Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities Newsletter – 2020, Issue 3

In the Community

On August 4, Maureen van Stone, Esq., MS, director of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (

New MCDD Trainees

The MCDD welcomes seven trainees for this semester. The trainees are studying law, social work, health education and international affairs.

MCDD Training Updates

The MCDD hosted two trainees during the summer. Due to the pandemic, the internships were entirely virtual. This was made possible by program restructuring by Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law) attorneys and flexibility in the trainees’ schedules.

10th Annual Room to Grow Conference Goes Virtual

On September 22, Kennedy Krieger and the MCDD sponsored the 10th annual Room to Grow: Journey to Cultural and Linguistic Competency Conference.

Advocating for Children With Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The MCDD’s Autism Research and Engagement Core and SPARK provide the latest information and updates on autism spectrum disorder, including interviews, research and webinars.

Vote 2020

Make your voice heard! Voting is an important civic duty. Every citizen has the ability to make an impact by casting a ballot. The MCDD encourages everyone to learn about the important issues and candidates running for office, and to vote. Voting options include early voting, mail-in voting, and voting in person on November 3.

IDDRC Corner

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC) and the Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities are excited to announce new opportunities for discussion and engagement, available to all faculty members, staff members, trainees and students throughout the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins communities.

COVID-19 Resources

Please take a moment to read these important pandemic-related resources from state and national external agencies and organizations. Topics include returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining mental health and dealing with grief.

Director’s Message

Despite the unusual circumstances we are in, I truly hope that all of our readers were able to enjoy the summer by taking pleasure in life’s little things. Even though members of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) continue to work from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the summer has been very busy for everyone.