Current Projects
This is a list of the projects the Council is currently working on. We fund other organizations to work on some of these projects. We are working on some of these projects ourselves.
For an easy-to-read list of projects: Current Projects – Easy Read
For a printable list of projects: Current Projects
ADVOCACY
Enhancing Self-Advocacy and Public Policy Work
People On the Go of Maryland (POG)
People on the Go of Maryland (POG) is a statewide self-advocacy group led by people with developmental disabilities. With support from the Council and the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities, POG works to improve issues that affect people with developmental disabilities. POG educates and advocates for change with state agencies, the state legislature, and the community. POG also provides training, assistance, and support to a network of local self-advocacy groups. This helps them be informed about issues, build skills, speak for themselves, and be strong advocates.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Partners in Policymaking®
The Arc Maryland
Partners in Policymaking® (Partners) is a leadership development program designed for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The program prepares participants to advocate for what they need in their own lives. It also prepares them to be leaders that bring about change that helps others. The Partners program is a series of nine sessions and other learning activities. Topics include: history of the disability movement, self-advocacy, inclusive education, assistive technology, legislative process, and advocacy. Partners graduates are prepared and supported to take action after they graduate. They support and learn from each other to bring about change.
OTHER COUNCIL PROJECTS
Playgrounds for All – Inclusive Playground Website
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and Maryland Department of Disabilities
Maryland needs more playgrounds where all children and their families can play. In 2022, the Council and the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) began working together on inclusive playgrounds. Fully inclusive playgrounds are physically, socially, and emotionally welcoming to everyone.
In 2023, the Council and MDOD released the Framework and Toolkit for Inclusive Playgrounds in Maryland. It explains what inclusive playgrounds are and the benefits they provide to everybody. The report also includes a toolkit for how to expand inclusive playgrounds in communities across Maryland.
In September 2025, we launched a full interactive website for this framework. This website has detailed, step-by-step information about how to create an inclusive playground in your community. It includes an interactive map of public inclusive playgrounds in Maryland.
Housing Publication
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
This publication highlights the stories of Marylanders with developmental disabilities who have moved into their own homes. Their stories show different housing options available, barriers that were addressed, and the different kinds of supports.
Resources
The following resources were developed by the Council. They are available on the Council’s website or by contacting the Council.
Planning Now
Planning Now is an easy-to-use guide for families of children and adults with developmental disabilities. It includes information about government benefits, wills, trusts, taxes, and other things to help people plan. This publication is available in English and Spanish.
Developmental Disabilities Administration Fact Sheets
These 4 fact sheets provide information about the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) that is easy to understand. They include:
• DDA Overview
• Waiting List
• Coordinators of Community Services
• Person Centered Planning
These fact sheets are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
User Friendly ABLE Guide
This easy-to-use guide helps people with disabilities and their families understand the Maryland ABLE program. Maryland ABLE is a savings program. It makes it possible for people with disabilities and their families to save and invest money without losing the federal and state benefits they need. This includes Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. ABLE accounts help people with disabilities improve their health, independence, and quality of life.
2022 Changes to Maryland ABLE User’s Guide
What Matters
What Matters shows how good planning and creative support helps people live good lives. It does that by telling the stories of 9 people with developmental disabilities who work and enjoy other activities in their communities.
What’s Possible: 9 Stories of Changed Lives
What’s Possible tells the story of 9 people who used to live at Rosewood Center. Rosewood was an institution for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It closed in 2009. People who lived there finally got a chance to live in the community again. Their stories show how much their lives improved.