Our History

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) of 1963 made vital changes in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Inspired by the advocacy and civil rights groups of the 1960s, self-advocacy groups formed their own organizations at the local, state, and national levels.

Individuals with developmental disabilities by the 1970s were slowing moved from the large public institutions to community programs. Still little was understood about developmental disabilities. The Epilepsy Association of Maryland sponsored a Client Services Coordination Project. The purpose of the program was to identify the different levels and types of developmental disabilities. 

In June 1981, The Epilepsy Association of the Eastern Shore incorporated and in the early days, the focus was to serve persons with epilepsy. Services then expanded to persons with various developmental disabilities and this soon became our primary focus. 

Through the years, there have been many milestones:

1980s, 1990s, 

• The Intensive Behavior Unit (IBU) the first of its kind on the Eastern Shore.
• The scholarship program was created to provide financial assistance to eligible students. 
• Satellite offices were established in Elkton and Easton as well as a supervised apartment program. 

2000s

• The main office moved to East Main Street in Salisbury in 2006. 
• Residential services are now provided in several single-family homes, including two homes, which were acquired in 2011 and funded through generous contributions from the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation and donors to our capital campaign.
•  In 2011, we began a significant expansion of our Personal Supports program in an effort to allow individuals and families the choice to receive services in their homes. 
•  We entered into the Rivers Edge joint venture in 2012 to build affordable accessible housing for persons with disabilities. 

 As the years of service continued, it became apparent our name was confusing and did not speak of the services, which we provided, for the wide range of developmental disabilities. As the name inferred, it was believed we helped only those with epilepsy. 

In 2013, we changed our name to United Needs & Abilities a name, which better identifies the wide range of services, provided to individuals with developmental disabilities. 

• In 2017 The UNA Training Center was opened across the street from our main office. 

 And so, as we come together United to help those with Needs we focus on Abilities never a disability. We are United Needs & Abilities, Inc., serving all nine counties of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.