Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

The Council had a great time at The Arc Maryland's SpArc Tank Ig-Nite event! We loved learning about new ideas that support people with developmental disabilities. These projects will help Marylanders with and without disabilities live, learn, work, and play together.

Calling all military families of people with developmental disabilities! Join the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families for a webinar about resources for military and veteran family caregivers. The webinar is on Friday, November 22 at 11 am. It is free to attend. No registration is required. Join at this link: https://lnkd.in/ejjp9YCF

More than 18,000 Marylanders with developmental disabilities rely on Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to live and work in the community. Last week, the Maryland Department of Disabilities and the Developmental Disabilities Administration recognized the important work that DSPs do in Maryland. We appreciate all the DSPs who help Marylanders with disabilities live the lives they want with the support they need! And, thank you to our partners for allowing the Council to talk about the results of our DSP Workforce Shortage Think Tank. Learn more about the think tank at https://lnkd.in/gsUy9JQi

November is Native American Heritage Month. We are working to recognize what people with disabilities in the American Indian communities in Maryland need and want. Learn more in this toolkit from the National Indian Council on Aging, Inc. https://lnkd.in/g7aSNbzv

Do you self-direct your services? The DDA decided to delay the start date of the new Self-Directed Services Policy and Manual. DDA also clarified two parts. See below for the announcement and to read the policy and manual. https://lnkd.in/eNzrsWSt

November is National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM). This month honors all that family caregivers do for their loved ones in the disability community and beyond. Learn more about NFCM below. https://lnkd.in/ezM3CihZ

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Make sure you know your voting rights before you go to vote! Learn more in The Arc Maryland's Disability Voting Guide: https://lnkd.in/eP9HG3bS

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is almost over. In our last #NDEAM Council member video, Richard Bauernschub says what “Access to Good Jobs For All” means to him. He talks about how employment helps people with disabilities live the lives they want.

One week until Election Day! It is important to be informed when you vote. Last week, the Maryland Disabilities Forum held a virtual Senate Candidate Forum. U.S. Senate Candidates Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Larry Hogan (R) answered important questions about disability issues. You can re-watch the forum to learn what they think about these issues. https://lnkd.in/euS7uShE

The Council is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. Our Council members are excited to share what #NDEAM means to them. Today, Council chair Meghan Jones talks about working as part of a team and having an open mind.