The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council (Council) has been creating change to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities since 1971. We are led by people with developmental disabilities and family members of people with developmental disabilities.
Over the next few months we will highlight Council members who completed 2 terms, 10 years, with the Council. We appreciate their advocacy, guidance, and work to help people with developmental disabilities live the lives they want with the support they need.
June 27, 2022
Name: Teresa Herbert
Years on the Council: 10
- In 2-3 sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a high-energy person who loves music, travel, and the outdoors. I am happily the mom and sole provider for Jesse, a 19-year-old young adult who is the best son a mother could ever hope to have. My professional specialty is macro-level social work. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and am currently working toward earning my P.h.D. in Social Work.
- What made you want to join the Council?
Jesse and I have been active in state-level advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since he was about 2 years old. My first knowledge of the Council was observing their advocacy efforts for people with developmental disabilities in Annapolis. As a professional, I was impressed with Mr. Cox’s scope of knowledge and as a parent, I was moved by the conviction and commitment of his testimony. I was introduced to the prior Director, Brian Cox, by my then Director, Tim Quinn when I asked about his role. I knew then that the Council was something I wanted to be a part of. What I did not know is the knowledge and commitment I saw in one person is the culture of the entire Council. This is a bit beyond the question, but I feel strongly that it is important to recognize that the Council’s culture of respect and commitment has never wavered. It has remained intact and continues to be cultivated and grown by the Council’s current Director, Rachel London.
- What excites you most about the Council’s new five-year state plan?
It would be difficult to choose just one aspect of the plan because every piece is important. For me, the most exciting part of the Council’s state plan is that it represents what the people it is intended to serve want. Not only does every single member have input, but also every bit of feedback from every member is highly valued, carefully considered, and included in the development of the plan.
- You are finishing your final term on the Council. Over the last ten (10) years, you have helped the Council accomplish so much important work. What is a Council activity that had the biggest impact on you?
It has been an honor and a joy to serve on the Council. The people I have had the opportunity to meet and work with have been amazing. I was significantly impacted by having the opportunity serve on committees within the Council. I remember feeling intimidated by the opportunities and I am so grateful that I was supported and encouraged to participate on committees. As a Council member and committee member, I gained so much knowledge about the importance of the work. And, I learned how to continue to move the work forward toward equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The small group discussions allowed me to learn more from other committee members and their perspectives which has helped me to continue to widen my own perspective.
- What is one piece of advice you would give a new Council member?
Enjoy the process and the people! Take your time to take it all in because it is a lot of information and it may be a brand new process for someone who has never held a role like this. Every person on the Council is at a different place in their knowledge of the issues, advocacy, and how the Council works. There are plenty of folks available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. Be open. Be open to information, ideas, and perspectives that may be new to you. And I think it’s important to be mindful of your representation. On the Council, I represented as a parent of a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities from a rural area, Harford County. I am always aware that my perspectives are impacted by my professional and personal experiences. My personal experience with disability is that of a parent, not a person with a disability. Pay attention to the perspectives of people with a disabilities, because if you are fortunate, you may find they challenge you to widen your perspective. I am a better professional and a better person from my experiences with Council members and I am forever grateful for the deeper insight I have gained from those members with a disability.
May 9, 2022
Name: Lisa Derx
Years on the Council: 10
- In 2-3 sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Most of my career has been spent at Best Buddies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inclusion for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s been exciting to see our growth over the years, although there is still plenty of work to be done to achieve real inclusion. I grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland, and I’ve been living in Howard County for ten years along with my husband, Dan, and our cat, Sebastian. I enjoy bike riding, especially on the Eastern Shore, playing Scrabble, and growing as many flowers as I can!
- What made you want to join the Council?
I joined the Council to both learn more about how policy could lead to better outcomes for people with disabilities, and to contribute to positive change.
- What excites you most about the Council’s new five-year state plan?
The focus on promoting access to their communities for those with disabilities, including employment, and, specifically, career exploration. It is great to see us talk about career for those with disabilities, rather than simply jobs.
- You are finishing your final term on the Council. Over the last ten (10) years, you have helped the Council accomplish so much important work. What is a Council activity that had the biggest impact on you?
The small grants to help community service agencies transition to competitive, integrated employment and away from sheltered and group employment mean so much. It is better for everyone when those with disabilities are included in the workforce, and I was glad to see the Council put funding towards that goal.
- What is one piece of advice you would give a new Council member?
Listen and ask questions. It takes a few years to understand how the Council works and what your role is. And, enjoy your time – it goes by so quickly!
April 25, 2022
Name: Jamal Cannady
Years on the Council: 10 years
- In 2-3 sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am an outgoing person. I like to help people. Even though I have a disability, I believe that you should be able to live where you want to and work where you want to. It’s all about inclusion.
- What made you want to join the Council?
My determination to help people with disabilities.
- What excites you most about the Council’s new five-year state plan?
It is all about inclusion. People are getting out into the work force. All people with developmental disabilities should have the right to live and work in their communities.
- You are finishing your final term on the Council. Over the last ten (10) years, you have helped the Council accomplish so much important work. What is a Council activity that had the biggest impact on you?
The Council inspired me to keep moving on, and help people with disabilities, including myself.
- What is one piece of advice you would give a new Council member?
I would tell them never give up. Help the Council work toward its goals.