Disability, Mental Health, Inclusive Faith Support and Belonging: A Training Collaborative

Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities

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.

Joined hands in a circle, symbolizing team work.

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.

Event Program

2026 Faith Community Learning Collaborative Conference Photo Gallery

Kennedy Krieger AVP of government relations Emily Arneson, Kennedy Krieger president and CEO Dr. Brad Schlaggar, Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, and Dr. Mirian Ofenodu smile while standing in front of a Kennedy Krieger step and repeat banner.

Lt. Governor Aruna Miller speaks at the podium during the conference, with an MCDD banner over her left shoulder.

Conference attendees listen to a presentation from Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller.

Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller stands at the podium and gives a speech.

Kennedy Krieger president and CEO Dr. Brad Schlaggar gives a speech at the podium.

Dr. Mirian Ofonedu, Director of Training for the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities, gives a speech at the podium.

Maureen van Stone, avp of the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities, smiles while giving a speech at the podium.

Rev. William (Bill) Gaventa, MDiv stands at the podium and gives a speech.

A woman smiles while sitting among other conference attendees.

Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller sits among other conference attendees and listens to a speech.

A man sitting among other conference attendees listens to a presentation.

A woman rests her hands near her face while listening to a conference presentation.

A woman with her hands clasped sits at a table and listens to a conference presentation.

A closeup of a woman listening to a conference presentation.

Two conference signs on a wall; the front asks, What have you learned about creating communities of Belonging?, and a second sign reads, Belonging is created intentionally—not accidentally.

A large group of conference attendees and presenters smile while standing in front of a Kennedy Krieger step and repeat banner.

View All Conference Photos

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.