The Council Connection is a quarterly publication of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.  Topics that are typically covered in our Newsletter are:  National Updates, Around The State, Council Updates, In The News, News Bits, Council Initiatives, State Initiatives, and News You Can Use.  View the Spring 2005 issue of Council Connection PDF version, Text version      Legislative Overview:        Self-Emplyment by People with Disabilities        Quality & Rights        DDA Waiting List        DDA Budget        Due Process Rights        Health        Education        Child Care Administration Transfer        Governors Office for Children, Youth and Families Eliminated by Legislation        Commission on Quality Education in Maryland View the Winter 2004 issue of Council Connection PDF version, Text version      Youth Empowerment Alliance Project Begins      Overview of Council Initiatives (Fiscal Year 2005)      DDA Receives Federal Approval for New Directions (A Consumer-Directed Services Waiver)      Family NetWorks Awards New Support Grants      One-Stop Family Resource Center      New Staff and New Council Members Announced      Helping Obtain Medicaid Essential Services (HOMES) Project View the Spring 2004 issue of Council Connection PDF version, Text version       Institutional Expansion Bill Fails       MSDE & DDA Budget Summaries       Child and After School Care       Shattering Myths       Legislative Highlights       Alternatives to High School Assessments       Disability Expo       Receive Council Publications Electronically View the Fall 2003 issue of Council Connection       Intensive Needs Not a Barrier to Community Life       Planning Now available on-line       Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council FY04 Project Summaries       Notify us with address change/correction or to receive electronic newsletter View the Summer 2003 issue of Council Connection      Maryland Medicaid Buy-In Program       Maryland General Assembly Passes Charter School Bill       IDEA Reauthorization       Commission on Housing Policy       Housing Leadership Academy       Child Custody (related legislation)       2003 Legislative Highlights       Developmental Disabilities Administration Budget       MSDE Proposed Budget Includes Increase in Public Special Education Funding      Pathfinders Autism Resource Center View the Winter 2002 issue of Council Connection       Local Activities       Status of Students       Hot Issues       Bridge to Excellence       Project Activities       Inclusion Percentages       Transitioning Youth View the Fall 2002 issue of Council Connection       Leaders Elected       30th Anniversary       Council Projects       Housing       Project Spotlight       Special Education       Family NetWorks Download the Spring 2002 issue of Council Connection       Legislative Summary       Medicaid Buy-In       DDA's Budget       Family NetWorks       Register and Vote       Child Care Download the Winter 2001 issue of Council Connection       Affordable Housing Strategies       Medicaid Buy-In - The Employed Persons with Disabilities Program                                    (SB 228 and HB 397)       Education - Thornton Commission Report - IDEA reauthorization       Martgage Program       Project Spotlight - Wicomico County Transit       New Members       Parent to Parent       Special Education Leadership Forum Download the Fall 2001 issue of Council Connection        Council Projects        Family NetWorks       Housing List Serve        Goals & Objectives        Staff Welcomed        OSEP Report        Access Card        Civil Rights Coalition Download the May 2001 issue of Council Connection        Governor Commits Additional $7.5M for Homeownership        Need for State Medicaid Buy-in Program        The Community Attendant Services & Supports Program        Direct Care Staff Wage Bill Signed by Governor        Session Ends without Needed Increases in Special Education Funding        News from the 2001 Legislative Session        Council Supports Legislative Advocacy        DDA's FY02 Budget Passes General Assembly with Few Cuts        Family NetWorks Download the October 2000 issue of Council Connection        New Executive Director and New Council Members        An Update on Education Issues        Access to Community Mental Health Services for Children on Medical Assistance        President Signs the Developmental Disabilities Act of 2000        New Council Projects       Plan for Expansion of Community-Based Services for People Living in Institutions Download the June 2000 issue of Council Connection        Family NetWorks        New Law Removes Barriers to Employment        Legislative Update        Families Opportunity Act of 2000        Annual Respite Converence