Left to right is Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller; Rachel London, Executive Director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council; Laura Howell, Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Community Services; Ande Kolp, Executive Director of The Arc Maryland; Matt Rice, Director, People on the Go of Maryland; Robin Murphy, Executive Director of DRM; ASL interpreter; and Governor Wes Moore.

Hundreds of community members, leaders and advocates gathered on February 22nd for Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature. The event was hosted by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition, which includes the following organizations: The Arc Maryland, Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, People on The Go of Maryland, and Disability Rights Maryland (DRM)

“When we come together like this in Annapolis, not just today but throughout the year and throughout the session we are improving lives and unlocking opportunities.” - Matt Rice, Director of People on the Go of Maryland.

DRM is excited to welcome Deanna McCray-James and Matthew Reeds to our Board of Directors! DRM connected with Deanna and Matthew through the Associated Black Charities Board Pipeline Leadership Development Program.

About Deanna McCray-James: Deanna has over 25 years of experience in non-profits, communications, higher education and the Federal government. Currently, she is the Senior Advisor of Operations & Outreach at the Library of Congress in Washington DC.

Through her participation in many civic organizations, including the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links, Incorporated, it is clear she is committed to improving the quality of life for children, youth and underserved families in Maryland. Additionally, Deanna has two godchildren on the autism spectrum, so she understands how difficult it can be to find much needed resources.

Deanna is passionate about “being involved with an organization that has a mission and core value of fighting for the rights of Marylanders” and joined the DRM Board of Directors to help expand our impact.

About Matthew Reeds: Matthew is the Deputy Director for Baltimore Homecoming and Founder and Executive Director of The Reeds Fund which brings social, financial and political awareness to autism and sarcoidosis. He will soon graduate from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School with a Master’s in Business Administration. His past experience includes serving in the Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success and the Community Engagement department at Legg Mason.

Matthew has become one of Baltimore’s rising young men in the areas of philanthropy, business and community service. Recently, he was named as a Person on the Move in the Baltimore Business Journal.

Matthew has a sister with autism and mother with sarcoidosis, so he understands firsthand the challenges and bias people with disabilities face. His “life’s work involves providing better access for people with disabilities.”

Matthew’s commitment to expanding disability rights through community engagement and relationship building will positively impact the communities DRM serves. 

On March 4^th, Judith Heumann, the woman who carried the disability rights movement on her shoulders, passed away at the age of 75. A vibrant, charismatic and persuasive leader who, for over five decades, fought tirelessly to secure basic civil and human rights for people with disabilities.

Hundreds of individuals whose lives were enriched by Judith gathered to honor her at her memorial service on March 8th at Adas Israel Congregation in the District of Columbia. Family members, friends and colleagues shared treasured memories and tributes including from President Joseph R. Biden, President William J Clinton and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton. Judith’s niece’s remarks truly captured her aunt’s fearlessness, recounting how Judy would risk her own safety to protest injustice even when it involved rolling out into the middle of busy city street in front of a bus. 

Judith is widely known for leading the Section 504 sit-in protests in 1977 and serving as the Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State. She was also the first person using a wheelchair to teach in New York City public schools, a right she won in the legal battle Heumann vs. the Board of Education.

Her remarkable life is detailed in the Oscar-nominated documentary film, Crip Camp, her 5-star rated memoir, Being Heumann and her TED Talk, Our fight for disability rights -- and why we're not done yet, which has over 1.3 million views.

In a 2019 interview, Judith said she wanted to be remembered for her “compassion and fight for change.” DRM can confidently say that she will be remembered for this and so much more. She leaves us with an unforgettable legacy of love, justice and relentless activism. 

Judith Heumann was a Friend of DRM

Judith Heumann, the international activist and icon, was also our friend. In 2015, at DRM’s annual Breaking Barriers Award Gala, we presented Judith with the Lorraine Sheehan Lifetime Achievement Award for her heroic leadership and defining voice in the disability rights movement. Her leadership stood out in the crusade and victory for inclusion, as well as respect and acceptance of people with disabilities. Her voice defined what justice is and what justice means for people with disabilities.

In 2020, DRM established the Judith Heumann Champion of Justice Award to honor in perpetuity her legacy as one of the world’s most influential disability rights activists. This prestigious award recognizes one outstanding honoree for a lifetime of advocacy for the disability rights movement and all the civil rights movements with which it intersects.

Judith personally presented the award at DRM’s virtual Breaking Barriers Gala in 2020 to Wade Henderson, whose leadership and advocacy helped secure vital legislation for people with disabilities. She returned in 2021 to present the award to Representative Jamie Raskin for his lifelong commitment to the advancement and legal protection of rights for people with disabilities.

DRM will continue to proudly celebrate Judith’s legacy by presenting the Judith Heumann Champion of Justice Award to individuals who embody the values, accomplishments, and spirit that she infused into the disability rights revolution.

Neurodiversity at Work is hosting their annual conference March 22–24, 2023. This collaborative conference brings together employers, stakeholders and policymakers who are committed to improving employment outcomes for the neurodiverse workforce. The three-day event will include dynamic discussions, expert presenters, and networking for change-makers who utilize diverse and inclusive employment practices. DRM is happy to sponsor such a dynamic and important event. Register NOW

DRM is committed to advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities. Please consider a contribution to partner with us in achieving our goals.