Summer Newsletter

Summer 2021 Newsletter

Governor Hogan and MDOD Celebrate the ADA!

Governor Hogan joined us as we celebrated the 31st anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Annapolis. Governor Hogan presented Secretary Beatty with a proclamation honoring the day. We were joined by David Bahar, Executive Director of Telecommunications Access of Maryland, Katherine Breen, Policy Manager Governor's Office Deaf of Hard of Hearing, and Mark Riccobono, President of National Federation of the Blind.

President George Bush signed this landmark civil rights legislation into law on July 26th, 1990. The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in many circumstances including employment, public accommodations, telecommunications and more. To learn more about the ADA, visit the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center website.

Mark Riccobono stands behind podium. ASL Interpreter stands next to him.

July is "Disability Culture and Achievements Month"

Governor Hogan signed an executive order making every July "Disability Culture and Achievements Month" in Maryland! MDOD is charged with leading the state's effort to mark the societal achievements and cultural contributions of Marylanders with disabilities. To learn more about the executive order, visit the Governor's press release.

Governor Presents Citation to Becca Meyers

Governor Hogan honored one of Maryland's most decorated Paralympians, Becca Meyers, with a Governor's Citation. Ms. Meyers declined to attend the Olympic games after being denied her own individual personal care attendant as an accommodation.

“It’s not nearly as good as a gold medal, but I’m going to present her with a Governor’s Citation recognizing her many contributions to the disability community both here in Maryland, across the country and around the world,” Governor Larry Hogan said Monday.

After meeting with Ms. Meyers and her mother prior to the event, Governor Hogan said, "Becca deserved to be able to compete, and while we are all so disappointed for her, we are unbelievably proud of Becca for having the courage to speak up and speak out against this injustice."

You can learn more about Ms. Meyers' story by visiting the news links below:

Governor Hogan Releases State Disability Plan

Governor Hogan announced the release of the new Maryland State Disabilities Plan, a roadmap for changing the lives of Marylanders with disabilities for the better.

Read the Maryland State Disabilities Plan.

The State Disabilities Plan is developed quadrennially by the Interagency Disabilities Board, which is composed of cabinet secretaries of key state agencies and is chaired by the Secretary of Disabilities. The plan has five guiding principles: self-direction, financial well-being, accessible communication, maximizing resources, and health and wellness. The health and wellness guiding principle was added as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the lives of Marylanders with disabilities,” said Secretary Carol A. Beatty of the Maryland Department of Disabilities. “This plan builds on lessons learned and will improve and enhance our state’s service delivery systems.”

If you would like a hard copy of the plan, please contact Kim McKay, Director of Communications at kimberly.mckay1@maryland.gov or 410-767-3654.

Secretary Beatty Visits Water's Edge Museum

Secretary Carol Beatty joined MCOD Commissioner Dominique Sessa at Water's Edge Museum in Oxford for their event to honor the ADA anniversary. Commissioner Sessa serves as the museum's Director of Accessibility and Inclusion.

The museum presented Ms. Sessa with a citation for her efforts to make the community, including the museum, more accessible.

The Water's Edge is a museum dedicated to telling the story of Maryland's founding Black families. Water’s Edge Museum has a collection of literature, paintings, lithographs, frescoes, and drawings of African American life created over 100 years ago. The museum is fully accessible. For more information visit the museum website.

Maryland Department of Disabilities

Voice 410-767-3660

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

www.mdod.maryland.gov