MDOD Newsletter                                                                           October 2019
Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition

Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford joined us in honoring Direct Support Professionals and Employers during our reception in Annapolis during   Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week on September 17th.  We received more than 130 nominations and the committee narrowed it down to 26 individual winners and 9 businesses!  Tough work, since every nomination was worthy of recognition!! 
Sec Beatty_ Lt Gov Rutherford and De Sec Simons stand together holding proclamation.
The Lt. Governor presented Secretary Beatty and Deputy Secretary Bernard Simons from DDA  the Governor's Proclamation marking September 8-14th as Direct Support Professional Recognition Week in Maryland.  


Agriculture Secretary Bartenfelder joins us at Red Wiggler Farm

Sec Beatty stands with Sec Bartenfelder and Director Woodson in front of red barn.

Secretary Carol Beatty visited Red Wiggler Farm in Montgomery County with MD Department of Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder.  Red Wiggler is a sustainable farm where people with and without disabilities come together to work, learn and grow healthy food together.    Farm Director Woody Woodroof shared their model of integrated employment.  


Sec Beatty and Sec Bartenfelder talk to farm worker in front of barn as she sorts veggies.

Emergency Preparedness Fairs
MDH Secretary Robert Neall stands with Emergency Prep Director Cecilia Warren and her guide dog Yale.  

It's hurricane season, and our emergency preparedness team has been out and about all Fall helping spread the word that #MDPrepares!!  We joined MD Department of Health Secretary Robert Neall at the National Preparedness Month event in Baltimore and the Anne Arundel County Prep Fair in Glen Burnie.  

Nan Brittingham holds sign saying __MD prepares_ in front of display table with materials.   Director Warren speaks to female as she stands behind MDOD table with materials.

You can't be too prepared and we encourage all Marylanders to be ready for anything.  Hurricanes, floods, fires, any kind of disaster can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time!  Check out this resource to help you think about prep:  www.ready.gov/disability 
Partners in Policymaking Graduates First Class 
Rachel London_ Sec Beatty and Ande Kolp stand with graduate as she holds plaque.
 
We are very excited that the MD Developmental Disabilities Council has brought Partners in Policymaking back to Maryland!  The Arc Maryland celebrated the graduation of the "first" new class of Maryland Partners!  Congratulations to all the graduates and we are excited to see what you accomplish!!
Secretary Beatty and two Arc employees speak with a graduate at their table.   



Deputy Secretary Visits Centers for Independent Living
Deputy Secretary Miele stands with 7 staff members from ARI around sign saying _Donuts with the Deputy_
 
Deputy Secretary Christian Miele has been visiting each of the seven Centers for Independent Living (CIL) in Maryland.  The CILs are regional non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting independent living for people with disabilities.  For more information on CILs or to find your local CIL:  CLICK HERE