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Governor Hogan appoints Van Brooks
to Maryland Commission on Disabilities
Brooks will serve as Chairperson for Commission
BALTIMORE (December 9, 2020)-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.
MCOD also plays an instrumental role in the development of the State Disabilities Plan, a comprehensive multi-year strategic plan that sets performance goals for all agencies in Maryland which serve people with disabilities. The Commission includes 19 members appointed by the Governor and representatives from the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates.
In 2004 while playing football at Loyola Blakefield during his junior year, Van went in for a routine tackle and crushed his spinal cord in two places. As a result, he was initially paralyzed from the neck down without the ability to talk, eat, or breathe on his own. Despite his injury, Van graduated on time from high school and later earned a degree from Towson University. In 2012, Mr. Brooks founded the Safe Alternative Foundation for Education (SAFE) and in 2015, the SAFE Center in West Baltimore.
His work there has led to him receiving many local and national accolades including the President's Volunteer Service Award from the Barack Obama administration. In 2017 Van was also appointed by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to serve as the Director of the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism. Van serves on multiple boards ranging from his alma maters Loyola Blakefield and Towson University, as well as St. Elizabeth School, and the University of Maryland Medical System Community Advisory Council.
"Mr. Brooks brings his unique perspective and a strong foundation of leadership to the Commission and our ongoing efforts to improve the lives of Marylanders with disabilities," said Secretary Carol Beatty. "I look forward to working with Van."
About the Maryland Department of Disabilities: The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) is charged with coordinating and improving the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities in the state of Maryland. By working collaboratively with all State government agencies, MDOD provides advocacy and guidance to ensure that State entities deliver services in the most integrated settings possible, develop consistent policies affecting those with disabilities, and consider the diverse needs of all when making decisions which impact Marylanders.
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