Hello, readers! As we embrace the vibrant colors of fall and enjoy the crisp, refreshing air, we’re excited to bring you the latest updates in our newsletter. 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.
Maryland has been selected to participate in The Link Center’s newly launched State Policy Academy, joining five other states in this initiative. The Academy aims to enhance accessibility and improve the quality of urgent and acute behavioral healthcare services, including through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and other cognitive disabilities.
As director of the MCDD, which is Maryland’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, I am excited to bring my knowledge of law and policy, expertise in services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and a broad network of resources and connections to drive improvements in Maryland’s urgent and acute behavioral health services. I look forward to the positive changes and advancements this opportunity will bring to our state.
As we approach the upcoming November elections, it is crucial to remember that your vote is a powerful tool for shaping the future of your community. For individuals with disabilities, ensuring that the voting process is accessible and equitable is essential for full participation. There are several resources available to support accessible voting:
- Maryland State Board of Elections offers detailed information on voter registration, accessible voting options and accommodations for voters with disabilities.
- Vote.gov provides accessible voting options for individuals with disabilities, including assistance at polling places, mail-in voting and curbside voting.
- BallotReady® offers a comprehensive voter guide for Maryland, helping individuals research their ballot, learn about candidates and access key election details. It also provides information on how voters with disabilities can request accommodations.
- Disability Rights Maryland provides advocacy and support to ensure voting rights are accessible and protected.
This quarter’s newsletter features program updates from our Autism Research and Engagement Core and People On the Go Maryland, a roundup of relevant resources, and an article outlining our collaboration with Special Olympics Maryland. We hope you find the resources in this newsletter helpful as we 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 (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law)