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Annapolis, MD (August 30, 2023) - Secretary Carol A. Beatty announced the appointment of Victoria Rodríguez-Roldán, J.D. as the State Coordinator for Autism Strategy, housed at the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Her first day is August 30, 2023.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Rodríguez-Roldán to the Department of Disabilities," said Secretary Beatty. "Her extensive experience in public policy, combined with her lived experience as an autistic person make her an excellent candidate to serve as the new State Coordinator for Autism Strategy."
Ms. Rodríguez-Roldán has more than 10 years of combined experience working in government and non-profits on behalf of traditionally marginalized communities including those with disabilities. In her public policy roles, she worked across several federal agencies to create policies, coordinated advocacy campaigns across communities, and provided technical assistance to state and local organizations. Ms. Rodríguez-Roldán has published many articles in academic journals and has led many advocacy campaigns for several causes.
Ms. Rodríguez-Roldán graduated from the University of Puerto Rico magna cum laude and the University of Maine Law School with a Pro Bono Publico distinction. She has received numerous awards, including being a 2020 Inductee Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, Pacific Standard Magazine’s 2017 Top 30 Thinkers Under 30, Autistic Self Advocacy Network 2016 Ally of the Year Award and a 2011 Truman Scholarship award.
In her new role as the State Coordinator for Autism Strategy, Ms. Rodríguez-Roldán will work collaboratively with Governor Moore’s administration to promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, focused on those with autism. She leads the Advisory Stakeholder Group on Autism Related Needs and is responsible for the creation of a state plan.
“I feel deeply privileged by the opportunity to serve as the next State Coordinator for Autism Strategy,” said Ms. Rodríguez-Roldán “I look forward to joining the wonderful team at the department and our partners in the community to create a comprehensive plan to improve the services and supports for autistic Marylanders.”
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For press coverage, contact Kim McKay at 410-767-3654, email: [email protected].
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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