Checking In with The Arc Maryland
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The Arc Maryland, in partnership with People on the Go of Maryland and the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, is pleased to announce that we are looking for 30 individuals, statewide, who are interested in taking their advocacy skills to the next level. Partners in Policymaking® is a program that prepares parents of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and adults with I/DD to be effective advocates at local, state and federal levels. We are currently accepting applications for participation in for our 2019-2020 class!
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You may be the next greatest advocate; influencing positive policy decisions that impact people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families! Join us...
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Partners in Policymaking
®
: Class Member Spotlight -
Becky Rosenberg
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It would have been impossible for me to predict how much Partners in Policymaking would change my life, for the better. While I thought I was fairly "woke" to the concept of inclusion and equity, I have been learning that this is a long and windy road to "wokeness." I'm in it to win it, though! I owe so much gratitude to my cohort of "Partners" and to The Arc of Maryland (and all the amazing folks who have come to teach us, from all stretches of the disability community). What I've been learning this past year has been a gift, to say the least. There isn't a day that goes by, now, that I don't educate myself or others about needs, issues and celebrations of people with various differabilities.
Here's an example of a week in my current life, thanks to Partners: I've connected with other advocates and legislators in the two-year anniversary celebration and gathering for the Little Lobbyists, an incredible group dedicated to advocating for lives of children with complex medical needs, and their families. I have been emailing other advocates and writers that new friend, mentor and international disability rights guru, Judy Heumann introduced me to, who are doing some incredible work related to my *project. I am contacting people, who have come to teach our cohort, to get support for my son’s upcoming IEP meeting that is quite stressful and tenuous.
My life, my family, my colleagues, my friends and my son with disabilities are all beneficiaries of my Partners in Policymaking participation. This year has been remarkable, and I can't wait to see where we all go from here, with such incredible momentum.
If you want to make a difference in this realm of life, so people with disabilities have equity and availability to resources they need to lead their best lives (like all of us want), please join this movement. Apply to Partners in Policymaking TODAY!
*Partners in Policymaking® class participants design and initiate individual or group advocacy projects during the program year.
Note: The Partners in Policymaking® program is considered the most prominent advocacy leadership development program for individuals with disabilities and their families.
The Partners in Policymaking® program is offered in many states and some other countries. Created by the Minnesota DD Council in 1987, the program was developed to teach people with disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities to become agents of long-term change and become active partners with the policymakers whose decisions will shape their future. The Maryland program would not be possible without generous grant funding by the
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council
.
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Lawmakers Push to Include Disability Rights Movement, and the Movements of Other Historically Underrepresented Groups, in School Lesson Plans
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A group of state lawmakers wants Maryland’s superintendent of schools to update social studies curricula to include lessons on the disability rights and LGBT rights movements. Del. Eric G. Luedtke (D-Montgomery) organized the letter, which was signed by 34 other delegates and 13 senators. “As a former history teacher, I know the importance of kids being able to see themselves in the curriculum they’re taught,” Luedtke tweeted.
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House Passes Key Autism Bills!
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Two very important federal efforts, to continue funding for Autism supports, are one step closer to being approved!
First, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education and Support, or Autism CARES Act, by a voice vote just prior to recess. One key change in the renewal legislation is its extra focus on the needs of individuals with autism in
all age groups. The phrase “across the lifespan” has been added to several provisions in the bill including sections talking about screening and research on interventions. This is important as we know that children with autism may continue to need services and supports as they grow into adulthood.
The legislation
, H.R. 1058, would renew a federal law that originated in 2006 and ensures support for research, prevalence tracking, screening, professional training and other government activities related to autism.
The bill now heads to the Senate. In 2014, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of the bill so we are hoping for a repeat of that favorable vote soon!
Besides the Autism CARES Act, the House also approved a renewal of the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act, (H.R. 2035) last week.
That bill would provide $200 million over five years to improve respite care services across the country.
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Longtime Executive Director for the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, Brian Cox, is retiring soon and we invite you to join us in celebrating his career!
On
Wednesday, August 21 at 4 PM, The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition is hosting a Retirement Party for Brian at the Howard County Conservancy in Woodstock. You can purchase your ticket for the big day by clicking the button below. Act now, as
tickets are on sale until August 7th!
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Come
Pull! for The Arc
on September 20th on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Enjoy local foods, craft beverages, and friendly competition for a great cause. All proceeds benefit The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, proudly serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Anne Arundel, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties.
You don’t need to bring a thing!
Tickets include 50 targets, guns, shells, ear and eye protection, breakfast, and lunch.
Can’t make it to the shoot? Lunch tickets sold separately.
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Join The Arc Howard County for a day on the green! The 2019 TEE IT UP for The Arc Annual Golf Tournament will be played at the beautiful Waverly Woods Golf Club on Friday, October 4th, starting at 9 AM. The tournament will feature 18 holes of golf, lunch, course beverages, golfer prizes, sponsor gifts and much more. Click the button below to fill out the registration form to sign up today!
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Learn from the best in the Disability Community!
The Arc's National Convention is an unmatched opportunity to connect and learn with advocates, professionals, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. If you are interested in employment, education, advocacy, housing, criminal justice, and more - sessions are sure to challenge, inspire, and motivate!
Register for the four-day event coming to DC this October by clicking the button here.
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See what's happening on our social sites:
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