MDOD Newsletter                                                                         March 31, 2020
Governor Issues Stay At Home Order
Governor stands at podium outside State House wearing vest_ hat and sunglasses.

Governor Larry Hogan yesterday issued a Stay at Home order to protect public health and safety. The order, which took effect at 8:00 p.m. last night, states that no Maryland resident should leave their home unless it is for an essential job or for an essential reason, such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes.

No Marylander should be traveling outside of the state unless such travel is absolutely necessary. Those who have traveled outside of the state should self-quarantine for 14 days.

For the latest information, please visit the Maryland Department of Health's COVID-19 webpage. There are many resources and a frequently asked questions section.  

Secretary Beatty on COVID-19 Task Force
Headshot of Sec Beatty with MD flag behind her. 

Governor Hogan announced the addition of Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol A. Beatty to the COVID-19 task force. Secretary Beatty provides guidance to the task force as it relates to issues affecting the disability community, such as accessibility and reasonable accommodations, and gives voice to the disability community at the highest levels of government. 

As a policy agency that works in partnership with other state agencies, MDOD is increasing our efforts to support our sister agencies during the elevated state of emergency. Governor Hogan is committed to ensuring equity and access for all Marylanders as we create new programs, guidance and regulations related to the COVID-19 emergency.

Maryland Department of Disabilities is still working hard to meet the needs of our constituents during  this time. Please use our office directory located on our website to find the direct  telephone line to the person you need. You can send an email by clicking directly on the person's name.  You can also call our main line, 410-767-3660, Toll-free/TTY/Voice 1-800-637-4113, or email info.mdod@maryland.gov.    

Accessible Smart Home Webinar 

MDTAP logo with truncated MD flag        National Federation of the Blind logo _outline of 6 people using canes in blue_ orange and green_. Tagline Live the life you want

As technology rapidly advances, its integration into our lives is becoming more common. The idea of a "smart home" is becoming less science fiction and more of a reality. This boutique will cover accessible smart home devices such as:
  • Security Systems
  • Appliances
  • In-Home Applications
  • Entertainment Systems
Presenters: 
Kennedy Zimnik, NFB, Access Technology Specialist
Andrew Drummond, MDTAP, IT Accessibility Coordinator 
Denise Schuler, MDTAP, AT Specialist



This boutique will be held using Zoom teleconference software. You will receive a Zoom meeting link when you sign up for the event.
To request an accommodation, please contact           

Maryland Health Exchange is OPEN until April 15th!
Green and blue letters with 4-petal flower logo words _Maryland health Connection_  
Need health insurance?  The Maryland Health Connection is having a special enrollment period from now until April 15th.  For more information, visit their website. 

Governor's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) ASL COVID-19 Website
Director Brick outside in front of trees. Captioning under him displays his text.
The Governor's Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GODHH) has launched a webpage with ASL updates on the COVID-19 virus. The Governor's Executive Orders, frequently asked questions, and other resources are listed. Click here to view the GODHH COVID-19 webpage. To sign up for GODHH's email newsletter updates, click here.