Each year during our annual conference, NDRN recognizes the exceptional work of the Protection and Advocacy agencies with the NDRN Advocacy Award. This week we will announce an award at the start of each day.
It is with great pleasure that we share with you the first recipient of the 2025 NDRN Advocacy Award: Disability Rights Maine! DRME is recognized for their outstanding work on behalf of Social Security beneficiaries with representative payees. Watch the video below to learn more about their work, or view it on YouTube for more caption options.
Across the country, Protection and Advocacy systems consistently rise to the challenge of defending the rights of individuals with disabilities. DRME exemplifies this dedication through its tenacious, compassionate advocacy.
This award was inspired in part by a recent case brought to our attention by NDRN’s representative payee staff. In a remote part of Maine, an individual with a representative payee was subjected to horrific conditions, neglect, and financial exploitation. Thanks to the swift and determined action of DRME, this individual is now safe and receiving the support and services they deserve.
Cases like this underscore why we do this work. DRME’s efforts are a powerful testament to the goals of the Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act, and a shining example of what advocacy should be.
Please join us in congratulating the DRME team on this well-deserved honor. Click the social media icons links to head to DRME’s social media and give them a shout out:
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