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Expectations Matter. Expect Ability.

Expectations are important in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Our story/photo contest winners showcase the power of this message.
Do You Have an Education/Training Event Coming Up?

If your event educates, informs, builds skills, or promotes advocacy, you can apply for sponsorship funding from the Council.
Small Grants Available for Your Initiative

The Council funds activities and initiatives in keeping with our mission of inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.
Keep Up with Policy and Legislation

The Council publishes weekly reports while the General Assembly is in session.

Empowerment · Opportunity · Inclusion

Advancing the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.

What's New

The Council Announces a New Funding Opportunity

Rebuilding DDA Providers throughout Maryland through Technical Assistance The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council seeks proposals by consultants, business acumen development organizations, noted subject matter experts, and others to engage in a demonstration project to provide technical assistance…

DD Days at the Legislature

Developmental Disabilities Days at the Legislature (DD Days) is an event that advocates look forward to all year long! This year, we are expanding our reach through a week of virtual advocacy and opportunities for…

The Council Announces a New Funding Opportunity

In 2017 the Council started a campaign to convey a simple point, #ExpectationsMatter #ExpectAbility. We knew hashtags alone would not raise every expectation, or change every mind or every action, but we wanted to…

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

The Council educates and informs policymakers; advocates for services, policies and practices that support people with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, and lead productive, fulfilling lives; and designs and funds innovative, sustainable initiatives that promote community inclusion and improve services and supports.

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council16 hours ago

Well friends, this is the last of the #LegislativeReports for #MDGA2021.

We hope you enjoyed following along, and that we provided you with useful information.

Stay tuned for the 2021 Legislative Overview.

https://www.md-council.org/policy/legislative-reports/

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Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council24 hours ago

Unlike previous rounds of economic stimulus payments during the pandemic, this time adults with disabilities who are considered dependents for tax purposes are eligible. The payments go to the taxpayer who claims the dependent. #COVID19 #Stimulus https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2021/03/30/delayed-stimulus-payments-may-come-soon-for-social-security-ssi-beneficiaries/29269/

Delayed Stimulus Payments May Come Soon For Social Security, SSI Beneficiaries

Stimulus checks for people with disabilities who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits could start flowing after the payments were held up.

disabilityscoop.com

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Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council2 days ago

Find facts from trusted sources by visiting the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities #COVID19 vaccine website. You can #ShareYourShot story, read stories from members of the community, or find resources about the vaccine. https://www.getoutthevaccine.org/

Get Out The Vaccine

It’s time to Get Out The Vaccine!#GOTVaccine The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) and our 56 member Councils work across the United States and its territories to support programs that promote self-determination, integration, and inclusion for all people in the...

getoutthevaccine.org

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Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council3 days ago

Adults with disabilities require, on average, 28% more income as a household of the same size and income where no one has disabilities—and that's on top of what is already covered and provided by government programs offering disability benefits.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-03-disability-expensive.html

Living with a disability is very expensive – even with government assistance

Edward Mitchell is 34 years old and lives in Jackson, Tennessee, with a spinal cord injury caused by a hit-and-run accident that happened when he was 17. He has plenty of expenses that all Americans have, like groceries and utilities. But to maintain his independence, he also has to pay for home mod...

medicalxpress.com

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Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council4 days ago

To that end, the foundation tried to create a sensory-friendly experience — repurposing luxury boxes as “quiet spaces” with fidget toys, weighted blankets, and light projections on the ceiling, intended to create a calming atmosphere.

#COVID19 #Vaccine

https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-philadelphia-autism-disabilities-eagles-20210327.html?fbclid=IwAR11cq9vNzKUGZqBygKjYeYPHuHX3QHjQa6dDEYlhg3pSQEyCvN83q3zPN4

At the Eagles’ stadium, a COVID-19 vaccination clinic designed for people with autism: ‘We need to meet them where they are’

The Eagles Autism Foundation tried to create a sensory-friendly experience — repurposing luxury boxes as “quiet spaces” with fidget toys, weighted blankets and light projections on the ceiling.

inquirer.com

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Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council5 days ago

A Video Game Makes Math And English Classes A Full-Body Experience

“When the body is active, then everything becomes more engaging, more stimulating, and children actively participate in the learning process,” said Retalis.

#Education

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2021/03/23/a-video-game-makes-math-and-english-classes-a-full-body-experience/29255/

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State Plan

Every five years, the MDDC develops a State Plan. The plan entails a comprehensive review of major service systems and issues in Maryland where we outline goals, objectives and specific activities that will be implemented to bring about change. The State Plan guides the Council regarding how staff and fiscal resources are allocated. The Council State Plan is developed in accordance with the DDA and Bill of Rights Act of 2000. Click to view the full 2017-2021 State Plan.

The Council's 2017-2021 State Plan Goals

GOAL 1

People with developmental disabilities effectively advocate for themselves and others and influence issues that are important to them.

GOAL 2

People with developmental disabilities and their families are empowered to lead the lives they want and transform communities.

GOAL 3

Children and adults with developmental disabilities meaningfully participate in all facets of community life, and are valued and supported by their communities.

By the Numbers 2019

People

3973

3,973 people trained through Council supported initiatives

More Funds

541700

$541,700 invested to build a more inclusive community

General Public

26011

26,011 members of general public educated about developmental disability issues

Child Care Providers

110

110 Child Care Providers received training & technical assistance

Programs & Policies

37 programs/policies created or improved

Legislators

188

188 legislators educated about issues related to developmental disabilities

Committees / Councils

26 Committees/Councils served on to improve policies, program & practices

Expectations Matter. Expect Ability.

Do You Have an Education/Training Event Coming Up?

Small Grants Available for Your Initiative

Keep Up with Policy and Legislation

Empowerment · Opportunity · Inclusion

What's New

The Council Announces a New Funding Opportunity

DD Days at the Legislature

The Council Announces a New Funding Opportunity

State Plan

The Council's 2017-2021 State Plan Goals

GOAL 1

GOAL 2

GOAL 3

By the Numbers 2019