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August 27, 2024

Media Contact:
Chase Cook, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649 

PHOTO RELEASE: Maryland Department of Health marks third anniversary as a Technology First State with “Power Up Your Life” event

Baltimore, MD — Today, the Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration marked the third anniversary of Maryland’s designation as a Technology First State with the “Power Up Your Life” event at the Meeting House in Columbia, MD. The event featured the pivotal role of assistive technology in promoting independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

An attendee speaks with a vendor during the Technology First event.

Maryland residents and technology vendors gather at the Power Up Your Life event.
Maryland residents try out assistive and remote technologies at the Department’s Technology First “Power Up Your Life” event.

Attendees explored the latest innovations for independent living while Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration, Marlana R. Hutchinson, highlighted the importance of expandi​ng access to technology for Marylanders with disabilities.

“With the right technology and training, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live more independently, engage with their communities, and improve their quality of life,” said Deputy Secretary Hutchinson. “The Maryland Department of Health is committed to making assistive technology available and affordable through our Medicaid waiver programs, other funding and the immense support of our service providers.”

Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty reiterated the state’s commitment to Technology First. “Our Technology First initiative encourages us to use technology to promote full inclusion and self-determination,” said Secretary Beatty. “We’re supporting independence for individuals with disabilities and setting a standard for other states to follow.”

To further emphasize Maryland’s commitment to technology-first principles, Secretary Beatty and Deputy Secretary Hutchinson presented this year’s proclamation from Governor Wes Moore declaring Maryland a Technology First State for the third consecutive year. The proclamation can be viewed online.
Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty and MDH Deputy Secretary Marlana R. Hutchinson present the 2024 governor's proclamation declaring Maryland a Technology First State. 
Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty and Developmental Disabilities Administration Deputy Secretary Marlana R. Hutchinson presented Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation to attendees of the Technology First “Power Up Your Life” event.
Dr. Maulik Trivedi of StationMD delivers the keynote address at the Power Up Your Life event. 
Keynote speaker Dr. Maulik M. Trivedi, co-founder of StationMD, discussed the impact of telehealth and technology on promoting independence for individuals with disabilities. 

For more information​ on Maryland’s Technology First initiative, visit the Technology First webpage.

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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. 

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