Welcome to the fall edition of the MCDD newsletter. As we settle into a new season, we invite you to explore the latest updates, accomplishments, and resources from the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD), Kennedy Krieger Institute, and our community partners.

Beginning in 2027, new federal Medicaid requirements will affect some Maryland adults, including more frequent eligibility renewals and, for some individuals, work or community engagement requirements. While no action is needed right now, Marylanders enrolled in Medicaid should keep their contact information up to date and watch for important notices from Maryland Health Connection. Learn more at: MarylandHealthConnection.gov/CheckIn

Your voice matters, and Election Day is just around the corner. The 2026 Midterm General Election takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, making this the perfect time to learn about your options and make a plan. Voters with disabilities can find information about accessibility accommodations, voting by mail, and voter rights through Vote.gov’s Voting With a Disability Guide. For an overview of the role and importance of midterm elections, visit the U.S. Vote Foundation’s 2026 Midterm Election Guide. We encourage everyone who is eligible to review your ballot and participate in this important civic opportunity.

The MCDD is excited to begin work on a new grant project, WE-CHIME (Wicomico Early Childhood Neurodevelopment and Behavioral Health Access Initiative). This new community partnership is focused on improving access to developmental and behavioral health supports for children ages 2–5 and their families throughout Wicomico County. Through collaboration with Wicomico County Public Schools, family and community organizations, and early childhood behavioral health and health care providers, WE-CHIME works to identify children’s strengths and needs early through screening, connects families to appropriate services, offers multilingual supports, and reduces barriers to care. By bringing together education, healthcare, and family support systems, this initiative aims to promote healthy development, strengthen school readiness, and ensure that young children and their caregivers can access the resources they need to thrive.

The MCDD will be submitting its five-year plan to the Administration for Community Living, an operating division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As we partner with the community on many of our initiatives, it is important that we have your input in creating our plan. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and let us know what you think of the MCDD’s current and future work, and the needs of the community. Your responses will meaningfully contribute to the MCDD’s goals and objectives for the next five years (2027–2032). The survey closes on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, and can be accessed at this link: (will provide link when available)

This quarter’s newsletter features program updates, a roundup of relevant resources, and an article about our work with Special Olympics Maryland. We hope you find the resources in this newsletter helpful as we continue to work together to help individuals with disabilities learn, grow, and thrive.
Take care and stay safe.

In gratitude,

Maureen van Stone signature/ 

Maureen van Stone headshot. 

Maureen van Stone, Esq., MS
Assistant Vice President, Kennedy Krieger Institute
Director, Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities
Founder, Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law)