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Programs:
Education Advocacy
The Arc of Maryland provides statewide legislative and public policy
advocacy for the rights of students with developmental disabilities in
schools, preschools, and childcare.
Activities include:
- "Together We're Better" Inclusive Essay and Poster Contest
"Together We're Better" held in conjunction with National Inclusive Schools Week, held annually in December, helps schools celebrate the diverse abilities of all students – and highlights the importance of providing equal opportunities for children with disabilities. The Contest is conducted in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, and the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Students in grades 1-6 are invited to create class posters that explore why inclusive schools are important and how students with disabilities contribute to their schools and communities in a positive way. Students in middle and high school are invited to write essays. The contest generally begins in November with an awards reception held in the State Senate for all winners, families and friends.
Click here for a list of 2007 winners & information on the awards ceremony.
Click here to view the 2007 Contest Celebration Kit for samples of the entry forms and other details. Details also available on the Maryland State Department of Education's website. To learn more about the contest, please contact Erin Gibson at egibson@thearcmd.org.
National Inclusive School Week provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and families to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children and youth. This Contest for elementary, middle, and high school students offers an excellent tool for facilitating that discussion.
Policy and Legislative Advocacy
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that
students with disabilities be educated to the maximum extent possible
with students who are not disabled. Despite this law, many students
within our constituency remain segregated within self-contained
classrooms in separate schools, with limited or no opportunities to
participate academically and socially in general education classrooms
and school activities. Many do not have access to the same academic and
extracurricular activities and services provided to other students.
All our constituents have the right to participate fully in their
diverse communities. Needed support should be available and affordable
so that each individual with disabilities can live, learn, work, and
play with others who do not have disabilities. The Arc advocates for
children with cognitive disabilities to:
- Learn in their neighborhood school in a regular classroom that
contains children of the same age without disabilities.
- Participate in the same activities as children without
disabilities.
- Play and participate with all children in community recreation.
"Blueprint on Inclusive Education in
Maryland" provides information and recommendations for
advocates and families.
"Inherently Unequal - 50
Years Later," authored by Tonia Ferguson, sets out the
challenge for including children with disabilities in schools.
See the latest state
and national action alerts.
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Free presentations regarding your child's education: Click here (PDF link).
- Inclusive Child Care
By listening to and working with families, The Arc has heard a
consistent theme of families being unable to find full-time daycare or
afterschool care, as well as inclusive preschools. The Arc of Maryland
is engaged in the Governor's Task Force on Inclusive Childcare and
Afterschool Care and provides best-practice training at the National
Childcare Conference and Baltimore Childcare Conference to include
children with cognitive and developmental disabilities. To get the
recommendations of the Governor's Task Force or to request training from
The Arc of Maryland, please contact Tonia
Ferguson.
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Heads Up Education eNewsletter
- Issues Roundtables and Training
Our Education Committee hosts roundtables and training events for
families and advocates throughout the year on topics such as
Transitioning Youth, IEPs, Extended School Year, and more! Please visit
our events page to view upcoming roundtables and
training.
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