To receive copies of any of the publications mentioned on this website,  please contact the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Office. Click here to view the PDF copy of "Barriers to Quality Child Care Families of Children with  Disabilities and Special Health Care Needs Speak Up" A Report of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Click here to view the PDF version of "Inclusive Education in Maryland: A Blueprint for Change"   -- the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Newsletter Highlights -- the Annual Report of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council Five-Year State Plan Planning Now:  A Futures and Estate Planning Guide for  Parents of Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities -- Raising any child to adulthood is full of challenges.  For parents of children with disabilities,  concerns about their sons' and daughters' futures are magnified.  It is often difficult for parents to envision the future of their children with disabilities.  But, failing to plan could  leave your child in an emergency situation with your hard-earned money not being used the way you intended.  Having a vision for your child's future (and helping your child develeop his or her own vision as he or she gets older) and planning for that future are very important.  By planning, you can better assure that your child's personal and financial future is what you - and your child - desire and need.  Your planning will help maximize your child's independence and dignity and the control he has over his own life.  This guide may be your first step.  (131 pages) Best and Promising Practices:  Supporting people with developmental disabilities in their communities This guide is  provided as a resource for people with disabilities, their families and friends, providers, advocates, legislators and policy makers, and others who  have an interest in the services provided to people with disabilities.  The achievement of these practices will help ensure a system of supports and services that successfully responds to the coices and needs of people with disabilties. Family Support Services:  A Guide for Families -- "Family  support services hooked me up with so many valuable resources I never knew existed.  They also connected us with other parents who had a wealth of experience and guidance."  "Family support services helps us with things that we need to get by and stay together" About Families-- When a baby is born into a family,  there is excitement, expectation and hope.  We look at the tiny infant and dream of the future.  Who will this baby look like?  What talents does she possess?  What will he be when he grows up?  When a child   We welcome you to share in the stories of five different families - families who, with the assistance of Family Support Services, are  raising their children with developmental disabilities at home.  (12 page booklet) Visions of Equality:  Building a community for everyone -- Communitie s are rich and diverse.  They exist through a web of informal relationship s that collectively offer strength and protection.  People in communities share life's many opportunities and contribute to life's experiences.  We believe in a community that welcomes everyone, no matter how complex or challenging their disability.  The individuals whose stories grace the pages of this booklet are bringing that vision of equality to  life.                   (12 page booklet)   Thirty Years of Vision & Achievement A new educational publication that illustrates principles and practices of inclusion in school, work and community and describes the Council's work over the past three decades.