The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute Professional Development and Continuing Education Program is dedicated to fostering advocacy efforts that promote awareness and decrease the stigma connected to intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health conditions.
2026 Faith Community Learning Collaborative Conference for Maryland Faith Leaders
Advancing Disability Inclusion— Creating Communities of Belonging
On Thursday, June 25, join faith leaders from all traditions for a day of learning, reflection and inspiration. Explore practical faith-informed strategies for creating communities of belonging for individuals with disabilities and their families. You will walk away with actionable practices that strengthen your faith community’s commitment to promoting disability inclusion, health and well-being for individuals of all abilities.
MCDD is committed to promoting inclusive practice and expanding faith community leaders knowledge and skills in creating belonging and a positive social atmosphere of understanding of the needs and strengths of people with disabilities and their families. The social environment of a faith community can promote social relationships, independence and meaningful community participation for people with disabilities. Sustained interpersonal contact can reduce the experience of being stigmatized and improve community members attitudes toward people with disabilities and mental health conditions. MCDD’s Disability, Mental Health and Inclusive Faith Support Training Collaborative Projects are guided by a goal to improve the quality of life and overall well-being of people with disabilities and their families. Please see below for our current projects, trainings, and resource guides for support and more information.