Happy spring, readers! As the season of renewal unfolds, we hope this message finds you thriving and brimming with anticipation for the opportunities ahead. We invite you to read our quarterly newsletter to learn about all the latest news from the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD), Kennedy Krieger Institute and the community.
The State's Attorney's Office has recently launched the Older Adult and Disabled Persons Unit (ODPU). The mission of ODPU is to provide support to older adults and individuals with disabilities who are victims of a crime or a witness to a crime. Additionally, the unit serves as a valuable resource for prosecutors seeking support in engaging victims ages 60 and above or victims with disabilities. For more information, reach out to their one-stop helpline at 844-726-6378 or email odpuhelp@stattorney.org.
The MCDD welcomes several new members to the Community Advisory Council (CAC): Tami Goldsmith, a support broker, Hunter McIntyre and Marianne Doremus, family members of individuals with disabilities. The MCDD works in partnership with the CAC, advisors who represent the voice of the disability community, advising and supporting the MCDD in meeting its responsibilities to the citizens of Maryland in accordance with the Developmental Disabilities Act.
The MCDD’s Community and Professional Development Training Program is dedicated to delivering evidence-based training on a wide range of subjects, aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. We are delighted to announce the 2024 Annual Learning Series, spanning from April to October. The series consists of three-hour continuing education (CEU) virtual and in-person workshops with interdisciplinary topics focused on working with individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities and their families. Visit the webpage for a comprehensive list of available options and details on how to register.
We are thrilled to announce the release of the MCDD’s annual report for fiscal year 2023. This comprehensive report provides a detailed overview of the center's impactful initiatives, achievements, and milestones over the past fiscal year. Explore the work undertaken to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promote inclusion, and advance research and advocacy efforts. Gain insights into the center's collaborations, community engagement, and the positive outcomes achieved in fostering a more inclusive society. Join us in celebrating the dedication and success of the MCDD as we continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.
This quarter’s newsletter features articles about the 2024 legislative updates, a trainee reflection on Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature and the MCDD’s most recent intern from Project SEARCH at Kennedy Krieger Institute. We hope you find the resources in this newsletter helpful as we all continue to work together to help individuals with disabilities learn, grow and thrive.
Take care and stay safe.
In gratitude,
Maureen van Stone, Esq., MS
Assistant Vice President, Kennedy Krieger Institute
Director, Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities
Founding Director, Project HEAL
