CONFERENCE THEME: Building Capacities of Maryland Faith Leaders to Meet the Diverse Needs of Individuals and Children with Disabilities and their Families. 

This conference is sponsored by the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) at Kennedy Krieger in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Faith Based and Community Partnerships, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration

Philosophy
The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities (MCDD) at Kennedy Krieger Institute is committed to working with Maryland faith community leaders in a respectful and collaborative partnership to foster inclusive faith support for people with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities and their families in their faith communities. This Faith Community Learning Collaborative (FCLC) is centered on leveraging the collective individual and community strengths, assets, and resources in order to achieve a shared community vision and values. 

Vision
To promote a sense of belonging and inclusive faith support in Maryland faith communities for the health and well-being of people with disabilities and their families. 

Who should Attend: This conference is open to faith leaders.

Learning Objectives: The conference will feature presentations, and discussions led by experts in the field of disability inclusion and faith-based support and will provide participants with practical strategies and actionable insights to enhance mental health and disability accessibility, inclusivity, and support. Welcome address by Dr. Bradley L. Schlaggar, MD, PhD, Kennedy Krieger President and CEO

It will also provide interested faith leaders with an opportunity to join our Faith Community Learning Collaborative (FCLC) for faith leaders. A comprehensive 2-days training for faith leaders that includes an opportunity to apply for mini grants to implement innovative initiatives and programs that promote inclusion, accessibility, and support for people with disabilities and their families within their faith communities.


“We are all called to know God, but more importantly, to experience God,” Ofonedu said. “How people with disabilities go about experiencing God is often socially stigmatized. An inclusive community, where people with disabilities fully participate, is a sign of God’s presence and love in that community.” - Dr. Mirian Ofonedu, MCDD Training Director  [Read more on Baltimore Sun article] 
 

For more information about our Faith Community Learning Collaborative (FCLC) initiative, visit us at www.kennedykrieger.org/faith 

For more about our triainings or to request accommodation or assistance for individuals with disabilities, email Training.MCDD@kennedykrieger.org

Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 7 days prior to the scheduled conference.