants seeking a hearing aid; in addition to proof of disability and proof of income, applicants must also submit proof of age and a recent audiogram with their application. Program staff are available to answer any questions about the application process or eligibility.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Penney, Advocate
Email: lpenney@drme.org

Family Violence Project

P.O. Box 304
Augusta, ME 04332-0304
1-877-890-7788 or 623-3569 (V)
621-6372(FAX)
Email: helpline@familyviolenceproject.org
Website: www.familyviolenceproject.org/

Family Violence Project (FVP) is the domestic violence resource center serving Kennebec and Somerset counties for over 40 years. The center provides both proactive and responsive services. FVP has a 24/7 free helpline, emergency sheltering, transitional housing, court advocates, housing navigators, support groups, community and youth-based education, domestic violence intervention programs, and more. If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, please reach out for support today.

Outside of our area? Call the statewide helpline to be connected with local services at 1-866-834-HELP or utilize our line specifically for folks who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing at 1-800-437-1220.

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

PO Box 853
2 Main Street
Bethel, ME 04217
824-2440 (V)
824-0453 (FAX)
Email: info@maineadaptive.org
Website: Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation promotes year-round education and training for individuals with disabilities in order to develop skills, enhance independence, and provide enjoyment through active recreation. At Maine Adaptive, participants meet their sport & recreational goals regardless of ability to pay. Sports programs include options in the summer (paddle sports, cycling, tennis, climbing, and golf) and winter (alpine & Nordic skiing, snowboarding) and take place at various sites and resorts throughout Maine. All equipment and instruction is provided. Call or visit the website for more information or to register for programs.

New England ADA Center

A Project of the Institute for Human Centered Design [formerly Adaptive Environments]
560 Harrison Ave., Suite 401
Boston, MA 02118

Taciana Ribeiro-Saab, Project Director
1-800-949-4232 (V)
(617) 482-8099 (FAX)
Email: ADAInfo@NewEnglandADA.org
Website: New England ADA Center

Provides information, guidance and training to individuals, businesses, and organizations about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An educational resource, not an enforcement agency. Inquiries are confidential.

New Ventures Maine (formerly Women, Work and Community)

North Central/Down East Region
1 University Drive
UMA-Bangor Campus
Bangor, ME 04401
Contact: Tom Grogan, Workforce Specialist
207-262-7843 (V)
1-800-442-2092 (V)
TTY users call Maine Relay 711
262-7951 (FAX)
Email: thomas.grogan@maine.edu

Banjo Ogunlela, Microenterprise Specialist
207-262-7842
Pronouns: He, Him, His
Website: New Ventures Maine

New Ventures Maine mission: We help individuals recognize strengths, overcome barriers, find resources, develop a plan, take action towards their goals: start a business, find a career, return to school, build assets, be active in the community.