MDOD Logo with MD flag picture
MDOD Celebrates 30th ADA!                                                       July 29, 2020
Governor Hogan's ADA Message

headshot of Governor Hogan in front of MD Flag

Watch Governor Hogan's video message

Governor Hogan and MDOD has been celebrating the 30th anniversary of this landmark civil rights legislation in a variety of ways.  The Board of Public Works, including Governor Hogan, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, acknowledged the anniversary at the start of the July 22nd meeting.  Secretary Beatty joined them for the recognition. 

 

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.
Other ADA Celebrations    

Secretary Beatty was pleased to join several other celebrations over the last few weeks.  On Sunday we sailed with CRAB, Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating, in Annapolis with our ADA banner flying high!  Our information table passed out brochures on our department and the ADA.   

              CRAB sailboat in in Annapolis harbor with banner on mast says _CRAB_ MD Department of Disabilities and ADA 30th.Secretary Beatty stands with CRAB president next to table with blue tablecloth and brochures at Annapolis city dock. 
      
Most celebrations have moved to a virtual platform, but that doesn't diminish the  significance or impact.  Secretary Beatty joined an important discussion with  People On The Go of Maryland (POG).  POG is a group of advocates with intellectual and developmental challenges who use their voices to be heard and recognized.  She also joined the Prince George's Commission for Individuals with Disabilities virtual celebration on Saturday.  Secretary Beatty spoke about the importance of the ADA and work the administration is doing to promote equity of opportunity, access and choice for Marylanders with disabilities. 


Screenshot of Zoom meeting with Secretary Beatty in large panel on bottom_ several others on top of screen.  Secretary Beatty is in large panel to left_ with four smaller panels on right.  Top panel is ASL interpreter.


MAT Seeks Volunteers

The Maryland Accessible Telecommunications Program (MAT) is hosting a series of focus groups this fall, and need your help! MAT is looking for volunteers to help better understand the needs of the community, and to test new telecommunications equipment that they are considering adding to the program.
 
We are looking for 10 volunteers from each of the following community groups:
  • Deaf
  • Hard of Hearing
  • DeafBlind
  • Blind/low vision
  • Speech differences
  • Mobility differences
  • Cognitive differences
 
With feedback from each of these groups, MAT can continue to improve the Program and ensure the variety of equipment they offer meets the needs of each and every individual.
 
To volunteer for a focus group, please contact MAT Program Manager Kevin Steffy at 410-246-4418 or email kevin.steffy@maryland.gov before Friday, August 21. Kevin will provide projected dates, times and locations for each group.
  Long table with 20 different kinds of telephones on a blue tablecloth with MD relay Dial 7-1-1 logo.

The MAT program is always looking for new pieces of technology to better serve their clients, so if you, or someone you know, are aware of any new or existing telecommunication device that can meet your specific telecommunication needs, please email these suggestions to Kevin Steffy (kevin.steffy@maryland.gov) for future consideration. Thank you in advance for your thoughts and participation!

Pick up for "MD COVID"

When "MD COVID" appears on your caller ID, a public health professional is reaching out with information about how you can prevent the spread of COVID-19. You have the power to protect your community, so please pick up the phone.

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