The Arc Maryland Launches Statewide "Together We're Better: Celebrating Diversity" Program

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Oct. 15, 2014 - PRLog -- In celebration of October National Bullying Prevention Month and Maryland Disability History and Awareness Month, The Arc Maryland, the state’s largest non-for-profit statewide grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has launched a comprehensive program on bullying and disability awareness as part of their ongoing “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” program and statewide contest.

The 2014-2015 “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” awareness program designed for Grades one through twelve includes classroom modules on bullying and respect of individuals with disabilities called “Stop Bullying and Show Respect!” and includes instructional resources for use with classes, videos, a comic strip and other media to engage students.   The modules are aligned with recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) stating bullying of any student by another student, for any reason, cannot be tolerated in schools and that addressing and reporting bullying is critical.

According to the Maryland State Department of Education a total of 5,255 bullying, harassment or intimidation incidents were reported for the 2012-2013 school year, an increase of 619 reported bullying incidents from the 2010-2011 school year.  “Whether you are an educator, student, family member or an individual who cares about youth, bullying/relational aggression is a family and public health issue that affects us all and must not be permitted in any environment,” stated Marcella  Franczkowski, Assistant State Superintendent, Maryland State Department of Special Education, Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services.

The “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” program culminates in a statewide media competition to raise awareness and celebrate “National Inclusive Schools Week,” December 1-5, 2014.   Winning classes will receive a class trip to Annapolis in February, 2015 where they will receive an official State citation and will be honored at an award ceremony held at the annual Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature event, hosted by the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition and coalition member The Arc Maryland.  Students will also receive a tour of the State House and meet with key legislators from their school system.

“In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, we are pleased to roll out this year’s “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” awareness program and competition.  The Arc Maryland is excited to partner with the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Disabilities to educate students, parents and citizens on bullying and disability awareness,” remarked Richard Dean, The Arc Maryland Board President.  The “Together We’re Better: Celebrating Diversity” program and competition is funded by The Arc Maryland in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Disabilities.

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.  Find out more about The Arc Maryland’s “Together We’re Better” program and competition:  http://www.thearcmd.org/TWB.