The Arc Maryland Honors Together We’re Better Winners at Developmental Disabilities Day

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Feb. 28, 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 winning schools in the “Together We’re Better Celebrating Diversity” media contest at the annual Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature, sponsored by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition.  Approximately 70 students, teachers and parents convened at the capital to be recognized at Developmental Disabilities Day by members of the General Assembly delegation and representatives from state agencies, including the Maryland Department of Disabilities.  Both winning schools are located on the Eastern Shore--Westside Intermediate School of Hebron, Maryland and Wicomico Middle School of Salisbury, Maryland.

The Arc Maryland, with support from The Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Department of Disabilities, developed the Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity Curriculum and Contest to include classroom modules on bullying and respect of individuals with disabilities.   The curriculum includes instructional resources for use with classes, videos, a comic strip and other media to engage students.  The “Together We’re Better” program culminates in a statewide media competition open to all Maryland public schools whose classes were inclusive of children with disabilities.

“Together We’re Better” award recipients were recognized by Secretary Catherine Raggio, Maryland Department of Disabilities, at the Legislative Reception, received Resolutions and Citations issued by the State Senate and House of Delegates and toured the Legislative Buildings and State House.

Carol Fried, The Arc Maryland’s President remarked:  "Almost every adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities tells of a time when they were bullied. They remember these moments from their school years, and unfortunately, it still occurs today. The ‘Together We're Better Program’ is not just about anti-bullying but it is also about appreciating and celebrating differences -- our own and others. It is imperative that this is taught in every school."

The winners and entries are:

Westside Intermediate School, Grade 3, submitted a video the class produced.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5l4KP4Mt1I



Wicomico Middle School, Grade 6, submitted a word cloud poster.  https://origin.library.constantcontact.com/doc208/1102574169725/doc/frEytdVFWL0x0ngi.pdf

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.