Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council

A proclamation from Governor Wes Moore and his administration proclaiming March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Thank you Governor Moore for proclaiming March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) in Maryland.

DDAM recognizes how people with DD contribute to our state. Maryland is stronger when people with and without disabilities live, learn, work, and play together in our communities.

An image of the Maryland House of Delegates on a sunny day. It is a brick building with white columns. A graphic at the bottom reads: Legislative Reports, February 27 Maryland DD Council logo

Happy Friday! Start the weekend with the Council's legislative reports. These reports list all the bills we are tracking in the Maryland General Assembly. These bills impact people with disabilities and their families.

Learn more: www.md-council.org/policy/legis...

An image of a brick building with a Maryland flag hanging off the side. Text at the bottom reads: Legislative Reports: February 20 Maryland DD Council logo

The Council is busy during the legislative session! We are tracking more than 100 bills in the Maryland General Assembly. These bills impact people with disabilities and their families.

Learn about the bills we are following in this week's legislative reports: www.md-council.org/policy/legis...

Senator Guy Guzzone speaks during DD Day. He is a tall man wearing a gray suit.

Secretary of Health Meena Seshamani speaks at DD Day. She is wearing a bright blue and white shirt.

Thank you to our Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition partners for making DD Day a success. And, thank you to Secretary of Health Meena Seshamani, DDA Deputy Secretary Marlana Hutchinson, Secretary of Disabilities Carol Beatty, and all of the legislators who showed up to engage and listen.

A group of people stands together. They are holding signs that say "These Are Our Lives" and "Protect Maryland Values: our lives, our community, our civil rights"

People in the crowd holding up signs. One sign says "Numbers Have Faces". It has pictures of a person with DD on it.

Two women hold up signs that say "These Are Our Lives"

A man speaks at the rally. He is wearing a blue-gray suit. A group of people is holding a banner behind him. Further behind is the Maryland State House.

All day long, hundreds of advocates shared one powerful message: These Are Our Lives!

Together, our advocacy helps Marylanders with disabilities live the lives they want with the support they need. Keep sharing your stories. Keep advocating for the services and supports our community depends on.

Senator Cory McCray speaks on stage during DD Day. He is wearing a gray suit. The banner behind him says "DD Day at the Legislature: These Are Our Lives" Members of the DD Coalition are sitting behind him on stage. They are smiling.

A crowd full of people stands in Annapolis holding signs. They are surrounded by brick government buildings.

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for DD Day at the Legislature!

In the morning, leaders and advocates talked about the budget, current bills and other important issues. Then, we gathered outside the State House to remind everyone why people need services and support to live full lives.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 18 | 11:15 am (immediately after DD Day)
WHERE: Lawyers Mall in Annapolis (in front of the State House)

Please join us and help make an impact!

A graphic with a red background and red and white text. The Maryland DD Coalition logo is at the top. Text reads: DD Day Rally 2/18/26 at 11:15 am These Are Our Lives: Our Voices, Our Community Lawyers Mall 100 State Circle, Annapolis

Join the Maryland DD Coalition for a rally next Wednesday after DD Day. People with developmental disabilities, families, and community providers will gather in Annapolis. They will tell stories about how they rely on community-based services to live, work, and thrive in their communities.

An image of the Maryland State House surrounded by snow. Text at the bottom of the image reads: Legislative Reports, February 6 DD Council logo

This week's legislative reports are ready! Catch up on all the bills we are tracking in the Maryland General Assembly. Visit the link below to learn more.

www.md-council.org/policy/legis...

A picture of Annapolis in the snow from above. Text at the bottom reads: Legislative Reports: January 30 Maryland DD Council logo

Start your weekend with the Council's legislative reports! These reports list all of the bills that we are tracking in the Maryland General Assembly.

www.md-council.org/policy/legis...

An image of the Maryland State House in winter. Text at the bottom of the image reads: Legislative Reports, January 23 Maryland DD Council logo

Happy Friday! Every week during legislative session, the Council posts our legislative reports. These reports list all of the bills that we are tracking in the Maryland General Assembly.

Our first 2026 legislative reports are available now: www.md-council.org/policy/legis...

A graphic describing how the Council creates policy change. There are three boxes, with arrows connecting them from left to right. Box 1: How We Create Change for People with Developmental Disabilities - We Lead - We Partner - We Advise - We Advocate - We Inform - We Empower - We Educate - We Find Solutions Box 2: 2026 Public Policy Priorities - Strong civil rights and equal opportunities for all - Housing for all - Community supports and services that work for people - Employment that works - Information and resources that are accessible - Supported Decision Making - Training and awareness - Access to healthcare - Effective and inclusive education for students of all ages - Inclusive recreation - Access to transportation - people with disabilities are leaders and advocates Box 3: Public Policy Vision - People with and without disabilities in Maryland live, learn, work, and play together.

The 2026 legislative session started Wednesday. During the session, the Council works to make sure legislators and leaders in state government understand how proposed bills and budgets affect people with DD and their families.

Learn about our policy priorities: www.md-council.org/wp-content/u...

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition Presents Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature Wednesday, February 18, 2026 8 to 11 am Graduate by Hilton Annapolis Also Streaming on Facebook Register Today! A graphic of three people, one in a wheelchair, in front of the State House. The graphic uses the Maryland flag colors: red, white, black, and gold.

Registration is open for Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature (DD Day)!

Join us on February 18 in Annapolis! Legislators, state leaders, and other advocates will talk about issues that are important to people with DD and their families.

Get tickets at events.humanitix.com/dd-day-26

Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Maryland Youth Leadership Forum Delegates build leadership skills and prepare for future employment, higher education, and independent living.

Applications are open for the 2026 Maryland Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) hosted by Independence Now!

This is a great opportunity for high school students with DD to grow as leaders and advocates.

YLF takes place June 25-27. Applications are due by February 28. Apply now at www.innow.org/mdylf/

2025 By the Numbers Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council 12,434 people engaged with Council projects 33 committees and councils served on to improve policies programs, and practices 39 laws, policies, and programs created or improved 188 legislators educated about issues related to developmental disabilities 27,626 people got resources and information from the Council 4,731 people used the new Playgrounds for All website to find playgrounds where everyone feels welcome

The Council creates change to make it possible for people with developmental disabilities to live the lives they want with the support they need.

Here's how we created change and improved lives in 2025.

Three women and a man stand together. They are holding signs for an escape room. They are standing in front of a painting of palm trees.

Happy Holidays from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council!

Our staff got into the holiday spirit this week. We did an escape room together before we take time off this week.

Wishing all Marylanders a joyful and relaxing holiday season!

Why do DD Councils Matter? Developmental disabilities (DD) Councils help make sure people with disabilities have a voice in everyday issues that impact them locally and across the state. They work so everyone can live, work, and take part in their community. They support ideas like living at home, having a job in a competitive, integrated environment, being able to go to school, being treated fairly, and being represented when big decisions are made.

Where did DD Councils Come From? Developmental disabilities (DD) Councils were created by a federal law called the Developmental Disabilities Act (DD Act). This law says every state and territory must have a council. The goal is to protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities and help them live full lives in their communities. This work has been going on for more than 50 years.

How do DD Councils Help Their State? Driven by their Five Year State Plans, developmental disabilities (DD) Councils launch and fund new ideas to solve problems that impact the disability community and create systems change. These can be training programs, creating toolkits, launching new programs, or bringing groups together to work on a shared goal. They also help people with disabilities and their families become leaders and speak up for themselves. Councils also educate and inform key decision makers and lawmakers to show what needs to change.

How You Can Get Involved The best way to get involved is to apply to become a Council member! Councils are required by law to have 60% of their membership be people with disabilities and their family members. Aside from applying to be a member, people can attend Council meetings, share ideas, and take part in council projects. Many councils also have newsletters, public forums, advocacy events, and social media pages where people can learn more and get engaged.

Swipe & learn all about what DD Councils are, what they do, how they work, & (most importantly) how YOU can get involved!

Visit the #WereHereAllYear gallery for personal stories from people with developmental #disabilities from across the nation.

Gallery link: nacdd.org/2025-dd-awar...

We're Here All Year DD Council Edition from NACDD

What is a DD Council? A State Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council is a group of people who work to make life better for people with DD. Every state and territory in the United States has a council. These councils listen to people with DD and their families. They help make plans, support new ideas, and guide leaders in the state.

What does a DD Council do? A developmental disabilities (DD) Council brings people together to look at problems across the state and find ways to fix them. The Council works with people with DD, family members, lawmakers, decision makers, service providers, and community leaders. They look at what is working and what is not working. Then they help create projects or programs that make the community better and more fair for people with DD and their families.

Who is on a DD Council? Every developmental disabilities (DD) Council is made up of people with DD and their family members, who are appointed by the Governor of their state. Also, people who work in disability services, lawmakers, and other stakeholders are a part of the Council. 60% of members are people with disabilities or family members. This helps the council understand real needs in the state.

Our 2025 theme, #WereHereAllYear emphasizes that community, accessibility & opportunities for people with developmental #disabilities should be recognized & championed

Developmental Disabilities Councils (often called DD Councils) work to support those ideals every day, in many different ways.

Together We're Better The Arc Maryland logo Maryland Department of Disabilities logo Maryland DD Council logo Maryland State Department of Education logo

In Maryland, you can celebrate Inclusive Schools Week through The Arc Maryland's Together We're Better (TWB) program. TWB highlights about the importance of meaningful inclusion for students with disabilities. The Council is proud to help fund TWB. Learn more at thearcmd.org/programs/twb/

Inclusive Schools Week Children First: Building a Stronger Tomorrow A cartoon image of children with and without disabilities playing together.

This week is Inclusive Schools Week! This week promotes schools where all students learn together and have the same access to opportunities and resources. This year's theme is Children First - Building a Stronger Tomorrow.

Maryland Works and Maryland Department of Disabilities Monthly Webinar Series Are you a federal worker with a disability seeking employment? December 10, 2025 4-5 pm An image of two people looking at a computer screen. One of them is in a wheelchair.

Are you a former federal worker with a disability? Are you looking for a new job?

Join the Maryland Department of Disabilities and Maryland Works for a webinar next Wednesday, December 10. You will learn about employment resources, resume strategies, and more.

events.mdworks.com/MonthlyWebin...

A room full of people watch and listen to a presentation. The screen at the front of the room reads "Let's Make Schools Inclusive for All Children"

A man speaks at a podium. The screen behind him says SpArc Tank Ig-Nite 65 Years of Impact - The Arc Maryland

A man and two women stand for a photo. The man is wearing a collared shirt, tie, and slacks. The women are wearing dresses.

Two women pose for a photo. One is wearing an orange dress and one is wearing a black and white dress.

The Council had a great time at The Arc Maryland's SpArc Tank event. We learned about so many exciting projects that support Marylanders with disabilities. And, we celebrated 65 years of The Arc Maryland's impact on people with DD across our state.

The Council is now funding Small Grants Learn more and apply! Maryland DD Council logo Three photos from small grants the Council has funded in the past. These photos feature people with and without disabilities at various trainings and events.

The Council is now accepting applications for Small Grants.

Small Grants can fund projects and trainings in Maryland. They have to be related to the Council's mission and help us make progress on our State Plan.

Learn more at www.md-council.org/small-grants/

A group of people with and without disabilities. Some are standing and some are seated. Some of them are holding signs that say Partners in Policymaking.

We had a great time with The Arc Maryland and People on the Go Maryland at the 2025-26 Partners in Policymaking kickoff this weekend! We are so excited for this year's Partners participants to learn and grow as advocates.

Protecting Your Benefits During the SNAP Suspension What to Know About Accepting Gifts An image of a food basket in the middle of a grocery store aisle NACDD logo and Maryland DD Cou​ncil logo

On November 1, 2025, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be stopped.

@nacdd.bsky.social and the Council have a guide to help you find other resources. This guide also has information about how getting help could affect your SSI benefits.

www.md-council.org/wp-content/u...

These cuts affect key offices that ensure students with disabilities receive the education, protections, and community supports they are entitled to under the law. This impacts schools, families, and people with disabilities in every community.

Read the full statement: nacdd.org/department-o...

These cuts affect key offices that make sure people with disabilities get the education, mental health support, and community services they are entitled to under the law.

32 State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Express Concern over Recent Layoffs at the US Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council joins @nacdd.bsky.social and our fellow DD Councils in expressing concern about the recent layoffs in the U.S. Department of Education and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Honoring the Contributions of Americans with Disabilities to the Workforce and National Progress through UCEDDs. Text is in red and blue, with red white and blue stripes below. The background is white with script writing at the top.

Join the Association of University Centers on Disabilities for their NDEAM webinar: Honoring the Contributions of Americans with Disabilities to the Workforce and National Progress through UCEDDs.

The webinar is on Tuesday, October 28 from 2-3 pm on Zoom.

www.aucd.org/event/honori...

Celebrating Value and Talent National Disability Employment Awareness Month Office of Disability Employment Policy, US Department of Labor Circular images of people in the workplace with fireworks in the background. The image background is dark blue.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This is the 80th anniversary of NDEAM. Every year, #NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities across the country. This year's theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent."

Learn more: www.dol.gov/agencies/ode...

​Join the Council! We are looking for people with developmental disabilities to help us create change. Apply today! DD Council logo and two pictures of Council members.

Are you a person with a developmental disability? Do you want to create change in Maryland? If so, apply to be a Council member!

This is a volunteer leadership opportunity for passionate advocates. Learn how to apply here: www.md-council.org/about-us/bec...