MDOD Logo with MD flag picture
MDOD Celebrates the Year 2020!                                            January 12, 2020
HIGHLIGHTS of 2020
More great news from 2020

Unprecedented, challenging, "new normal" are all words we have used to describe the events of 2020.  But some parts of 2020 are worth celebrating!  This is the second in our series of newsletters shining a light on the positive parts of 2020! 

Completion of Ken Capone 
Equal Employment Act

Large group standing behind Governor as he signs the EEA. Ken Capone is in front of the Governor.

MDOD announced the completion of the Equal Employment Act (EEA), also known as the Ken Capone Act, and the phase-out of the use of 14c certificates in Maryland. Maryland was the second state in the nation to eliminate sub-minimum wage in 2016 when Governor Hogan signed the Ken Capone Act. There are no 14c certificates in use in Maryland after October 1, 2020.  

You can read the entire press here:  EEA Press Release
Maryland Accessible Technology Center Open  Secretary Beatty is shown talking with MATR staff in the center.
 
The Maryland Assistive Technology Reuse Center opened in January!  Co-located with the Howard County Loan Closet, this statewide resource is the first high-tech AT reuse center in Maryland.  MDTAP operates the center.  There is no charge for the devices.  For more information, or to make a donation, check out the MDTAP MATR info.

WBAL profiled the Maryland AT Reuse Center (MATR)!  Check out the full story:  Loan Closet
Display table with devices to assist with hearing and telephones at the MATR center. Other equipment is in background. Display box of adaptive home aids at the MATR center.
Also check out the MD Assistive Technology Equipment Reuse Facebook page for more items you need or to donate.  
  
Cecilia Warren Receives Arc Award
Screenshot of Zoom presentation to Cecilia Warren. Includes photo of Cecilia and her name with Arc logo.

MDOD is incredibly proud of our Director of Emergency Preparedness, Cecilia Warren who was given the Lorraine Sheehan/Bernard A. Gould Award for Governmental Service from the Arc of Maryland.  Ms. Warren's work during the COVID-19 pandemic on PPE, food programs, hospital and accessibility policies (and so much more!) has made a huge difference in the lives of Marylanders with disabilities.  We are very proud of her and the entire MDOD team.  Read more about the Arc Annual Awards here.  
Governor Hogan Appoints Brooks as Chair, Maryland Commission on Disabilities

Van Brooks has been appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to serve as chair of Maryland's Commission on Disabilities. The Commission (MCOD) serves as the advisory body for the Maryland Department of Disabilities, which is charged with unifying and improving the delivery of services to people with disabilities.  To read the full press release click here.
 
Mr. Brooks is in gray suit with bowtie and is seated in wheelchair.

WDVM interviewed Mr. Brooks about his appointment.  You can view the segment HERE.