Linwood Center, founded in 1955, and is located in Ellicott City, Md., and is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education to operate a nonpublic educational program, providing full day and residential special education and related services for students with autism, and various multiple disabilities. The center offers a wide range of services, such as respite care, family support, and residential and individual support care services. It also provides food and medical services to disabled children throughout the region. The center s day care services include teaching skills for daily living, vocational training, adult day care and job assistance to the needy. It also assists the individual and family in locating and obtaining generic services funded by the state. Additionally, the center advocates for the individual s rights and needs. It monitors and acts as a third-party advocate for implementation of the individual plan.