Celebrating 34 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act

On July 26th, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This momentous occasion marked the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities, prohibiting discrimination based on disabilities and guaranteeing reasonable accommodations for vital members of our nation. This legislation has impacted millions of Americans across generations. Today, we celebrate the many advocates who helped make it possible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work, and thrive in our country!

Elevate Your Advocacy Through Partners in Policymaking®

Applications Due August 31st

Maryland’s year-long Partners in Policymaking® program prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), parents, and family members of children and adults with IDD to be effective advocates. Applications to join the 2025 class are now open!

Through 12 sessions, class members will learn about systems change: creating, working towards, and achieving a vision of equity and inclusion in all aspects of life for people with disabilities.



Read about the opportunity to become a change agent through the button below! You can also join us for one of our upcoming info calls by signing up below.

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 $1,262,502 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.

If Your Child Runs Away, Call 9-1-1 - Don't Delay!

Did you know that people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are at an increased risk of going missing? The Maryland Autism Coalition created the flyer below to share why it is important to call 911 before anything else when your loved one goes missing. The police have resources they can mobilize to find a critically missing person faster than you can alone. Seconds make a difference in safely finding a missing loved one and bringing them home!

Save the Date: SpArc Tank Ig-Nite

The Arc Maryland's signature event, SpArc Tank Ig-Nite, is back! Through the SpArc Tank grant initiative, we support the development of new technology, resources, devices, and other initiatives to enhance the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland. At SpArc Tank Ig-Nite on November 21st in Clarksville, MD, The Arc Maryland will award funding to top projects live - We hope to see you there! To learn more about the program, check out our impact report below, and stay tuned for grant application opportunities!

Anne Blackfield Appointed Deputy Secretary at Maryland Department of Disabilities

Earlier this month, Secretary Carol A. Beatty announced Anne Blackfield as the new Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD), starting July 31 as she replaces Lisa Belcastro, who stepped down this month. Deputy Secretary Blackfield brings experience in legislative coordination at MDOD and policy drafting at CMS. She will lead MDOD's policy team including the creation and implementation of the State Disabilities Plan and the work of the Statewide Autism Coordinator. Join us in welcoming Deputy Secretary Blackfield!

Governor Moore Signs Executive Order on Plain Language

This week in Annapolis, Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order creating the Maryland Plain Language Initiative, establishing standards to enhance communication between the State of Maryland and its residents to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to engage with government-based communications, services, and supports in ways that are clear, understandable, and easy to use. MDOD Secretary Carol Beatty shared, “Technical terms and government jargon don’t help people get needed services. Plain language does.” Check out the full executive order below.

Amid Shortage of DSPs, Disability Advocates Push For Nationwide Head Count

Disability advocates are urging the federal government to start tracking the number of direct support professionals separate from other types of caregivers through the Standard Occupational Classification Manual. The White House Office of Management and Budget is accepting public comments here until August 12th. Adding a Standard Occupational Code for DSPs would aid in data collection on employment and wages that could help address the workforce shortage. Legislation supporting this change, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, has passed through the Senate and through committee in the House.

Artists Without Limits Art Exhibit in Anne Arundel County

If you are going to Annapolis this summer, be sure to check out the Artists Without Limits Exhibit, featuring artwork submitted by individuals with disabilities who live in Anne Arundel County. The 2024 Exhibit Theme is Rewriting the Narrative. The art will be on display at the Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library until August 19th before moving to the Arundel Center until September 16th!

Dominique and Natalie Celebrate ADA Anniversary at the Inner Harbor

This month, members of The Arc Maryland Team, Dominique Palmer and Natalie Dohner, joined Independence Now to celebrate the 34th Anniversary of the ADA Signing with a visit to the Inner Harbor alongside youth advocates from Montgomery and Prince George's County.

Support The Arc Maryland

Are you looking for ways to support the work of The Arc Maryland? We have many opportunities for ways in which you can give! See below or contact below or contact sdols@thearcmd.org for more information.

Or mail your donation to:

The Arc Maryland

Attn: Annual Charity Campaign

8601 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 140

Columbia, MD 21046