DD Day at the Legislature was held on February 22, 2022. People with developmental disabilities, family members, advocates, and service providers got together to educate legislators about issues that are important to people with developmental disabilities and their families.
This year’s theme was “Community For All.” The program included remarks (video) by Governor Hogan and Senate President Bill Ferguson. Governor Hogan addressed the affects of COVID-19 on the disability community in his remarks, Senate President Ferguson touched on the budget increase and the affects of COVID, Secretary Carol Beatty, Maryland Department of Disabilities, spoke about the workforce shortage, Ande Kolp, Executive Director, The Arc Maryland, spoke about the urgent need for community support to ensure that this year’s budget passes, and Lauren Kallins, Director of Government Relations, MACS, addressed the crisis level shortages of Direct Support Professionals (DSP).
The main topics of discussion for the event included:
- Support for children with disabilities
- Supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship
- DDA FY 2023 Budget
- Direct support workforce crisis
- Waiver programs that provide community supports to people who need them – waitlist reduction
- Voting rights for people with disabilities
Important dates to remember:
- March 2 – Virtual budget hearing
- March 3 – In-person budget hearing
Please go to https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/ to register for additional information on these upcoming hearings taking place at the Maryland General Assembly and how you can get involved.
