Title 7. Individuals With Disabilities — Subtitle 12. Maryland Assistive Technology Program
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 7-1201 (2026)
Title 7. Individuals With Disabilities
Subtitle 12. Maryland Assistive Technology Program
§ 7–1201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Department” means the Department of Disabilities.
(c)
“Initiative” means the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative.
(d)
“Office” means the Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy.
(e)
“Secretary” means the Secretary of Disabilities.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 7-1202 (2026)
Title 7. Individuals With Disabilities
Subtitle 12. Maryland Assistive Technology Program
§ 7–1202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is an Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy within the Department.
(b)
The purpose of the Office includes:
(1)
the development and implementation of strategies in the State Disabilities Plan, established under § 7–132 of this title, relating to the employment, training, and career–readiness of individuals with disabilities;
(2)
performing duties under § 7–114 of this title necessary to support statewide policies and standards relating to the employment, training, and career–readiness of individuals with disabilities;
(3)
collecting information and data from units of State government relating to the employment, training, and career–readiness of individuals with disabilities, in accordance with § 7–115 of this title; and
(4)
implementing the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative, established under § 7–1205 of this subtitle.
(c)
Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the Governor may include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $250,000 for the Office.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 7-1203 (2026)
Title 7. Individuals With Disabilities
Subtitle 12. Maryland Assistive Technology Program
§ 7–1203LinkCopy Citation
The Secretary may adopt regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 7-1204 (2026)
Title 7. Individuals With Disabilities
Subtitle 12. Maryland Assistive Technology Program
§ 7–1204LinkCopy Citation
This subtitle may not be construed to establish an entitlement program.
Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. § 7-1205 (2026)
Title 7. Individuals With Disabilities
Subtitle 12. Maryland Assistive Technology Program
§ 7–1205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Office shall be responsible for implementation and oversight of the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative.
(b)
The purpose of the Initiative shall include:
(1)
promoting the recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of people with disabilities across State government;
(2)
conducting and coordinating outreach to job seekers with disabilities and State government to encourage participation in the Initiative;
(3)
developing and delivering trainings to State agencies and units addressing best practices, resources, and relevant federal and State laws pertaining to the employment of people with disabilities;
(4)
assisting State government agencies and units to attract qualified job seekers with disabilities to available positions;
(5)
promoting access to and acquisition of assistive technology for new State employees with disabilities;
(6)
evaluating State employment practices and policies and making recommendations regarding ways to reduce barriers for job seekers and employees with disabilities;
(7)
collecting from each unit of State government, as part of the plans required under § 7–116 of this title, performance goals related to hiring and retention efforts for employees with disabilities and any data deemed necessary by the Secretary to demonstrate performance outcomes; and
(8)
reporting on the Initiative’s outcomes in compliance with subsection (c) of this section.
(c)
On or before December 1, 2026, and each December 1 thereafter, the Office shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on:
(1)
progress and outcomes of the Initiative; and
(2)
recommendations developed by the Initiative for continued improvement of State government employment practices for people with disabilities.