Since 1927, The League has been serving the Baltimore community with custom solutions through innovative programs that meet the unique needs of those with disabilities. Their programs support independence, job training, and socialization to meet people where they are and reach their personal and professional goals. In supporting more than 2,000 individuals and their families annually through their 12 programs and services, The League creates a strong sense of community and belonging from youth to adulthood. As a CHRA James W. Rouse Diversity Award Winner, The League strives to celebrate the staff, volunteers, donors, participants, and advocates that make their mission possible in the Greater Baltimore Area, and beyond!
MISSION
The League for People with Disabilities is committed to offering individuals the opportunity to gain independence, increase self-sufficiency, and to improve the quality of life.
The League’s vision is reflected in their core values of accountability, independence, mutual respect, participant focus, and quality. These core values give direction to their employees about expected behavior and inspire them to give their best.
HISTORY
Founded in 1927, The League is a pivotal and pioneering agency committed to offering annually more than 2,000 individuals with multiple, physical, cognitive, and neurological disabilities the opportunities to gain independence through a comprehensive continuum of vocational, rehabilitative, educational, medical, wellness, and social services.
Through the efforts of Mrs. Isabell K. Frank, William S. Baer, and the Council of Jewish Women, The League was started in a single room on E. Franklin Street in 1927 to provide services to crippled children. During the succeeding years, increased demand for existing facilities and the addition of many new services resulted in several moves, until, in 1964, the present headquarters on Cold Spring Lane was completed. A wing was added in 1968 to provide recreational programs for people with disabilities, which included a gymnasium and a heated therapeutic swimming pool.
Since that time, The League has continued its innovative programming by partnering with the Snyder Center for Aphasia Life Enhancement (SCALE) Program in 2014 and establishing a new satellite location in Towson, Maryland for stroke survivors to connect.
“The League for People with Disabilities is honored to support and participate in a network that advances equitable public policy, strengthens the capacity of nonprofit organizations, and builds collaboration and networks for greater quality of life and equity.”
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Each year, The League’s 12 programs and services serve more than 2,000 participants and their families and benefits the community with collaborative services and initiatives.
Among these is The League’s Wellness Center, which aims to provide accessible and multifaceted exercise rehabilitation and accommodates more than 800 members, staff, and participants at their state-of-the-art facility, complete with fitness and water aerobics classes.
CLUB1111, Maryland’s first and only adult nightclub for people with disabilities, welcomes 300 adults with disabilities and their caregivers in person on the second Saturday of every month for dancing and socialization in a judgment-free space.
Since 1937, The League at Camp Greentop has been meeting the needs of children and adults with physical, emotional, cognitive, and multiple disabilities, regardless of their ability level. Camp Greentop was specifically designed for people with special needs, and is one of the oldest residential camps of its kind in the country! Camp Greentop currently offers a variety of programming for campers ranging in age from seven to adulthood (you can never age out!). The League currently provides year-round programming for roughly 450 campers per year, with a majority of campers returning year after year.
The League also provides an array of training and employment services for youth and adults with disabilities. Their dedicated team of professionals work closely with each individual to help them discover talents, develop skills, practice self-advocacy, and become productive members of the workforce. The League works with area employers to help them meet their hiring needs and diversify their workforce by connecting them with qualified, pre-screened candidates.
The League also owns and operates League Industries which provides employment for skilled individuals with disabilities in their printing and mailing facility in Towson, Maryland. League Industries applies the talent of a staff with over 60 years of experience to printing and mailing jobs of all sizes and varieties. Known for excellent customer service, fast turn-around times, and the accuracy of their work, they do their best to ensure that companies reach their goals, secure their bids, and ultimately meet their objectives.
The League’s programs and services also include Adult Medical Day, Behavior Supports Services, Camping & Recreation, Day Habilitation, Employment Services, Personal Supports, Multiple Sclerosis Day, SCALE Aphasia Program, and Youth Autism Services.
