Maryland Department of Disabilities

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The 2024 kicked off in Paris! Use this handy tracker from the The Baltimore Banner to make sure you catch all of Maryland’s best athletes competing for gold including Governor Wes Moore’s 2023 Disability Culture and Achievement Award winner Tatyana McFadden and Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Chair Dee Sapp’s son Lawrence Sapp!!

Bring home the Gold!! The entire MDOD team is rooting for you!!

Maryland Paralympian Tracker: How and when to watch local athletes compete Maryland Olympians finished with a total of 14 medals and six gold medals. How will their counterparts in the Paralympics fare?

MDOD was proud to participate in the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) – Developmental Disabilities Administration’s Technology First (Power Up Your Life) Event. Maryland is a Technology First state which works to improve access to remote and assistive technology for individuals with disabilities.

The Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP) and the Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM) programs were vendors at the event to showcase some of the latest accessible equipment.

Secretary Beatty presented MDH with a governor’s proclamation to honor Maryland’s 3rd Anniversary as a Technology First State and reassure its commitment to access for all.

To learn more about the MDTAP and TAM programs or get information on accessible equipment, click the links below.

MDTAP - www.mdtap.org
TAM - https://doit.maryland.gov/mdrelay/Pages/TAM.aspx

JOIN OUR TEAM! We are currently recruiting for a Program Manager for the Maryland Partnership for Affordable Housing Program. To apply for the position or get additional information, click the link below for the full job announcement.

Program Manager Job Announcement:
https://jobapscloud.com/MD/sup/BulPreview.asp?R1=24&R2=002587&R3=0074&Viewer=Admin&Test=Y

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS RECOGNITION WEEK!

Do you know an awesome Direct Support Professional? Is there a DSP who has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you know? Help us and our partner, the Maryland Department of Health-Developmental Disabilities Administration, celebrate the best of the best! We are looking for DSPs in the two categories-Community Living and Employment. Send in your nomination (link below) by September 15th!!

Nomination Form:
https://forms.gle/SYCSfgjWqcA7R9BU8

Happy National Dog Day to our favorite canine employee, Yale!! He’s always ready for work, or for a party!!

Howard County Traffic Stop Practice Sessions for Drivers and Passengers
EVERYONE feels anxiety when they see that police car light up behind them and may worry about what will happen next. Watch the 1-hour webinar and then attend a live session where you can practice being pulled over by Howard County Police Officers in a calm environment. The goal is to have a safe interaction during a traffic stop.

This program is offered to: • Passengers with a developmental disability that might be anxious about traffic stops • Licensed drivers/drivers with a learner’s permit with a developmental disability. Click the link below to sign up.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C45A4AF2FA3F5C07-50625738-howard #/

Calling for Nominations – Governor’s Disability Culture and Achievements Month Awards

The Governor’s Disability Culture and Achievements Month Awards highlight how individuals with disabilities live, learn, work, and play in the community.

The Governor’s Award for Disability Culture focuses on people with disabilities and the arts. This includes painting, sculpture, music, theater, performance, and other kinds of art.

The Governor’s Award for Disability Achievements focuses on people with disabilities who promote equal opportunity, access, and choice in their life or the lives of others.

Complete a nomination form to send us your nominee. You may nominate multiple people and must complete a separate form for each entry. Nominations are open through August 30, 2024.
https://forms.gle/jJQgSP2o5GusYsRf7

Thank you to the Maryland Association of Counties for another great conference. This was a great opportunity to share information about the department’s current priorities and initiatives.

Are you an AT Champion?
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We're looking for the next cohort of AT Champions Are you a young adult with a disability between 18-24 who loves AT? Are you an AT Champion? We're seeking young adults between 18-24 to serve as Maryland AT Champions! The Maryland Assistive Technolog

In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Month, Independence Now, Inc. will host an Emergency Preparedness event allowing consumers to have their questions answered, participate in life-saving training, and meet their local emergency officials.

The event will take place at the Wheaton Recreation Center on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 2 PM to 5 PM.

Come out to get up-to-date information from speakers and exhibitors on how to plan for an emergency and and other essential information directly affecting people with disabilities.

Take a listen to Maryland Technology Assistance Program Executive Director, Lori Berrong, talk about the Maryland Equips program on WYPR. Our partnership with Maryland Department of Aging gets equipment and assistive technology into the hands of Marylanders.

Maryland Equips distributes free medical equipment, assistive technology We’ll go On the Record with clients who’ve received free equipment through Maryland Equips. From wheelchairs and ramps to adapted computers, we hear how donated devices are making a difference.

MDOD and TAM (Telecommunications of Maryland) are at the Maryland Association of Counties convention. MACO is a great opportunity to share information about the departments efforts and programs with other local and state agencies across Maryland.

The Maryland Project SEARCH Conference is underway. Today was day one of a two-day conference with our state’s Project SEARCH teams to collaborate, develop new ideas, analyze outcomes, and set new goals for the program.

Project SEARCH serves young adults with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing real-life work experience to prepare them for competitive employment.

Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and Secretary Carol Beatty gave remarks about the importance of training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Stacy Herman and Rebecca Colangelo from Kennedy Krieger Institute were honored for their efforts to support the Project SEARCH program.

BE PREPARED. Governor Moore signed the State of Preparedness Declaration ahead of the possible arrival of Tropical Storm Debby. While the path is still uncertain, possible effects on Maryland could include heavy rain and winds, inland and tidal flooding.

Here are some helpful emergency preparedness tips from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency:

- Learn your evacuation routes and identify where you will stay.
- Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state and local agencies and partners
- Keep your cell phone, tablet and laptop charged.
- Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help.
- Have enough supplies for your household, including medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk.

Congratulations to our Statewide Autism Coordinator, Victoria Rodriguez Roldan on her featured article with the American Bar Association.

Follow the link below to read Victoria’s full interview about her work with the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs.

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/diversity/disabilityrights/initiatives_awards/spotlight/victoria-rodriguez-roldan/

The Ethan Saylor Alliance works to make better connections between law enforcement, first responders and people with disabilities.

We were proud to support Each Teach, Inc. as they hosted a community conversation with first responders and individuals with disabilities to engage in meaningful dialogue to strengthen community relationships.

Learn more about the Ethan Saylor Alliance and their efforts to increase training for members of law enforcement and other public service entities on specific needs of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
https://mdod.maryland.gov/about/Pages/Saylor-Alliance.aspx

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Don't miss out Aging in Place with the Right AT! Join us on August 7th and learn how assistive technology can help you stay in the home! Aging In Place With The Right AT! August 7th  11am - Noon As we age, maintaining independence and quality of li

The Vacation Travel webinar starts in 5 minutes. Join us as our Transportation Director B**g Delrosario shares some help trip planning information.

Zoom Link:

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Lets get vacation ready! Join us this morning at 10 a.m. for our Here to There webinar to discuss travel planning for individuals with disabilities.

Transportation Webinar Series Continues Webinar #2 Vacation Planning, 7/31, 10am   Transportation Webinar Series TRANSPORTATION WEBINAR SERIES VACATION PLANNING SERIES #2 FROM HERE TO THERE WEBINAR SERIES SESSION #2 VACATION TRAVEL Wednesd

Don't Miss Out on the HERE TO THERE (Webinar 2 - Vacation Planning)
The next Here to There webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Join Transportation Director, B**g Delrosario as he provides useful information about vacation planning, different methods of transportation and all the accessible features at airports, train stations and bus stations. Knowing what to expect and how to plan, helps to ensure safe and easy vacation travel.
Webinar Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84734033913..

Who's ready for a vacation?!?! Join B**g Delrosario, Transportation Policy Director at MDOD, for tips to make travel plans more accessible!! See you Wednesday at 10am.

https://conta.cc/3AbtvJQ

Transportation Webinar Series Continues Webinar #2 Vacation Planning, 7/31, 10am   Transportation Webinar Series TRANSPORTATION WEBINAR SERIES VACATION PLANNING SERIES #2 FROM HERE TO THERE WEBINAR SERIES SESSION #2 VACATION TRAVEL Wednesd

SAVE THE DATE! - HERE TO THERE (Webinar 2 - Vacation Planning)
The next Here to There webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Join Transportation Director, B**g Delrosario as he provides useful information about vacation planning, different methods of transportation and all the accessible features at airports, train stations and bus stations. Knowing what to expect and how to plan, helps to ensure safe and easy vacation travel.

Webinar Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84734033913?pwd=ZpbVn6gCTF5DdT1rHKgspGAchpjl1O.1

ASL INTERPRETERS will be provided.

HAPPY 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADA
Today marks the 34th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Let’s take this day to reflect on the progress made and recommit the promise to continue to work towards equality and accessibility for all.

SAVE THE DATE! - HERE TO THERE (Webinar 2 - Vacation Planning)

The next Here to There webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 10 a.m.

Join Transportation Director, B**g Delrosario as he provides useful information about vacation planning, different methods of transportation and all the accessible features at airports, train stations and bus stations. Knowing what to expect and how to plan, helps to ensure safe and easy vacation travel.

Yesterday was a wonderful day in Annapolis as Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order creating the Maryland Plain Language Initiative. The initiative will establish standards to enhance communication between the State of Maryland and Maryland residents to ensure that all Marylanders have equal opportunities to engage with government-based communications, services, and supports in ways that are clear, understandable, and easy to use.

Secretary Beatty stated, “Plain language makes state government more accessible for all Marylanders, including those with disabilities, allowing them to participate in meaningful ways.” “Technical terms and government jargon don’t help people get needed services. Plain language does.”

Thank you to Rachel London, Executive Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, for your leadership with this initiative. We look forward to working with Secretary Katie Savage and The Maryland Department of Information Technology to ensure all Marylanders have access to information that is clear and easy to understand.

To read the full executive order, click the link below:https://mdod.maryland.gov/Documents/EO%2001.01.2024.25%20Maryland%20Plain%20Language%20Initiative%20(1).pdf

We want to hear from you! The Board is partnering with the American Association of People with Disabilities & the Center for Democracy & Technology to learn about the benefits/risks of artificial intelligence for & people with .

The Access Board will be holding a series of public hearings in August. ♿ The first two hearings are for the disability community & will take place on August 8 at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM (ET). The third hearing, on August 22 at 2:00 PM (ET), is targeted towards Federal Agency AI leaders & practitioners. Speakers must register here:

U.S. Access Board - U.S. Access Board Holds Hearings on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Disability Community and AI Practitioners The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and information....

Secretary Beatty is thrilled to join the inaugural class of Maryland Corps/Service Year Option at Camden Yards today as they celebrate their Year of Service.

Join us at {GOV Livestream}