Education Policy & Children's Issues

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON Together We're Better Inclusive Education Awareness Campaign and Poster Contest

The Arc of Maryland provides statewide legislative and public policy advocacy for the rights of students with developmental disabilities in schools, preschools, and childcare.

We also work to ensure that children and their families have access to services and supports so that every child has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential- learning, playing, and working with non-disabled peers in their communities.

EDUCATION ISSUES 

Students with developmental disabilities are guaranteed by federal and state laws a "free and appropriate public education" that includes individualized supports and access to a general education curriculum in inclusive settings with peers of the same age in their neighborhood schools.

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families need:

• Inclusive preschool programs that provide supports and opportunities for children with developmental disabilities to participate fully, learn and play with typically developing peers.
   
• Increased funding for public education and special education. Ensure that increased funding for education goes proportionally to special education to educate students with all levels of disabilities in the least restrictive environment. As of October 30, 2009, there were 103,018 students (ages 3-21) in Maryland receiving special education services;

• Increased capacity of local school systems to serve students with developmental disabilities in their neighborhood schools. Maryland's state funding for special education services has dropped from 21% of all education spending in 1989 to 10.2% in 2009; 

• Maryland state assessments that are tailored so all children have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge. Options should be linked to the general education curriculum as well as a student's individualized education program and provide a positive benefit for the student and improved instruction overall;

• Improved preparation and professional development of all teachers and staff, including, but not limited to, positive intervention and behavior management strategies for students with developmental disabilities and use of "Universal Design for Learning" practices;

• Appropriate accommodations and expanded inclusive sports and athletic opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities;

• Funding for Transitioning Youth to ensure meaningful post-secondary experiences and career exploration opportunities as students with developmental disabilities prepare to leave and upon exiting school; and

• Expanded post-secondary opportunities for students interested in pursuing community college, university, or vocational school.

CHILDREN & FAMILY ISSUES

Maryland must protect the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and ensure that children and their families have access to services and supports.

Children with developmental disabilities and their families need:

• High quality, accessible and inclusive child care and after school care opportunities for infants and children with development disabilities. This is especially critical to address the school readiness gap that exists for Maryland's young children with disabilities. While 78% of all students entered kindergarten ready to learn, only 51% of students with disabilities entered kindergarten prepared;

• Inclusive opportunities for after-school and recreational activities;

• Increased funding and more providers for respite care;

• Full funding of the Infants and Toddlers Program to ensure supports and early intervention services for children ages 0-3;

• Increased funding for the Community-Based Services Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism Waiver). There are currently over 3,600 children under age 21 on the Autism Waiver waiting list;

• Increased funding for community-based services for persons under 21 to be able to live safely with their families and to enter the Developmental Disabilities Waiver Programs, if necessary, to receive the services they need to be healthy and safe;

• Safe and healthy environments for pregnant women, infants and children to prevent toxic exposures (e.g., lead, BPA, amd mercury) cause developmental delays and neurological problems. According to the CDC, 8% of women of childbearing age (16-49) have unhealthy levels of mercury in their blood.

• Supports in the home or community rather than in institutions or out-of-state placements.

For additional information, please contact Dawn Koplos, Director of Education Policy & Children's Issues, dkoplos@thearcmd.org.

"Together Were Better" is an awareness campaign to assist schools in celebrating the diverse abilities of all students. The Campaign and Poster Contest highlight the importance of providing equal opportunities for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Campaign and Poster Contest will kick-off in October to celebrate "Disability History & Awareness Month". "Together We're Better" is conducted in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and the Maryland Department of Disabilities.

The Arc of Maryland will provide teachers, guidance counselors and other staff suggestions for activities, The Arc of Maryland's "R" Word Toolkit, ideas for lesson plans, and book/video recommendations to conduct activities during October.

Classes (grades 1-5 only) will be invited to create and submit a poster that demonstrates why inclusion is important and how students with disabilities contribute to their communities in a positive way- or something they have learned during Disability Awareness & History Month activities.

The Arc of Maryland is planning a series of special events to celebrate "Together We're Better" and National Inclusive Schools Week in December. We will recognize the winners of the Poster Contest in Annapolis in February 2011. Please contact info@thearcmd.org for more information on these upcoming events!

"Together We're Better" Poster Contest deadline, rules, entry forms, and other details will be posted soon.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION in the LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT (LRE)

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 remain segregated within self-contained classrooms or separate schools, with limited to no opportunities to participate academically and socially in general education classrooms. Many students with disabilities do not have access to the same academic and extracurricular activities and services provides to other students.

"Blueprint on Inclusive Education in Maryland" provides information and recommendations for advocates and families.

See the latest state and national action alerts.

THE "R" WORD TOOLKIT

The Arc of Maryland has created  a step-by-step guide to planning an interactive student demonstration to help negate the power of the “R” word.  This guide can be used by schools or community groups looking for creative ways to address bullying and raise disability awareness.  Please CLICK HERE for a copy of Shredding The “R” Word Toolkit.  The Arc of Maryland staff are available to assist with planning a demonstration and to serve as guest speakers.  A copy of the video used during the presentation (“Offense Taken”) may be borrowed at no charge by contacting Shaneka Harris sharris@thearcmd.org.

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