Media Contact:
Chase Cook, Acting Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-8649
PHOTO RELEASE: Maryland Department of Health celebrates Technology First one-year anniversary
Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Health today hosted a celebration to honor the first anniversary of Maryland’s designation as a Technology First State. The milestone marks the State’s commitment to embracing assistive and remote technologies to empower individuals with disabilities to enhance their independence and quality of life. The term Technology First means that the use of technology is considered first in the discussion of support options available to individuals and families to promote meaningful community participation, social inclusion and self-determination.
The event, sponsored by the Department’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, featured Governor Wes Moore’s recent Maryland Technology First Day proclamation, technology providers and users, and a resource fair showcasing innovative technology solutions for people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities.
Maryland Department of Disabilities Secretary Carol Beatty and Developmental Disabilities Administration Deputy Secretary Bernard Simons unveil Governor Wes Moore’s proclamation to attendees of the Technology First Anniversary Celebration at The Meeting House in Columbia, MD.
Maryland’s journey as a Technology First State has been marked by significant advancements in the use of assistive and remote technologies. Throughout the past year, the Developmental Disabilities Administration has integrated assistive and remote technologies into the three Medicaid waiver programs it operates, making them readily available as part of a person-centered approach to planning for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Technology has been life-changing for all of us, including people with developmental disabilities,” said Deputy Secretary Bernard Simons. “Technology has helped people thrive where they live, work and socialize. The Developmental Disabilities Administration’s technology services support people in living their personally defined good life.”
The resource fair was the focal point of the event, featuring cutting-edge technologies for attendees to explore and experience firsthand. It also offered an opportunity for local Maryland tech providers to network and collaborate, fostering future advancement in the field.
A Maryland resident tries out Floreo virtual reality technology at the Department’s Technology First Anniversary Celebration.
More resources about Maryland’s Technology First initiative are available from the Developmental Disabilities Administration at health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/technology-first.aspx
###
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.
Follow us on Twitter @MDHealthDept and at Facebook.com/MDHealthDept.
