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.

  Click here to read the winning essays.
  
  2007 Winning Posters (click for larger view)

   
   

  1st place

  2nd place

  3rd place

  Honorable Mention

  Honorable Mention

  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.

• 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.

• 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.

Back to top