The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute continues to host events and conferences and foster advocacy in the community. Here is what happened over the past few months:
On October 8, Christopher Mason-Hale, BSW, MCDD community advocate, represented the MCDD at Baltimore City’s Civil Rights Week by hosting an exhibitor table at the resource fair. The event, held at the National Federation of the Blind, centered around the theme “Inclusion at Every Stage and Every Age,” which highlighted the importance of accessibility and equity in civil rights advocacy.
Also on October 8, Mason-Hale attended the Baltimore City Mayor’s Commission on Disabilities Fireside Chat. The event offered an opportunity for Baltimore City residents to learn more about the services and planned initiatives within their communities.
On October 9, Mason-Hale and Maureen van Stone, Esq., MS, assistant vice president at Kennedy Krieger and director of the MCDD, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Institute’s Early Childhood Development and Education Center at 7000 Tudsbury Rd., Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
On October 10, van Stone gave a presentation about the MCDD to The Leadership Class of 2024, the members of which spent a day on-site visiting Kennedy Krieger.
On October 17, Kristine Nellenbach, MS, program coordinator for the Resource Finder, co-facilitated a Coffee Chat, “AI and Accessibility.” Hosted by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Community Education and Dissemination Council, the event fostered a discussion on how artificial intelligence (AI) tools can enhance accessibility and support individuals with disabilities.
Also on October 17, Nellenbach gave an overview presentation about the Resource Finder to staff members of Kennedy Krieger’s inpatient social work department in which she highlighted how the program can support patients and their families.
On October 18, Mallory Legg, Esq., director of Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law), and van Stone joined Kennedy Krieger’s philanthropy department for a networking breakfast with external partners.
On October 18, Legg and van Stone presented a virtual continuing legal education (CLE) session to members of Attorneys for Education Rights called “Hot Topics: Informal School Removals and How to Respond.”
Also on October 18, Mason-Hale hosted a resource table at Kennedy Krieger’s Early Childhood Development and Education Center during its Trunk-or-Treat event, surrounded by pumpkins and an array of costumes inspired by beloved movies, books and comics.
On October 19, Mason-Hale represented the MCDD at the Special Education Resource Fair hosted by Baltimore City Public Schools’ Family and Community Engagement program. The event took place at the William S. Baer School and offered families valuable resources and support for children in special education.
On October 22, Mason-Hale; Mat Rice, People On the Go (POG) executive director; and Tracy Wright, POG deputy director and director of training; moderated questions during the Maryland Disabilities Forum for United States Senate candidates. The forum offered a platform for candidates to address the disability community and discuss key issues affecting daily life and future aspirations for individuals with disabilities.
On October 22, Kendall Eaton, Esq., staff attorney for Project HEAL; Genevieve Hornik, Esq., staff attorney for Project HEAL; Cindy Ibarra, the MCDD’s administrative services coordinator; and van Stone attended The Daily Record’s Women’s Leadership Summit at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
On October 22, Legg gave a presentation, “Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) in Early Childhood,” as part of the Maryland Early Childhood Prince George’s County Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) program.
On October 23, Hornik and Legg delivered a virtual presentation, “Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation of Children With Disabilities,” to the Kent County Public Schools Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC).
On October 23 and 24, van Stone and her colleagues traveled to West Salisbury Elementary School in Salisbury, Md., for an on-site observation, coaching and feedback session for participants in the Maryland State Department of Education’s Elevates Grant Program.
On October 24, Nellenbach gave an overview presentation about the Resource Finder to the Wicomico County Public Schools SECAC. The presentation provided valuable insights into the resources available for families and educators that can help them better support students with disabilities.
On October 26, Mason-Hale hosted an exhibitor table at Step Up for Down Syndrome Baltimore, which was organized by the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland. The event brought the community together to raise awareness and increase support for individuals with Down syndrome, and highlighted the importance of inclusion and advocacy.
Also on October 26, van Stone, along with other Kennedy Krieger and Johns Hopkins colleagues, participated in the 2024 Baltimore Out of the Darkness Walk at Canton Waterfront Park to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
On October 27, Rosaline Owusu, an MCDD trainee, presented her research under the supervision of Mirian Ofonedu, PhD, LCSW-C, director of training for the MCDD, at the American Public Health Association 2024 Annual Meeting and Expo in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her poster presentation, “Breaking Barriers: Autism Transitional Support for Racial and Ethnic Minority Youth,” highlighted the need for public health policies aimed at eliminating barriers to accessing transition support.
On October 28 and 29, Mason-Hale, and Nellenbach hosted a vendor table at Neurodiversity in the Workplace, a national, collaborative conference. This event, hosted by Kennedy Krieger, provided an opportunity to engage with professionals and advocates in the neurodiversity space.
On October 28, Mason-Hale co-presented “Is Accessible Really Accessible: Facilitating Return to Work for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury,” at the Neurodiversity in the Workplace conference, alongside Nia Wallace Ward, PT, DPT, supervisor of rehabilitation techs and support services at Kennedy Krieger. They discussed strategies for supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries in returning to the workplace. Nellenbach also presented, “Supporting Adults With Lower Support Needs to Thrive in the Workplace,” which focused on practical strategies to help neurodivergent adults succeed professionally.
Also on October 28, Ibarra hosted an exhibitor table for the MCDD at Kennedy Krieger’s annual Health and Wellness Fair, where she provided attendees with a wealth of valuable information and resources.
On November 1, van Stone participated in Kennedy Krieger’s 2024 Leadership Summit.
On November 3, Dr. Ofonedu served as a panelist-presenter for an AUCD Emerging Leaders Community event at the 2024 AUCD Conference, “Inclusion in Your Community.” The session offered current and former AUCD network trainees and fellows from various disciplines an opportunity to connect and learn together.
On November 4, at the AUCD Conference, Nellenbach co-facilitated the Community Education and Dissemination Council’s in-person meeting and presented on the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in accommodating individuals with disabilities. Dr. Ofonedu facilitated AUCD’s International Special Interest Group meeting, which serves as a platform for University Centers of Excellence for Developmental Disabilities and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) programs to exchange information across the network supporting individuals with disabilities. Van Stone co-presented at the AUCD Public Policy Committee meeting. Additionally, Diogo Fortes, a former MCDD trainee and doctoral student at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, delivered a poster presentation, “Faith Community Learning Collaborative: An Inclusive Faith Support Ambassador Program for Faith Leaders,” summarizing research conducted under Dr. Ofonedu’s supervision.
On November 5, van Stone and Dr. Ofonedu served as mentors at the AUCD Trainee-Professional Networking Breakfast. This event was for current and former trainees and fellows to connect with their peers across the AUCD network. Attendees participated in interactive activities and met others within and outside of their disciplines.
On November 5, Eaton and Legg gave a presentation, “Transition Planning for Students With Disabilities,” at the Maryland Rural Health Conference in Annapolis.
On November 6, Mason-Hale and Nellenbach hosted a table for the MCCD during the Kennedy Krieger Health and Wellness Fair, held at the Greenspring Campus, where they engaged with attendees.
On November 11, Nellenbach gave an overview presentation about the Resource Finder to staff members of Kennedy Krieger’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™).
On November 14, Legg and David Mervis, Esq., staff attorney for Project HEAL, attended the Career Exploration Fair held at the University of Maryland School of Law.
Also on November 14, Dr. Ofonedu attended an event, “Interrupting Violence Together: Interfaith Solution Forum,” a conference hosted by the Maryland Governor’s Interfaith Council. The event brought together faith communities, organizations and experts from across the state to share and learn about efforts to interrupt violence and foster inclusion and belonging in our communities. Closing remarks were delivered by Lt. Gov. Aruna K. Miller, who serves as chair of the council.
On November 15, Legg gave an overview presentation about Project HEAL during the Kennedy Krieger program directors meeting. Nellenbach also gave an overview presentation about the Resource Finder.
On November 16, Mason-Hale hosted a vendor table at the Baltimore County Public Schools Special Education Resource Fair, held at Padonia International Elementary School. The event brought together various organizations to connect with families and educators and provide information and resources to support students with disabilities.
On November 18, Dr. Ofonedu held a training session, “Being the Best Advocate for Your Child With a Disability at School and in the Community,” for parents and families of children with disabilities. The session, sponsored by Howard County Public School System’s special education program, discussed the benefits of effective family and parental advocacy as well as strategies for partnering with school and service providers, and shared community resources to meet children’s support needs.
On November 19 and December 17, The National Center for Disability, Equity, and Intersectionality held Community of Practice meetings. Eaton, Mason-Hale, Nellenbach, van Stone and Tracy Waller, Esq., MPH, MCDD staff attorney, attended the meetings.
On November 19, The National Center for Disability, Equity, and Intersectionality published an infographic designed by Nellenbach, “Transgender Awareness Week.”
On November 20, Legg gave a presentation, “Individualized Education Program Overview,” to nurses of the Kennedy Krieger Center for Development and Learning’s Medication Management Clinic.
Also on November 20, Dr. Ofonedu co-facilitated a conversation, “Managing Emotions and Stress During the Holidays: Strategies for Successful Transition Into the New Year.” The event was sponsored by Diverse Racial Ethnic and Multicultural Special Interest Group, Division 37 of the American Psychological Association.
On November 20, November 25 and December 18, the MCDD hosted listening sessions as part of its Expanding the Public Health Workforce grant. During these sessions, Mason-Hale, Waller and van Stone engaged with individuals with disabilities and disability organizations across Maryland to gather insights on their experiences since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant’s purpose is to create a toolkit to help public health professionals in the disability and aging networks understand and address the challenges faced by the disability community during the pandemic.
On November 21, Legg gave a presentation, “Transition Planning for Students With Disabilities,” at OCALICON, an annual conference hosted by the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI).
On November 19, The National Center for Disability, Equity, and Intersectionality published an article by Waller, “An Update: 16 Months Later…Baltimore Settled an ADA Lawsuit.” The article discusses the city’s efforts to improve accessibility through a $44 million plan, which includes significant upgrades to sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure aimed at ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
On November 22, Dr. Ofonedu completed a four-part training series, “Working With Diverse Families in the Autism Community: Applying the Family as Host Model for Culturally Responsive Practice,” for Spectrum of Hope leaders, family navigators and coordinators. The series focused on fostering stronger relationships with culturally diverse families and promoting positive health outcomes within the autism community and beyond.
On December 2, van Stone was featured as a co-author in the article “A Successful Partnership: Clinical Psychology and Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) in Action.” The article highlights the collaboration between clinical psychologists and Maryland’s DDA to improve services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
On December 3, van Stone co-presented with Leslie Seid Margolis, Esq., managing attorney and policy counsel for Disability Rights Maryland, for the LEND Core Course on special education law.
On December 4, Dr. Ofonedu co-led “Supporting Your Child’s Development: Recognizing Needs, Maximizing Potential and Finding Your Resources,” a free interactive session sponsored by the MCDD and Kennedy Krieger’s Maternal and Child Health LEND program in collaboration with The Parents’ Place of Maryland. The event helped families understand effective support, recognize their child’s potential, access resources and promote parental well-being.
On December 5, van Stone gave a presentation about the MCDD’s outcomes to the Education and Community Services Committee of the Kennedy Krieger Institute Board of Directors.
On December 9, the MCDD, in collaboration with the Chabad of Ellicott City, hosted “One Thing I Wish You Knew: Inclusive Communities of Faith Fostering Belonging Together.” Guest speaker Justice Richard Berstein, a disability advocate and the first blind justice elected to the Michigan Supreme Court, shared his experiences with inclusion. Part of the MCDD’s Faith Community Learning Collaborative, led by Dr. Ofonedu, the event promoted inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities and their families within faith communities and beyond.
Also on December 9, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson and State Senator Cory McCray visited Kennedy Krieger to join Bradley Schlaggar, MD, PhD, president and chief executive officer of Kennedy Krieger, in announcing the state’s $2 million commitment to support several initiatives, including a new hospital and the expansion of outpatient services. Mason-Hale shared his story, which highlighted the importance of inpatient care for the disability community.
On December 10, van Stone co-presented with Cindy Smith, AUCD’s director of public policy, and Kim Musheno, the Autism Society of America’s executive vice president of public policy, at CASSI’s 22nd Annual Autism Conference. The presentation, “Understanding the Autism CARES Act: Its History, Importance, and Current Developments,” welcomed more than 60 attendees.
Also on December 10, the MCDD team enjoyed a holiday gathering at Cypriana Restaurant in Baltimore. The festive event provided a wonderful opportunity for team bonding and celebrating the holiday season together.
On December 12, van Stone attended the 2024 Health Services Leadership Awards Luncheon of the Boy Scouts of America’s Baltimore Area Council, honoring Dr. Schlaggar, at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor.
Also on December 12, Jennifer Falter, Esq., Project HEAL attorney, gave a presentation to the Kennedy Krieger outpatient social workers, “Guardianship and Lesser Restrictive Alternatives.”
On December 17, The National Center for Disability, Equity, and Intersectionality published an article by Waller, “Supreme Court Hears Case on Tennessee’s Ban of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors.” The article examines a case that addresses the implications of federal restitution laws in cases involving intangible harm, focusing on how these rulings could impact victims’ rights and restitution calculations.
Also on December 17, van Stone participated in the LEND interdisciplinary class for trainees and led one of the breakout sessions.
On December 18, van Stone gave a presentation to the Women in Law and Justice club at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson, Md.
On December 19, van Stone gave a presentation, “Demystifying Restraint and Seclusion,” to staff members at Kennedy Krieger’s Early Childhood Development and Education Center.