Spring 2022 Newsletter

Governor Hogan Kicks Off Police Plunge!
Secretary Beatty and Governor Hogan walk outside talking at Polar Bear Plunge.


Governor Hogan joined Secretary Beatty and several other cabinet members at the annual Polar Bear Police Plunge on March 25th at Sandy Point State Park. The Police Plunge had more than 1500 law enforcement plungers raising money for Special Olympics Maryland.



Governor Hogan presented the 7th Jimmy Myrick Courage Award to Desiree Holland. Desiree has competed for 42 years in a variety of sports and won a gold medal in swimming in 2019.
For more information about Special Olympics, visit their website. SAVE THE DATE for the next BRAVE In The Attempt Speaker Night- Thursday, June 16, 2022!!
The First Lady Visits Make Studio
Storefront shot of Make Studio in Baltimore City.
First Lady Yumi Hogan visited Make Studio in Baltimore with Secretary Beatty last month.

Make Studio Make Studio is a 501(c)3 community-based arts organization, envisioning a world of acceptance and inclusion where art opens doors for everyone.


Make Studio empowers artists with disabilities to grow as professionals with visibility and voice in their communities. Mrs. Hogan toured the gallery and spoke with several Make Studio artists. The artists discussed their techniques, tools and color choices with the First Lady, an artist herself.
First Lady Hogan and Secretary Beatty examine art with an artist inside Make Studio.
Make Studio artist discusses techniques with the First Lady as he points to piece.
CALLING ALL YOUTH ARTISTS!!
Recognizing the importance of mental health awareness and the expressive power of artistic pursuits, Mrs. Hogan invites children and youth to participate in a statewide art project for the 7th year in Maryland. The deadline is this Friday, April 15th!

Celebrating Through Art: The First Lady's Mental Health Awareness Youth Art Display, will showcase a selection of this artwork from youth across Maryland during a virtual event on Monday, May 2, 2022. Children and youth express something that makes them feel mentally happy, healthy or hopeful in their pieces. For more info: ARTSHOW LINK

MDOD Celebrates Assistive Technology Awareness Week
with
Maryland Assistive Technology Program
Man sits at computer using screen reader.
Last week Governor Hogan proclaimed April 6 Assistive Technology Awareness Day in Maryland! MDTAP celebrated with a ton of events throughout the week. If you missed anything, no worries! Check out the MDTAP website for a virtual library tour or to catch any previous webinars. Be sure to follow on social media, including the new TikTok page (@md.tap), to catch the latest developments!
Tech Fest Flyer with Comcast and MDOD logos.
IT & Accessibility Webinar

The Maryland Department of Disabilities and Comcast held a webinar, Tech for All: Engineering Accessibility into Technology, with business and policy leaders on March 15th to discuss best practices, inclusive technology and the role of policy in supporting a framework for accessibility.

MDTAP's Andrew Drummond, Director of IT Accessibility Policy & Programs joined the panel and Secretary Beatty closed with program with remarks.

Watch the webinar here: TECH FOR ALL
World Down Syndrome Day Celebration
Secretary Beatty stands with 12 people in front of screen that says "World Down Syndrome Day". One person holds the Governor's Proclamation.
The World Down Syndrome Coalition held the 5th Annual World Down Syndrome Day Celebration in Annapolis on March 21. The last two celebrations have been virtual. It was great to be back in person!

Secretary Beatty presented the Governor's Proclamation making March 21 World Down Syndrome Day in Maryland. Advocates from across the state came together to honor the day and dance their socks off!
Maryland Commission on Disabilities
Hands on laptop with screen saying "Zoom"
The Maryland Commission on Disabilities (MCOD) serves as the advisory body for the Maryland Department of Disabilities, which is charged with unifying and improving the delivery of services to people with disabilities.

Commission meetings are currently held via Zoom. Our next meeting is April 21, 2022 at 4pm. If you are interested in attending, or have ideas about future meeting topics, please an email to Yesheva Kelly or call 410-767-3659. For more info, visit our website.
Maryland Department of Disabilities
Voice 410-767-3660
Toll Free ⁄ TTY ⁄ Voice 1-800-637-4113