MDOD Logo with MD flag picture
MDOD Celebrates the Year 2020!                                            January 5, 2020
HIGHLIGHTS of 2020
(Yes, there are some highlights...)
(And yes, not all are COVID-related!)

Lots of amazing things happened while we were practicing social distancing.  Over the next few weeks you'll hear about some impactful events, important policies, and innovative programs.  Here's Part One of our look back on 2020.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act

headshot of Governor Hogan in front of MD Flag

Watch Governor Hogan's video message
Governor Hogan and MDOD has been celebrated the 30th anniversary of this landmark civil rights legislation in a variety of ways, and certainly not as we planned!  Secretary Beatty participated in a variety of virtual celebrations throughout the summer.  
 
The Governor proclaimed July 26th ADA Day in Maryland and presented the proclamation to MDOD Secretary Beatty and Governor's Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Director Kelby Brick at the State House.  
Governor holds proclamation as he stands in front and 6 ft away from Secretary Beatty on the right_ Director Brick on the left.  
For more information on the ADA, visit our friends at the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center. 
Telecommunications Access Maryland 
Moves to MDOD MD Relay_ TAM and MAT program logos with MD state flag in background
 
Telecommunications Access of Maryland (TAM), the State agency that provides equipment and services for Marylanders who have difficulty using a telephone, moved under the administration of MDOD.  The move to MDOD places TAM and its programs in a more constituent-based department with a network that coordinates and improves accessibility for individuals throughout the State of Maryland. TAM will now have more resources to connect with the people it serves, including those in Maryland who are Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, DeafBlind, or have cognitive, mobility or speech difficulty.  To learn more about TAM, visit their website: TAM Homepage
Tablets to Help Transition
Two people _6ft apart and masked_ hold tablets in front of door to nursing facility.

MDOD was able to fund a limited number of tablets for nursing facility residents who are transitioning out of the facility and into the community.  We partnered with our friends at Independence Now, who delivered the laptops.  Michael Saunders, IN's Money Follows the Person Director, is shown above delivering the tablets.  
COVID Response
(You knew this was coming...)

MDOD has worked tirelessly over the last ten months to ensure equity and accessibility to the state's response to the pandemic.  We've partnered with our sister agencies to work on everything from PPE acquisition, hospital support and face covering policies, and so much more.  This pandemic is not over.  Wear your mask and practice social distancing!  For more information, https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/
Blue background with phone on right that has caller id with MD COVID. Tagline is COVID link respond.connect. recover.

To learn more about Maryland's contact tracing program, visit: https://covidlink.maryland.gov