Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities Newsletter – 2021, Issue 2

Director’s Message

Hello, readers! As we head into spring and summer, everyone at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) remains engaged as we work with community stakeholders, self-advocates, families, providers and trainees.

COVID-19 Resources

It may seem hard to believe, but we’ve been living with the coronavirus pandemic for more than a year. The good news is that vaccines are now available. We’ve gathered a few important resources to keep you informed.

Kennedy Krieger Participates in NIH Research to Identify Barriers to COVID-19 Testing

Kennedy Krieger staff members implemented fuzzy cognitive mapping sessions with parents and guardians of students attending Kennedy Krieger School Programs to identify facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 testing, in conjunction with colleagues at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD).

IDDRC Corner

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC) at Kennedy Krieger Institute and The Johns Hopkins University is excited to share a new research opportunity: the Kennedy Krieger Institute External Research Recruitment Registry.

Women's Leadership Initiative

Kennedy Krieger’s Human Resources department and the MCDD hosted the first virtual Women’s Leadership Initiative event on February 2. The keynote speaker was Maria Trent, MD, MPH, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health.

MCDD Hosts Project SEARCH Intern

The MCDD recently hosted its third intern from Project SEARCH at Kennedy Krieger Institute, whose programs are currently being held online.

Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador Series

Alyssa Thorn, Esq., staff attorney for Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law), and Tami Goldsmith, self-advocacy program coordinator for People On the Go Maryland (POG), completed the Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador Series through the UMKC-IHD in 2019.

People On the Go Maryland Legislative Update

POG’s Legislative Policy Committee met weekly during the Maryland legislative session so members could learn how to use their voices to make a difference. POG leadership has taught committee members how to use the Maryland General Assembly website to further their advocacy work.

MCDD Participates in First Virtual Maryland Developmental Disabilities Day

MCDD faculty members, staff members and trainees took part in the first virtual Maryland Developmental Disabilities Day event.