The Problem
People with developmental disabilities want to feel safe when interacting with law enforcement and first responders. However, many people with DD worry that they may be misunderstood during these interactions. At the same time, many law enforcement officers have limited opportunities to learn directly from people with developmental disabilities about their experiences, needs, and communication styles.
Action
The Maryland DD Council partnered with the Ethan Saylor Alliance to host a public safety event that brought together law enforcement officers and people with developmental disabilities. About 25 officers participated in a full-day training focused on building understanding and trust. The Council led a session called “Getting to Know Me,” where officers and people with disabilities asked questions, shared experiences, and learned from one another in a supportive environment.
Impact
Although full evaluation results are still being collected, early feedback shows that the event helped build stronger connections between law enforcement officers and people with developmental disabilities. Participants reported gaining a better understanding of each other’s experiences and said they felt more comfortable interacting with one another by the end of the day. These conversations helped reduce stigma, increase awareness, and support safer, more positive interactions in the future.
Unique Role of the Council
The Maryland DD Council brings the voices and experiences of people with developmental disabilities to the center of its work. By leveraging its strong relationships with self-advocates, state agencies, and community partners, the Council was uniquely positioned to bring people together, foster meaningful dialogue, and help create lasting improvements in public safety interactions.