Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
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Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
@mdddcouncil.bsky.social
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We create change to make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to live the lives they want with the support they need.
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This week's legislative reports are ready! Catch up on all the bills we are tracking in the Maryland General Assembly. Visit the link below to learn more.

www.md-council.org/policy/legis...
An image of the Maryland State House surrounded by snow. Text at the bottom of the image reads: Legislative Reports, February 6 DD Council logo
February 6, 2026 at 5:40 PM
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Start your weekend with the Council's legislative reports! These reports list all of the bills that we are tracking in the Maryland General Assembly.

www.md-council.org/policy/legis...
A picture of Annapolis in the snow from above. Text at the bottom reads: Legislative Reports: January 30 Maryland DD Council logo
January 30, 2026 at 7:24 PM
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Happy Friday! Every week during legislative session, the Council posts our legislative reports. These reports list all of the bills that we are tracking in the Maryland General Assembly.

Our first 2026 legislative reports are available now: www.md-council.org/policy/legis...
An image of the Maryland State House in winter. Text at the bottom of the image reads: Legislative Reports, January 23 Maryland DD Council logo
January 23, 2026 at 5:58 PM
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The 2026 legislative session started Wednesday. During the session, the Council works to make sure legislators and leaders in state government understand how proposed bills and budgets affect people with DD and their families.

Learn about our policy priorities: www.md-council.org/wp-content/u...
A graphic describing how the Council creates policy change. There are three boxes, with arrows connecting them from left to right. Box 1: How We Create Change for People with Developmental Disabilities - We Lead - We Partner - We Advise - We Advocate - We Inform - We Empower - We Educate - We Find Solutions Box 2: 2026 Public Policy Priorities - Strong civil rights and equal opportunities for all - Housing for all - Community supports and services that work for people - Employment that works - Information and resources that are accessible - Supported Decision Making - Training and awareness - Access to healthcare - Effective and inclusive education for students of all ages - Inclusive recreation - Access to transportation - people with disabilities are leaders and advocates Box 3: Public Policy Vision - People with and without disabilities in Maryland live, learn, work, and play together.
January 16, 2026 at 7:47 PM
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Registration is open for Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature (DD Day)!

Join us on February 18 in Annapolis! Legislators, state leaders, and other advocates will talk about issues that are important to people with DD and their families.

Get tickets at events.humanitix.com/dd-day-26
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition Presents Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature Wednesday, February 18, 2026 8 to 11 am Graduate by Hilton Annapolis Also Streaming on Facebook Register Today! A graphic of three people, one in a wheelchair, in front of the State House. The graphic uses the Maryland flag colors: red, white, black, and gold.
January 14, 2026 at 3:59 PM
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Applications are open for the 2026 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) hosted by Independence Now!

This is a great opportunity for high school students with DD to grow as leaders and advocates.

YLF takes place June 25-27. Applications are due by February 28. Apply now at www.innow.org/mdylf/
Maryland Youth Leadership Forum
Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegates build leadership skills and prepare for future employment, higher education, and independent living.
www.innow.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:39 PM
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The Council creates change to make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to live the lives they want with the support they need.

Here's how we created change and improved lives in 2025.
2025 By the Numbers Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council 12,434 people engaged with Council projects 33 committees and councils served on to improve policies programs, and practices 39 laws, policies, and programs created or improved 188 legislators educated about issues related to developmental disabilities 27,626 people got resources and information from the Council 4,731 people used the new Playgrounds for All website to find playgrounds where everyone feels welcome
December 31, 2025 at 5:27 PM
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Happy Holidays from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council!

Our staff got into the holiday spirit this week. We did an escape room together before we take time off this week.

Wishing all Marylanders a joyful and relaxing holiday season!
Three women and a man stand together. They are holding signs for an escape room. They are standing in front of a painting of palm trees.
December 23, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Reposted by Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
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Swipe & learn all about what DD Councils are, what they do, how they work, & (most importantly) how YOU can get involved!

Visit the #WereHereAllYear gallery for personal stories from people with developmental #disabilities from across the nation.

Gallery link: nacdd.org/2025-dd-awar...
Why do DD Councils Matter? Developmental disabilities (DD) Councils help make sure people with disabilities have a voice in everyday issues that impact them locally and across the state. They work so everyone can live, work, and take part in their community. They support ideas like living at home, having a job in a competitive, integrated environment, being able to go to school, being treated fairly, and being represented when big decisions are made. Where did DD Councils Come From? Developmental disabilities (DD) Councils were created by a federal law called the Developmental Disabilities Act (DD Act). This law says every state and territory must have a council. The goal is to protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities and help them live full lives in their communities. This work has been going on for more than 50 years. How do DD Councils Help Their State? Driven by their Five Year State Plans, developmental disabilities (DD) Councils launch and fund new ideas to solve problems that impact the disability community and create systems change. These can be training programs, creating toolkits, launching new programs, or bringing groups together to work on a shared goal. They also help people with disabilities and their families become leaders and speak up for themselves. Councils also educate and inform key decision makers and lawmakers to show what needs to change. How You Can Get Involved The best way to get involved is to apply to become a Council member! Councils are required by law to have 60% of their membership be people with disabilities and their family members. Aside from applying to be a member, people can attend Council meetings, share ideas, and take part in council projects. Many councils also have newsletters, public forums, advocacy events, and social media pages where people can learn more and get engaged.
December 17, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Reposted by Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
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Our 2025 theme, #WereHereAllYear emphasizes that community, accessibility & opportunities for people with developmental #disabilities should be recognized & championed

Developmental Disabilities Councils (often called DD Councils) work to support those ideals every day, in many different ways.
We're Here All Year DD Council Edition from NACDD What is a DD Council? A State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council is a group of people who work to make life better for people with DD. Every state and territory in the United States has a council. These councils listen to people with DD and their families. They help make plans, support new ideas, and guide leaders in the state. What does a DD Council do? A developmental disabilities (DD) Council brings people together to look at problems across the state and find ways to fix them. The Council works with people with DD, family members, lawmakers, decision makers, service providers, and community leaders. They look at what is working and what is not working. Then they help create projects or programs that make the community better and more fair for people with DD and their families. Who is on a DD Council? Every developmental disabilities (DD) Council is made up of people with DD and their family members, who are appointed by the Governor of their state. Also, people who work in disability services, lawmakers, and other stakeholders are a part of the Council. 60% of members are people with disabilities or family members. This helps the council understand real needs in the state.
December 17, 2025 at 11:30 PM
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This week is Inclusive Schools Week! This week promotes schools where all students learn together and have the same access to opportunities and resources. This year's theme is Children First - Building a Stronger Tomorrow.
Inclusive Schools Week Children First: Building a Stronger Tomorrow A cartoon image of children with and without disabilities playing together.
December 9, 2025 at 6:04 PM
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Are you a former federal worker with a disability? Are you looking for a new job?

Join the Maryland Department of Disabilities and Maryland Works for a webinar next Wednesday, December 10. You will learn about employment resources, resume strategies, and more.

events.mdworks.com/MonthlyWebin...
Maryland Works and Maryland Department of Disabilities Monthly Webinar Series Are you a federal worker with a disability seeking employment? December 10, 2025 4-5 pm An image of two people looking at a computer screen. One of them is in a wheelchair.
December 3, 2025 at 8:10 PM
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The Council had a great time at The Arc Maryland's SpArc Tank event. We learned about so many exciting projects that support Marylanders with disabilities. And, we celebrated 65 years of The Arc Maryland's impact on people with DD across our state.
A room full of people watch and listen to a presentation. The screen at the front of the room reads "Let's Make Schools Inclusive for All Children" A man speaks at a podium. The screen behind him says SpArc Tank Ig-Nite 65 Years of Impact - The Arc Maryland A man and two women stand for a photo. The man is wearing a collared shirt, tie, and slacks. The women are wearing dresses. Two women pose for a photo. One is wearing an orange dress and one is wearing a black and white dress.
November 21, 2025 at 7:01 PM
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The Council is now accepting applications for Small Grants.

Small Grants can fund projects and trainings in Maryland. They have to be related to the Council's mission and help us make progress on our State Plan.

Learn more at www.md-council.org/small-grants/
The Council is now funding Small Grants Learn more and apply! Maryland DD Council logo Three photos from small grants the Council has funded in the past. These photos feature people with and without disabilities at various trainings and events.
November 10, 2025 at 5:31 PM
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We had a great time with The Arc Maryland and People on the Go Maryland at the 2025-26 Partners in Policymaking kickoff this weekend! We are so excited for this year's Partners participants to learn and grow as advocates.
A group of people with and without disabilities. Some are standing and some are seated. Some of them are holding signs that say Partners in Policymaking.
November 4, 2025 at 2:59 PM
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On November 1, 2025, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be stopped.

@nacdd.bsky.social and the Council have a guide to help you find other resources. This guide also has information about how getting help could affect your SSI benefits.

www.md-council.org/wp-content/u...
Protecting Your Benefits During the SNAP Suspension What to Know About Accepting Gifts An image of a food basket in the middle of a grocery store aisle NACDD logo and Maryland DD Cou​ncil logo
October 30, 2025 at 3:32 PM
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The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council joins @nacdd.bsky.social and our fellow DD Councils in expressing concern about the recent layoffs in the U.S. Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
These cuts affect key offices that make sure people with disabilities get the education, mental health support, and community services they are entitled to under the law. 32 State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Express Concern over Recent Layoffs at the US Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
October 30, 2025 at 1:36 PM
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Join the Association of University Centers on Disabilities for their NDEAM webinar: Honoring the Contributions of Americans with Disabilities to the Workforce and National Progress through UCEDDs.

The webinar is on Tuesday, October 28 from 2-3 pm on Zoom.

www.aucd.org/event/honori...
Honoring the Contributions of Americans with Disabilities to the Workforce and National Progress through UCEDDs. Text is in red and blue, with red white and blue stripes below. The background is white with script writing at the top.
October 21, 2025 at 6:29 PM
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This is the 80th anniversary of NDEAM. Every year, #NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities across the country. This year's theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent."

Learn more: www.dol.gov/agencies/ode...
Celebrating Value and Talent National Disability Employment Awareness Month Office of Disability Employment Policy, US Department of Labor Circular images of people in the workplace with fireworks in the background. The image background is dark blue.
October 3, 2025 at 4:55 PM
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Are you a person with a developmental disability? Do you want to create change in Maryland? If so, apply to be a Council member!

This is a volunteer leadership opportunity for passionate advocates. Learn how to apply here: www.md-council.org/about-us/bec...
​Join the Council! We are looking for people with developmental disabilities to help us create change. Apply today! DD Council logo and two pictures of Council members.
October 1, 2025 at 4:10 PM
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Maryland needs more playgrounds where ALL children and their families can play. The Council and Maryland Department of Disabilities are excited to launch our Playgrounds for All website!

Check out the full website, including a toolkit and map, at www.playgroundsforallmd.org
A mother holds her small child, while her other child claps while coming down the slide. A wheelchair and walker are next to the slide. Below the photo, text reads: Maryland needs more families where ALL children and their families can play.
September 22, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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The Council is excited to welcome Jenn Raulin as our new Deputy Director!

Jenn brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in program management with federal and state agencies, as well as nonprofits.

Learn more about Jenn at mailchi.mp/md-council/c...
A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a light blue jacket. She is smiling.
September 18, 2025 at 2:31 PM
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The Council is proud to announce our latest publication!

Where is Home? shares powerful stories of 10 people with developmental disabilities in Maryland who are living and thriving in their own homes. Each story shows that home can look different for everyone.

www.md-council.org/wp-content/u...
The cover of the Where is Home? publication. Where is Home? 10 Stories About What Home Means in large text. A drawing of a city skyline with different types of houses and buildings is at the bottom of the image.
September 16, 2025 at 2:34 PM
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Thank you to Governor Moore and his administration for proclaiming this week (September 7-13) as Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Week in Maryland.

This week, we honor and appreciate all the great work of DSPs across Maryland!
A proclamation from Governor Wes Moore recognizing Direct Support Professionals Week.
September 12, 2025 at 5:58 PM
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Are you an adult with DD or a family member of someone with DD? Do you want to grow as an advocate?

Apply for Partners in Policymaking! This year-long program teaches people with DD and family members how to create change at the local, state, and federal levels.

Apply now at thearcmd.org/partners
A graphic with pictures of people with DD and their family members who graduated from Partners in Policymaking. Text: Join the ranks of over 500 Partners in Policymaking graduates around Maryland who are long-term agents of change in the community. Through 12 sessions in 2025 and 2026, Partners will learn about systems change - creating, working towards, and achieving a vision of shared values about people with disabilities! Apply by October 6th TheArcMD.org/Partners The Arc Maryland logo DD Council Logo People on the Go logo This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,262,502 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
September 9, 2025 at 1:24 PM