Current Initiatives Funded by the Maryland Development Disabilities Council
Advocacy
Enhancing Self-Advocacy and Public Policy Work
People On the Go of Maryland (POG)
POG, Maryland’s Statewide Self-Advocacy group, supports local self-advocacy groups by providing leadership trainings, mentoring opportunities, and sponsoring a Legislative Internship. POG supports the self-advocacy movement of Southern Maryland by forming new groups and supporting activities on transportation advocacy. The result is an increase in the number of people with developmental disabilities who are active in the process of creating laws, services and programs that promote inclusion.
Child Care
Building Capacity through Technical Assistance
Abilities Network
This initiative provides intensive, customized technical assistance to child care providers throughout Maryland to increase their skills, knowledge, and capacity. As a result of this investment, more children with developmental disabilities and special health care needs will be in child care settings alongside children without disabilities. Abilities Network will increase the capacity of child care providers statewide using three major components: Strategy, Action, and Reflection (STAR). The project uses reflective coaching and requires the participation of child care program directors and classroom staff so the strategies learned are retained and benefit many children. By the project’s conclusion, at least 225 technical assistance sessions will be facilitated.
Employment
Transforming and Improving Practices through Customized Technical Assistance (TIP) Grants
Round One: Appalachian Parent Association, Bay Community Support Services, CHANGE, Inc., CHI Centers, Head Injury Rehabilitation & Referral Services, Humanim & Compass (jointly funded), Itineris, Providence Center, Spring Dell Center, The Arc of Howard County, The Arc Prince George’s County, The Arc Southern Maryland, The Arc of Washington County
Round Two: Ardmore Enterprises, Bayside Community Network, Community Living, Inc., Gallagher Services, Opportunity Builders, Rehabilitation Opportunities, The Arc Baltimore, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, The Arc Montgomery County
Round Three: Delmarva Community Services, Gallagher Services, New Horizons Supported Services/Compass, Inc., The National Center on Institutions and Alternatives (NCIA), Penn-Mar Human Services; Spectrum Supports, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, Jewish Community Services, The Arc Carroll County, The League for People with Disabilities, SEEC: (Seeking Employment, Equality, and Community for People with Developmental Disabilities), and Community Options.
The purpose of this initiative is to improve the employment outcomes of people with developmental disabilities by building the capacity of community service providers licensed by the Developmental Disabilities Administration. Through customized technical assistance by subject matter experts, providers will improve the way services are provided so that more people with developmental disabilities are supported to get and keep the meaningful work they want in their communities and to have meaningful days when not working. All grant recipients will participate in a learning community to share their efforts to improve employment outcomes and receive mutual peer support.
Publications: Success Stories
The publication will highlight success stories from different perspectives to address concerns of various audiences (people with disabilities, families, direct support professionals, and employers). By addressing known concerns such as safety, dignity of risk, and opportunities in rural areas, the publication will allay fears and negative perceptions and improve employment and other meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities throughout the state.
Employment Certification Trainings
MD Works, Inc.
The Council has partnered with MD Works to co-sponsor ACRE Approved Basic Community Employment Certification Trainings for direct support professionals to assist people with disabilities in their job development and discovery. A total of 50 professionals, mostly in rural areas of the state, will be certified. The training focuses on increasing and enhancing development of the Employment First Initiative key competencies for direct support staff.
Community Supports
My Support
My Support, Inc.
The purpose of this project is to assist with start-up costs for MySupport to become operational in Maryland. MySupport is an online provider directory platform that people with disabilities and their families can use to find support staff.
Raising Expectations Think Tank
The purpose of this initiative is to identify challenges and related strategies to increase expectations of people with developmental disabilities.
Leadership Development
Southern Maryland LEADers
Parents’ Place of Maryland
The purpose of this project is to provide leadership training in Southern Maryland for parents of children with developmental disabilities and ensure ongoing engagement by participants in advocacy and leadership.
Parent Leadership Learning Parties
Ready At Five
This project will allow Ready At Five to expand its family engagement efforts by funding eight Parent Leadership Learning Parties (PLLPs) statewide designed specifically to include parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities and delays.
Partners in Policymaking®
The Arc Maryland
This project will allow The Arc Maryland to to manage the Partners in Policymaking® program (Partners) to train individuals with developmental disabilities and families of people with developmental disabilities to become effective advocates for long-term change. The Council will work closely with The Arc Maryland on planning and refinements for Partners, the most prominent leadership development program for individuals with disabilities and their families in Maryland.
