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Maryland Inclusive Housing has partnered with the Maryland 250 Commission to celebrate inclusive history in our state. We have launched a digital storytelling initiative that uplifts underrepresented voices and explores Maryland’s rich, complex history.
As part of this effort, MIH facilitated a virtual podcast roundtable focused on the evolution of inclusive housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Maryland.
MIH was able to secure an expert panel with a deep and diverse knowledge of inclusive housing in Maryland. As you listen to this podcast, you’ll find out why we “Can’t go Back!”
Cathy Raggio has more than 50 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities and has been based in Maryland since 1979. From 2007 to 2014, she served as the Maryland Secretary of the Department of Disabilities. Cathy played a key role in founding Independence Now, a Maryland Center for Independent Living, in 1994 and served as its first Executive Director. She is also the author of Great Falls I’ve Taken, a memoir available on Amazon.
Listen to Cathy discuss the future of self-directed services.
Steve Eidelman is the Executive Director of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, a national leader in developing programs that support people with intellectual disabilities, their families, and their communities. He is also the co-founder of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities and Professor Emeritus at the University of Delaware. From 1999 to 2005, Steve served as the Executive Director of The Arc of the United States.
Listen to Steve talk about the future of affordable housing.
Listen to Steve discuss challenges we continue to face.
Tracy Wright is the Deputy Director and the director of training at People on the Go and life enrichment consultant for By Their Side Maryland. She also serves as a trainer and advisory committee member for Expectations Matter, My Life My Choice, and has been on the Maryland Inclusive Housing Board since 2023. A graduate of Maryland Partners in Policymaking, Tracy spent over 15 years at The Arc Maryland leading training courses on self-advocacy, disability rights, and quality of life, and served as project director for the Self Advocacy Network Peer Mentoring Program. She previously worked as a voting advocate for Disability Rights Maryland and as a lead trainer for People on the Go.
Listen to Tracy explain why “We Can’t Go Back!”
The podcast was facilitated by MIH Executive Director Tim Wiens, who helped launch the MIH just over five years ago. Wiens has nearly 50 years of experience in the IDD field. He was the Executive Director of the Jubilee Association of Maryland for 40 years, where he was integral in the exponential growth of the organization that provides residential services to adults with IDD by helping people live in their own homes with services.