The Arc Maryland Hosts Annual Calendar Day and Advocacy Training at the Legislature

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Jan. 15, 2014 - PRLog -- The state’s largest-not-for profit statewide grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to the rights of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities hosted the annual Calendar Delivery Day to kick off the second day of Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session.  Approximately 75 individuals from around the state convened at the capital for advocacy training and to deliver the 2014 Legislative Birthday calendars and to thank the officials for their hard work on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   The Arc Maryland and local Chapters of The Arc sponsored this year’s calendar.  Many of the self-advocates featured in the calendar joined The Arc Maryland, local Chapters of The Arc, professionals, family members and other self-advocates for the event.

This year’s calendar highlights individuals in their pursuit of the “American Dream.”  From fulfilling employment and educational goals to owning a home, for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), living the “American Dream” required coordination between complex and disparate systems, supports, and funding streams.  In order to support the capability of individuals with I/DD, Maryland must enforce civil rights; fund current and future needs for each person’s full lifespan; provide access to life-long opportunities in training and education; employment, and asset development; and close gaps between disparate delivery systems.

Calendar Day attendees participated in public policy and advocacy training, Legislative Session overview, presented by the Maryland State Department of Legislative Services, and a tour of the Legislative Buildings and State House.

Kate Fialkowski, The Arc Maryland’s Executive Director remarked:  “We are pleased that so many self-advocates and family members attended this year. As a grassroots organization, our goal is to facilitate meaningful participation so that individuals have the information, access and skill to participate in the legislative process.  The Arc Maryland’s Calendar Day has evolved to an advocacy training and education event giving self-advocates an opportunity to meet with elected officials and share real life experiences--how they are living the 'American Dream'."

About The Arc Maryland:

Dedicated to creating a world where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have and enjoy equal rights and opportunities.