Image of Maryland State Flag close up with words Maryland Department of Disabilities Newsletter printed in white
Maryland Department of Disabilities Newsletter
March 2016
Featured Article
Pamela Corkran and Nia pose at the consignment store
PROMISE Reaches Goal

The Maryland PROMISE initiative announced in February they reached their recruitment goal of 2,000 enrolled youth in Maryland.

February Archived Blogs
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Upcoming March Blog Authors
 
Alicia Gogue
Self advocate and Special Olympics World Games Silver medalist talks about her experiences in sports and the job market as an individual with a developmental disability.

Christine Towne
This active self advocate talks about her experiences and gives advice for other young adults with disabilities who are making the transition from school to work. 

Sarah Hochbaum
Arc of Howard County Board Member and sibling to an adult brother with a developmental disability, Sarah talks about growing up and speaking out within the disability community. 

Jennifer Eastman
Maryland Department of Disabilities Community Living Policy Director discusses changes to watch in state and federal policy affecting those with developmental disabilities. 

Michael Ayers
Self advocate and local entrepreneur talks about the keys to success in tackling the job market with a disability.  He also discusses how to be your own boss in a competitive world of start up businesses. 
AND MORE!
 
 
Changing Maryland for the better logo

Alicia Gogue in front of work place with two silver medals
Developmental Disabilities
Awareness Month

Governor Hogan has declared March Developmental Disabilities Awareness month in Maryland.  During March, the department will be highlighting self advocacy and parent advocacy groups across the region.  The Governor's proclamation will travel far and wide as we listen to stories of Marylanders working to change our state for the better by improving the experiences of those with developmental disabilities. The department will also be featuring an exciting line up of guest bloggers for the month giving even greater voice to self advocates, families, and siblings of those with developmental  and intellectual disabilities.
New Weekly Department Blog!

Image of Stevie Wonder at Grammy Awards with his words in white_ _We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability_

You may have noticed a new feature on our website and social media over the past several weeks.  The Department is proud to announce our new weekly blog has launched and we are excited at the positive responses received so far.  Our weekly blog will be published each Friday and will cover a wide range of issues affecting those with disabilities and their families.  Each month will feature a theme along with a variety of guest bloggers from self advocates to policy makers to department staff.  We are pleased to provide another avenue for Marylanders with disabilities to address issues of concern and provide information on current topics in the disability community.  

 

Do not miss a blog post!  Click HERE to receive our weekly blog posts direct emailed to your inbox!  
Legislative Session Bill Tracking
Image of Maryland State Capital dome against blue sky with Maryland flag in foreground. Has words_ 2016 Legislative Session and www.mdod.maryland.gov written over image in white  
New this legislative session is the department's online bill tracker.  Department Policy Directors have identified bills of interest to those with disabilities in Maryland, categorized them, and listed them on our website for ease of constituent tracking.  Each bill includes a link to further information directly on the Maryland legislative tracker.   The Department of Disabilities takes Governor Hogan's pledge seriously to ensure transparent government processes with a focus on constant improvement of constituent services. 

 

 Legislative Bill Tracker 
Transitioning Youth Calendar

The Maryland Department of Disabilities is pleased to announce we now feature an event calendar on our website complete with up to date transitioning youth local activities.  Check back often to stay up to date with the latest happenings.  
 
We will also feature monthly transitioning youth information right here in this newsletter, so stay tuned!
  

Celebrating Through Art:  First Lady's Mental Health Awareness Youth Art Display
Logo for childrens_s mental health matters A Maryland Public Awareness Campaign  
May 1st through 7th is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week in 2016. Recognizing the importance of mental health awareness and the expressive power of artistic pursuits, Maryland's First Lady, Mrs. Yumi Hogan, invites youth to participate in a state wide art project. Children and youth are asked to create artwork expressing something which makes them feel mentally happy, healthy, and/or hopeful. Schools or programs are invited to submit one piece of artwork each. A selection of this work will be showcased in Annapolis at the First Lady's Mental Health Awareness Youth Art Display. We invite your school to participate! Find out more and register your school HERE                                        
 

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