Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

10/15/2026

Webinar Alert!

Understanding Community Living and Action Steps for State Advocates
October 28th
4:00 PM ET
Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NjM6vHgMQyGn61VreN5Eeg

With the current federal landscape bringing attention to the rights of people with disabilities living in their communities, there are multiple actions advocates can take to make community living and inclusion a way of life.

As a part of its Home Sweet Home campaign, NACDD is hosting a webinar with leaders who have lived experience and subject matter experts. The webinar will focus on understanding community living and what state advocates can do to ensure that community living and inclusion become the way of life for people with developmental disabilities in local communities.

10/13/2026

We Can't Go Back! Marylanders with disabilities have the right to live in the community they want with the support they need.

Council Executive Director Rachel London moderated the newest Maryland Inclusive Housing podcast: "Olmstead: Protecting Community Living and Choice."

Hear from Rachel and other disability leaders about the Olmstead court decision, why it is important for Marylanders with disabilities, and how we can protect the right to live in the community.

Listen to the podcast now at the link in our bio.

10/09/2026

The 2026 election is less than a month away!

Join the Maryland Disabilities Forum on October 22 for a Candidates for Governor Forum. Democratic Governor Wes Moore and Republican candidate Dan Cox will answer questions about important disability issues.

The forum is virtual and free to attend. Learn more and register below.

In November, Marylanders will vote for Governor, state Senators and Delegates, U.S. Representatives, and more.

To help you prepare, the Maryland Disabilities Forum is hosting a Candidates for Governor Forum. Current Democratic Governor Wes Moore and Republican candidate Dan Cox will answer questions about important disability issues.

The forum is virtual and free to attend. It is on Thursday, October 22 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Accommodations including ASL interpretation, Spanish translation, and CART services are available.

Register now at https://events.mdworks.com/CandidateforGovernorsForum #/

10/02/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent."

This month, we recognize the value, talent, and experience that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces and economy. Maryland is stronger when people with and without disabilities are working together in the community.

Learn how to celebrate NDEAM in your workplace! Visit the link in our bio and click "31 Days of NDEAM."

10/01/2026

The Council's 2027-2031 State Plan starts today! This State Plan will guide our work from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031.

Learn how the Council will create change and improve lives for the next 5 years. Read the new State Plan at the link in our bio.

09/29/2026

Thousands of Marylanders with developmental disabilities rely on direct support professionals (DSPs) to live, learn, work, and play in the community.

Yesterday, the Maryland Department of Disabilities and Department of Health recognized DSPs from across the state at the 2026 Direct Support Professionals Award Ceremony. They honored 26 DSPs who support people with DD at work and in the community.

As DDA Deputy Secretary Marlana Hutchinson said, "DSPs make possibilities realities!"

Congratulations to yesterday's awardees. Thank you for all of your work. Your dedication helps people with DD live the lives they want with the support they need!

09/25/2026

This week, a federal judge made a final decision in Texas v. Kennedy. The judge removed some parts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2024 Section 504 rule that protect the right of people with disabilities to get services in their communities. This change applies everywhere in the country, including Maryland.

The decision does not take away the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision are still in effect. However, some rules that helped protect community living are no longer in place. This could make it harder to prevent people from being placed in institutions.

The Council believes that people with disabilities have the right to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. Federal disability rights laws have helped protect these rights for many years.

The Council will continue to monitor these changes. We will work with advocates in Maryland and across the country to support people with developmental disabilities to live the lives they want with the support they need, in their communities.

The Defend Community Integration Coalition, which includes the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, released a full statement. Read their statement in the comment below.

09/24/2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we live, learn, work, and communicate.

The National Disability AI and Enabling Technology Virtual Summit will explain how AI can support people with disabilities. This is a free virtual discussion for people with disabilities, family members, advocates, technology developers, and more. My Tech for All is hosting the event.

The summit will cover many topics. This includes how AI can support:
- Independence
- Communication
- Employment
- Education
- Daily living
- Safety and informed decision-making

Date: November 17, 2026
Location: Online (Virtual)
Cost: Free
Register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-disability-ai-enabling-technology-virtual-summit-tickets-1993608021258