Hello, readers! As spring unfolds, it brings a renewed sense of energy and possibility, along with meaningful progress in our work and partnerships across the state. This season is also a time of growth and momentum, as initiatives take shape and advocacy efforts move forward. We invite you to learn about what has been happening at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) and Kennedy Krieger Institute, as well as in the broader community.
We at the MCDD remember the profound impact of disability rights activist and author Alice Wong, who passed away in November 2025. Wong was the founder of the Disability Visibility Project, a platform that amplified disabled voices and reshaped public understanding of disability culture, storytelling and justice. Her writing, mentorship and national advocacy challenged systemic ableism and expanded representation in media, policy and community spaces. Wong’s legacy endures in the work of those she inspired to elevate disabled perspectives and pursue equity and inclusion.
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 2026 Annual Learning Series, which began in February and will conclude in October. The series consists of virtual continuing education workshops (CEUs available), each three hours in length, 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.
April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a time to center the voices, leadership and lived experiences of people with autism while reaffirming our collective commitment to inclusion. Acceptance goes beyond awareness. It calls for meaningful access to education, employment, healthcare and community life, along with respect for neurodiversity in all its forms. This month, we encourage our community to learn from and engage with organizations that elevate autistic perspectives and advance systemic change, including the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the Autism Society. These organizations offer resources, advocacy tools and opportunities to support policies and practices that promote dignity, belonging and full participation for autistic individuals across the lifespan.
The 2026 legislative session, which began on Jan. 14 and concluded on April 13, was an active and impactful period in Annapolis, with more than 2,667 bills introduced. Throughout the session, the MCDD, Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law) and People On the Go Maryland weighed in on key legislation affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Kennedy Krieger and MCDD staff members closely monitored over xx bills spanning education, health, administration and other priority areas, while staff members provided oral and written testimony, participated in legislative meetings and took part in advocacy efforts, including Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Day (DD Day) at the Legislature. We remain committed to advancing thoughtful, effective policies that strengthen, support and expand opportunities for Marylanders with disabilities.
This quarter’s newsletter features program updates, a roundup of relevant resources and an article about DD Day. 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.
.jpg)
Take care and stay safe.
In gratitude,
.jpg)
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)