March Newsletter

March 2021 Newsletter

Governor Hogan Includes People with Disabilities in Phase 2B of State Vaccination Plan

Governor Hogan announced yesterday that all Marylanders 16 and older with disabilities will be included in Phase 2B, which begins on Tuesday, March 30. Phase 2B includes all Marylanders 16 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness, as defined by CDC guidelines.

MDOD Secretary Carol Beatty joined the Governor at the press conference and urged Marylanders with disabilities to get their vaccinations when they can.

According to the Maryland Department of Health, this will include “all Marylanders 16 and older with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, Maryland Medicaid Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) individuals, Maryland Medicaid Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) recipients; Marylanders receiving Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) benefits, or Marylanders receiving long term services and supports through the state’s Medicaid waiver and state plan services.”

Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included in Phase 1B of vaccine distribution.

Pre-registration is Open NOW for Phase 2B!!

Phases 2A and 2B, can now pre-register for an appointment at a mass vaccination site by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov or calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

MDOD Trains Mass Vaccination Site Staff on Accommodations

Cecilia Warren, MDOD's Emergency Preparedness Policy Director (right) and Bethany Brown, DHS Assistant Chief Emergency Operations, trained the staff at the new Hagerstown Mass Vaccination site on functional needs, accommodations and solutions. The Hagerstown site will open on Thursday, 3/25.

MDOD has worked with Maryland Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Maryland Emergency Management and other state partners to ensure that Marylanders with disabilities have equal access to all mass vaccination sites. Training included information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), communication needs, including on demand video interpreters, blind and low-vision accommodations and other devices. When you pre-register for a state mass vaccination site, you can request needed accommodations.

Large open room with more than 100 Army National Guard soldiers sitting in chairs in rows six feet apart. In center of room is Cecilia Warren discussing accommodations.

Secretary Beatty Visits Itineris Vaccination Clinic

Secretary Beatty toured the Itineris Vaccination Clinic with Executive Director, Ami Taubenfeld last week. Itineris hosted the pop-up clinic in partnership with Giant Pharmacy and Maryland Department of Health. 350 vaccinations were given to people with IDD and staff from Itineris and other providers in Baltimore City!! The rainy weather did not dampen the spirits of those who participated. A huge thank you to Itineris and the volunteers for donating your space and time to make this pop-up clinic possible!

Young man has arms flexed as he stands in front of sign saying "I got vaccinated"

Secretary Beatty stands with young woman in front of "I got vaccinated" sign.

MDOD Celebrates World Down Syndrome Day!

MDOD celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with our partners The Arc Maryland, Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group, Bellamy Genn Group, Maryland Managed Care Association, Maryland Catholic Conference, and Ashlar Government Relations with a virtual gathering including a dance party last Friday.

Secretary Carol Beatty shared Governor Larry Hogan's proclamation making Sunday, 3/21, World Down Syndrome Day. The First Lady, Yumi Hogan, joined the celebration by video. You can view the video on the Arc Maryland Facebook page.

The Governor and First Lady, along with the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens, lit up blue and yellow on 3/21 in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day.

Government House at night with blue and yellow lights.

Maryland Department of Disabilities

Voice 410-767-3660

Toll Free ⁄ TTY ⁄ Voice 1-800-637-4113

www.mdod.maryland.gov