By Elizabeth Benevides, Community Advisory Council (CAC) chair
The Community Advisory Council (CAC) will play a critical role in developing and connecting the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities’ (MCDD) needs assessment with the voices and experiences of the communities the MCDD represents. Throughout the next several months, the CAC will be engaged in sharing accessible surveys and information through its many networks, and gathering various perspectives about priorities, gaps, and opportunities. This feedback will directly impact the MCDD’s strategic planning process and ensure that the five-year plan (2027–2032) reflects what the community says matters most.
Consisting of 21 members—including individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members, as well as representatives from the Developmental Disabilities Council, Disability Rights Maryland, The Parents’ Place of Maryland, and numerous other state agencies and advocacy organizations—the CAC provides an important bridge between the MCDD and the community. The CAC will not only disseminate the needs assessment, but also help clarify what the findings mean to inform the development of the next five-year strategic plan.
The CAC will review the progress of the plan, recommend revisions, and ensure that community voices guide programs, policies, and priorities.