Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities Newsletter – 2020, Issue 1

In the Community

It's been a busy last few months for MCDD staff members! See what we've been up to since our last newsletter.

Current MCDD Trainees

Every semester, trainees come to the MCDD to gain practical skills and knowledge that will inform their work about the needs, strengths and perspectives of people with disabilities.

The MCDD Welcomes New Staff Member and Volunteer

The MCDD is delighted to welcome new staff member Eve Lukowski and volunteer Lisa Banks.

MCDD and Human Resources Sponsor Third Women’s Leadership Initiative Event

Kennedy Krieger hosted its third Women’s Leadership Initiative event on January 16, 2020, bringing together about 130 faculty members, staff members and trainees from a variety of departments and programs.

MCDD Receives Grant to Help Establish Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People With Disabilities

The MCDD is one of eight recipients of a three-year grant from the Administration for Community Living to create the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities.

MCDD Hosts Intern in Employment Training Program for Adults With Disabilities

The MCDD recently hosted its first Project SEARCH at Kennedy Krieger Institute intern. Project SEARCH is an internationally recognized program that seeks to secure competitive employment for individuals with disabilities.

MCDD Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Americans With Disabilities Act

The MCDD and the national network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Autism Research and Engagement Core and SPARK Initiative Study Impact of COVID-19 on Families and Children With Autism

There is hardly a person in the world who has not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that is through disruption of routine or by illness. The MCDD’s Autism Research and Engagement Core and the SPARK Initiative have surveyed families in their registry to learn the impact of the pandemic on families and children with autism spectrum disorder.

IDDRC Corner

Greetings from the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins University Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC)! This issue provides updates on the center and highlights the integrated work of the national IDDRC network.