Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities Newsletter – 2021, Issue 3

Director's Message

Summer greetings! This is a busy time at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD). Every program continues to have projects and offer community and professional training, and new grants are underway as we work to fulfill our mission.

COVID-19 Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that fully-vaccinated people can discontinue masking. However, the MCDD encourages continued care and attention with regard to COVID-19 masking and hand-washing. Continue to practice social distancing, avoid large groups and use hand sanitizer when you leave home. I hope you will find these resources helpful.

IDDRC Corner

In collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center at Kennedy Krieger Institute is now a collaborative site for a new research project that is part of the National Institutes of Health Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics for Underserved Populations program.

MCDD News

The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) is excited to welcome new team members Griffin “Griff” Clabaugh-Bareford, Cheryl Lyn Errichetti, Cheryl Hansen, Claudaya “Daya” Hood Bey and Maria Oven.

Project HEAL Implements Online Intake System

Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law) announced the implementation of its online intake system in early May.

Summer Learning Series Update

The MCDD hosted its second virtual Summer Learning Series, consisting of live, interactive webinars from early June through July.

MCDD Receives Two COVID-19 Vaccine Grants

COVID-19 has impacted more than 61 million people with disabilities living in the United States, and strategic efforts are underway to help get vaccines safely into the arms of people with disabilities. To respond to the need for targeted vaccination messaging for individuals with disabilities, their family members and direct care providers, the MCDD is participating in two important national grants.

People On the Go Maryland Update

People On the Go Maryland presented three Project STIR (Steps Toward Independence and Responsibility) training sessions in May, continuing its mission to advocate and educate on behalf of individuals with disabilities, and their family members and caregivers, about the importance of independence.

Team MCDD Raises Funds During Kennedy Krieger’s ROAR for Kids 2021 Campaign

ROAR for Kids is an Institute-wide fundraising event that usually consists of a full morning of fun activities followed by a 5K at Oregon Ridge Park. In response to the pandemic, Kennedy Krieger turned the annual event this year into a weeklong celebration with both virtual and in-person elements, kicking off with a drive-through CARnival at Kennedy Krieger High School on May 15.