Programs and Support for Children & Teens with developmental disabilities

Ray of Hope & Career Opportunities

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Twin sisters with special needs sitting together on the floor smiling.

Serving Children and Teens with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Supporting your child with special needs from pre-adolescence through the transition to adulthood

Bello Machre offers compassionate care to children and teens through the transition to adulthood. We support youth with special needs including cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, neurological disorders, traumatic brain injuries, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Rett Syndrome, epilepsy and/or seizure disorder, Muscular Dystrophy, and Williams Syndrome.

Our Services for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities

Ray of Hope for Children & Adolescents

Bello Machre’s Ray of Hope program provides funding to youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities for a variety of needs, from specialized summer camp to physical therapy to adaptive equipment expenses. Since 2011, we have provided Ray of Hope funding to hundreds of Maryland-based individuals and families to help improve the quality of life of their loved ones with disabilities. 

Apply for Ray of Hope Funding
Teagan, a recipient of Ray of Hope funding from Bello Machre.

Ray of Hope Program

“He was diagnosed with autism. Thanks to Bello Machre we have been able to purchase tools to help him progress and are now getting help with therapy bills which is such a tremendous relief.”

–Teagan, Max’s Mom

Launching Careers: Paid Internships with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Through our Employment Services, Bello Machre partners with the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DoRS) to provide paid internships for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities before they leave school. We discuss students’ career aspirations, provide them with coaching, and then connect them with employers. For many youth, this serves as their first employment experience, and it is a great resume builder. Talk with your school about this new offering through DoRS and Bello Machre.

Explore Employment Services
Bello Machre participant on the job making smoothies

How to Support Adolescents Transitioning to Adulthood

Bello Machre works closely with families of youth transitioning to adulthood, as there is an abrupt change in services and benefits that come with turning 21. The transition to adult disability services involves careful planning, collaboration between schools and service providers, securing services through the Maryland DDA, and selecting the right options to match your loved one’s unique wants and needs. The transition can be positive and lead to a more customized and fulfilling life for your child, allowing them to thrive and find their place in the world as adults. Learn more in our guide for transitioning from an education-based support system to adult services for those 21 and older.

Bello Machre is Here to Help Your Child

Bello Machre is proud to help Maryland families find compassionate care and opportunities for their children and teens with developmental disabilities. Contact us to learn how we can support your loved one’s journey.

FAQs About Services for Children & Teens with Developmental Disabilities

Bello Machre partners with local schools and with DORS to provide employment-based services and opportunities for teens and young adults in Anne Arundel and Carroll Counties. In addition, our Ray of Hope program offers financial assistance to children, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities across Maryland, helping families access supports that improve quality of life.

Ray of Hope is Bello Machre’s financial assistance program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Maryland. It helps children, teens, adults, and seniors access essential supports that may not be covered elsewhere, such as specialized camps, therapies, medical equipment, and other quality-of-life needs. Since 2011, Ray of Hope has helped hundreds of individuals and families bridge gaps in care and create opportunities that promote growth, independence, and well-being.

Families begin by ensuring their loved one is eligible through Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Once eligibility is in place, their assigned advocate or Coordinator of Community Services (CCS) can share the individual’s information with Bello Machre and help initiate a referral for Employment Services. From there, our team connects with the family to learn more about the individual’s goals, strengths, and support needs and to determine whether our program is the right fit. If it is, we work together to outline next steps toward meaningful employment.

To transition to adult disability services in Maryland, individuals apply through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). Once deemed eligible, they are assigned an advocate who helps them or their loved one understand available options and connect with the right service provider.

Learn About Our Impact in the Lives of Children & Teens with Developmental Disabilities

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