The Arc Maryland

Let's hear it for Ande Kolp! A week ago today, at The Arc of the United States' National Convention, Ande received The Arc National Council of Executives: Executive Excellence Award for her distinguished professional career achievements! The NCE Distinguished Professional Award is a nationally prestigious award recognizing leaders who have changed lives and inspired others to do the same. We at The Arc Maryland are proud of the work we do to create a world where children and adults with IDD have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities. As we enter our 65th year of existence with our amazing community, committed staff team, exceptional Board of Directors, and Executive Leadership, our future is bright!

The Maryland Partners in Policymaking Class of 2024 recently went to Washington DC to learn about Federal law-making and advocacy. The class met with several Maryland representatives and their staff and educated them about legislative priorities of our community! We also visited the Supreme Court where we learned about how the court decides which cases to hear, and the history of decisions that impact the disability community. Thank you to the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council for your support of Partners in Policymaking, and Congressmen Glenn Ivey, John Sarbanes (Lily Chang, Legislative Correspondent), David Trone (Alexander Chanock), Jamie Raskin, Dutch. Ruppersberger (Elisa Bayoumi, Legislative Assistant), and Andy Harris (Hannah King, Senior Legislative Assistant) for making the day so special and for all you do for Marylanders with I/DD and their families. The Partners in Policymaking 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 $1,265,982?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.

Save the Date for our signature innovations event: SpArc Tank: Ig-Nite! Take part in a night of sharing and learning about innovations of the past year, and be a part of the audience that decides grant funding levels for new innovation projects, enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Maryland! More details, including opportunities to sponsor and the announcement of grant applications, are coming soon.

The Arc Maryland Statewide Awards recognize those who are laying the foundation for a world that is equitable, inclusive, accepting, and innovative. We are so excited to announce this year's honorees: people and organizations who are making a difference with and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Maryland! Please congratulate these honorees and join us in celebrating their impact on May 30th at Turf Valley Resort. Get your tickets now at https://lnkd.in/eKajCrNB Boyd Pusey, Clyde Agnew, Jr., Rob Malone, Alita-Geri C., Niambi Heyward, Andrea Schulte, Beans & Dreams, Rachel Vanecko, Kathy Van de Castle, Christina Snyder, Nikki Boyd, Norma Dallas, Johnnie Townsend, Delegate Bernice Mireku-North, Delegate Sarah Wolek, Dyara Williams, Floyd Westbrook, Shana Parker, Diana Delgadillo, Marie Rosaline Mathai,LaDitre Murray, Quan Mathis, Felecia Finch, Natasha Love, Erik Daly, Barry Hughes, Jason Weisberg, Poolesville High School Students: Anaya Saridena, Sophia Lim, and Alina Xu, Sherri Collins-Witzke, Lori Scott, SECU Maryland Michaela Blackburn, Kim Brown, Aaliyah Gillis, Reverend Dave Kaplan, and Ray Marshall!

Registration is now open for DD Day at the Legislature! Go to https://lnkd.in/gGSuZWxt for more information and to purchase tickets, but please don't delay. The event sells out every year! ? This year’s event takes place on Wednesday, February 21st at the Graduate Annapolis from 8 to 11 AM. ?