# Human Services (GHU)

## Title 7. Individuals With Disabilities

### Subtitle 12. Maryland Assistive Technology Program

#### Section 7-1201

(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.

#### Section 7-1202

(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 Sec. 7-132 of this title, relating to the employment, training, and career-readiness of individuals with disabilities;

  (2) performing duties under Sec. 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 Sec. 7-115 of this title; and

  (4) implementing the Maryland as a Model Employer Initiative, established under Sec. 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.

#### Section 7-1203

The Secretary may adopt regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this subtitle.

#### Section 7-1204

This subtitle may not be construed to establish an entitlement program.

#### Section 7-1205

(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 Sec. 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 Sec. 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Hum. Servs. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)