MDOD Newsletter                                                                            November, 2017

Maryland ABLE Soon Prepared to Launch woman and young girl clapping
                                        
More independence, greater financial security and a better quality of life - that's the future Maryland ABLE wants to help build. Maryland ABLE accounts are soon to be a new way to help individuals with disabilities save money and pay for qualified disability-related expenses without jeopardizing federal or state means-tested benefits such as SSI or Medicaid.
                                                      
Maryland ABLE Account Features:
  • Save up to $100,000 in your ABLE account before impacting SSI limits for cash benefits
  • Save money in your ABLE account without jeopardizing state and federal means-tested benefits such as Medicaid, food, or housing assistance
  • $14,000 annual contribution limit
  • Save up $350,000 over account lifetime
  • Up to $2,500 state income tax deduction per filer and up to $5,000 for joint filers 

Maryland ABLE is projected to be operational by the end of 2017.  Stay tuned for announcements from Maryland ABLE at the end of November including a date for enrollment to open and planned updates to the customer experience!

 
Follow Maryland ABLE online and via social media to stay up to date with the latest news!

image of military color guard
MD Veterans Appreciation Month
Agencies Join with Local Businesses and the U.S. Naval Academy
  
The State of Maryland is celebrating Veterans Appreciation Month and honoring military veterans during the month of November with a series of programs, exhibits, and special offers at attractions and businesses throughout the state. The initiative is a joint effort between the Maryland Office of Tourism, Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, Maryland Public Television (MPT), and the U.S. Naval Academy.

"Maryland's veterans are an integral part of the fabric of our great state, and they deserve to be respected and remembered. During Maryland's Veterans Appreciation Month, there are many ways to pay tribute to the great heroes who sacrificed so much for our state and our nation," said Governor Larry Hogan. "We encourage everyone to visit Maryland's veterans' memorials and Welcome Centers to learn their stories and thank them for their selfless service."

The Office of Tourism's website, visitmaryland.org , features special events that will be taking place throughout the month. Visitors are encouraged to share their Maryland Veterans Appreciation Month experiences on social media using the hashtags #VisitMaryland and #MDinFocus. For more information about Veterans Appreciation Month, see the  Visit Maryland Link  or call 800-719-5900 . 
 
Read the full press release HERE.

Man in wheelchair on computer and telephone with office workers in background
Disability Employment Toolbox
Employer Resource Highlight


The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is a free resource that helps employers tap the benefits of disability diversity. EARN educates public- and private-sector organizations on ways to build inclusive workplace cultures, and empower them to become leaders in the employment and advancement of people with disabilities.  EARN achieves these goals through a combination of online resources, technical assistance, training, and research on best practices.  Find out more at the EARN Website Link.

 

Read more about resources for employers, job seekers, and workers with disabilities on the Department of Disabilities website at this LINK.  
Happenings. . . Hand on wheelchair
  • Guest Speakers with intellectual or developmental disabilities needed for the 2018 Brave in the Attempt Event, Transform, occurring on June 6th at Towson University. Find out more at this LINK!
  • The Developmental Disabilities Administration is seeking success stories or promising practices to share related to competitive, integrated employment or community integration.  If you have a story to share, please contact [email protected].