Hello, readers! July is here, bringing longer days, warmer weather and a chance to pause and recharge. Whether you are taking time off, tackling new projects or simply enjoying the season, we hope this month brings a sense of renewal and momentum. We invite you to learn what’s been happening at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD), Kennedy Krieger Institute and the community.
Summer offers a great opportunity for children to unwind while staying engaged through meaningful activities. The Child Mind Institute shares ideas in its article “Summer Activities for Kids With Learning Disorders,” which highlights creative ways to support learning outside the classroom. Baltimore’s Child Magazine also offers a helpful guide, “Special Needs – Recreation,” which lists recreational activities designed for children with disabilities throughout Maryland. Remember to check your local library and your county’s department of recreation and parks for free or low-cost programs designed to engage children and families of all abilities.
The MCDD remains actively engaged with the Cincinnati University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and a collaborative coalition of organizations to support the ongoing initiatives of The National Center for Dignity in Healthcare and Community Living for People with Disabilities. The center’s recent work features the initiative “Policy Unpacked,” a series of articles explaining the policy process in the United States in plain language. The initiative aims to serve as a roadmap for understanding how government policies come to life, how they evolve and how people can engage with them.
The MCDD’s Community and Professional Development Training Program is dedicated to delivering evidence-based training on a wide range of subjects to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. We are delighted to host the 2025 Annual Learning Series, which began in May and will conclude in November. The series consists of three-hour continuing education virtual workshops (CEUs available) with interdisciplinary topics focused on working with individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, and their families. Visit the learning series webpage for a comprehensive list of available options and details on how to register.
July is Disability Pride Month! The Arc published an article, “Why and How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month,” that includes ideas for acknowledging and celebrating the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities. Another great article from User Way, “Disability Pride Month: Celebrating Inclusivity – Now and Always,” discusses the importance of disability inclusion. Let us continue to embrace and celebrate the diversity within our communities!
This quarter’s newsletter features program updates, a roundup of relevant resources, and an article about the new Special Education Project fund. 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, Esq., MS
Assistant Vice President, Kennedy Krieger Institute
Director, Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities
Founding Director, Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law)