Looking for something fun to do over the holiday break? Check out the Together We're Better Artwork and Drawing Contests!

Our schools are better when every student is meaningfully included and has an equitable opportunity for success. This year, our Together We're Better art and drawing contests are once again open to K-12 students to show what inclusion means to them! Honorees from the contest can win prizes for themselves and their schools. Submissions are open until January 6th. Read more about the contests below and submit your works of art today!

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,201,464 with 100% funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

The Arc Maryland's Annual Legislative Advocacy Training

January 9th from 1:30 to 2:30 PM

On the afternoon of the 9th, join The Arc Maryland to brush up on your advocacy skills, learn what to expect from the 2023 Legislative Session, discuss priority legislation of The Arc, and receive tips on how to best communicate with the legislative body! This training event is free to attend, and an opportunity you don't want to miss!

Save the Date: Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature

Live and IN PERSON, February 22nd

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, February 22nd, because Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature is back in person! Over 500 advocates will join the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition at the Graduate Annapolis Hotel to hear about 2023 legislative priorities before heading out to meet with their representatives in Annapolis. The event will also be streamed online for those who want to watch from home. Registration for the event will open in the first week of January.

The Arc Maryland's Legislative Calendar Day

January 12th at 10 AM

Every year, The Arc providers across the state collaborate to create a legislative calendar. This calendar features stories from each chapter of The Arc, and special dates including legislator birthdays and annual events of the chapters. Join your local chapters and The Arc Maryland on the second day of session to distribute your calendars to your legislators. Sign up below to get more information about the day and schedule!

Make Sure People with Disabilities Are Included in End-Of-Year Congressional Funding

Right now, the United States Congress is negotiating its “end-of-year package,” a bill that includes money to fund the government. Now is the time to contact your representatives in Congress to make sure important disability funding priorities are included in this bill. Join us and email your elected officials now by clicking the button below.

Life After High School: Making the Transition to Post-secondary Opportunities

There is a whole world of opportunities out there for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities after they exit from high school! The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities has put together some helpful information to get started with the transitioning youth process. Click the link below to download their brochure.

Supported Decision Making is Taking Off in Maryland!

Did you know a new law, effective October 1, 2022, provides for another tool and alternative to guardianship in Maryland? Many of us have people in our lives who we trust to help us make our own decisions in our lives. Now, "Supported Decision Making" is a legally recognized method through which people with disabilities can maintain their autonomy while still receiving the assistance they need for decisions. Read more about it below. The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council has created a fact sheet and plain language guides to understand the law, and what is possible. Check it out to see if Supported Decisionmaking is right for you!

The Arc United States Files Brief in Disability Rights Case: Perez v. Sturgis

Last week, The Arc of the United States joined eleven national disability rights organizations in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court. In Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools, the plaintiff Miguel Perez, a deaf individual, was denied a sign language interpreter for 12 years while attending public school. This denial of support impacted his ability to read, write, and graduate. The Perez family alleges violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Read more about the case below. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case on January 18, 2023.

Are you looking for ways to support The Arc Maryland throughout the year? We have many opportunities for ways in which you can give! Help us continue to grow and support our work to create a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities!